amazon.com review for An Ocean Of Blessings

Amazon review for:

An Ocean of Blessings, Heart Teachings of Drubwang Penor Rinpoche

amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1N6FGV56JAKJC

Translated by Ani Jinba Palmo

With Forwards from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Sogyal Rinpoche, Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche, Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche.

Do get this book and more.

This is a gem unlike others. This gem should have gotten no polish and remained as it is. As with Buddhist ideas in view we know of such things as nature and resting in things as they are. So, this collection of the heart teachings that Kyabje Rinpoche made spontaneously speaking to the audience of disciples of various levels of experience all during summer retreat in rural, secluded in the lush forests of Upstate NY,  Palyul Ling retreat facility. These teachings were the atmosphere, the electricity that quietly electrified spiritual lives of most listeners in a perfect and complete way. With realized master of such an overwhelming reach it should be a direct goal to give date and translate whole teaching, completely. The foundation of the book is drawn from initial pool of 130 teachings that were offered for the book effort, with resulting 30 chapters comprising of the 85 actual talks that were selected and edited.

A good example is on page 77-78, chapter titled “Great Perfection”. Most of this chapter is drawn from the 2003 Guru Yoga teaching, there is a description of Dza Patrul Rinpoche going East to find a source of the beam of light that he sees emanating into the sky. Stopping at Kathok Dorje Den monastery he proceeds to the Palyul Monastery and finds that the light is emanating directly from the building of the three year-three month retreat, which he circumambulates and receives blessings from. In the book it is cut short at the point when Patrul Rinpoche asks what’s to the East of Kathok Monastery.

Rinpoche was a force of nature that one could feel while just in the area, just near by, that powerful, perfect inspiration towards actual liberation. And the best feel for that perfect natural phenomena in this book comes from the forwards of Kyabje Rinpoche’s heart son Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche and Kyabje Rinpoche’s Summer retreat voice (English translator) Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche as well as the venerable translator for the book Ani Jinba Palmo.

Our venerable translator opens up her preface by setting up the stage so to speak, amongst her remarks in the 1st paragraph it mentions: “Before starting the main topic of the seminar, Rinpoche would always give an introductory talk about the importance of guru yoga, mingling one’s mind with the master’s mind, devotion, faith, pure perception,…” -In my selfish understanding, I was hoping to relive these times but a lot of that core of Kyabje Rinpoche teachings as mentioned above does not seem to have gotten included.

With the folded hands wishing for more complete transcripts of Kyabje Rinpoche heart advice to be translated in the future.

Currently to fill in any incomplete parts with the actual meaning there seems to be a perfect remedy, the glorious facility which Kyabje Penor Rinpoche started in the Upstate NY, the Palyul Retreat Center has annual Summer retreat in just the same way as envisioned by Kyabje Rinpoche and masters, embodiment of these very teachings in perfect, completely accomplished way are all there and it continues to gather many students every year.

May we all continually connect to the direct teachings on what really matters until Samsara and Nirvana are of one taste.

amazon review: Echoes, The Boudhanath Teachings by Thinley Norbu

Echoes, The Boudhanath Teachings by Thinley Norbu

amazon.com review:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2E067JETMPO61/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1611803020

Buddha’s Echoes in this world

How does one review a book like this? Well, obviously one has to read it first, but then again there are so many reviews out there that are based on misreading or surrounding issues, I myself am guilty of having written a few like that. Now, why would I go into this discussion here? Because this book if read by a wider circle of readers has potential to be quite controversial. From the opening pages where Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche describes the types of people to be met in the West, both ones that have met the Dharma and ones that have not. To the very direct, non descriptive points made through out the book. As in something along the lines of “According to the Buddha Shakyamuni, the fundamental quality of the Dharma is directness”. And / or a description of how Mahasiddha Saraha became a pure monk through realization that arose through his relationship with the arrowsmith’s daughter. And then a recounting of that point by telling us that realization is the point and in the same time that we do not have to try to all be like Saraha…

And back to the opening pages where there is a description of meeting many people getting confused through the introduction to the Dharma and also many people that try to guide their life through regular common sense who are direct, simple and have good minds…

What I see here through my subjective understanding is direct answers to (sometimes heated, back and forth discussion) personal and general questions. These answers come without any agenda from the mind of one of the greatest exponents of the Dharma of recent times.

While this book can confuse any one with a degree of fixed opinion, either a beginner or person that knows a bit, it is for sure to be very clear and easy to understand if approached with an open mind and motivation of obtainment of the result of direct wisdom teaching.

As is remembered:

Shakyamuni Buddha final words: ‟Impermanence is inherent in all things. Work out your own freedom with diligence”

Most amazing, may it be of benefit.

amazon review: Guru Rinpoche, His Life and Times by Ngawang Zangpo

Guru Rinpoche, His Life and Times by Ngawang Zangpo

amazon.com review:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R358S4YIC6SQZY/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=155939174X

An Important introduction to Guru Rinpoche in the contemporary times and translation of Prayer in 7 chapters

This is an important volume of work. Now, just because I said “work” i personally do not feel that it is overly scholarly or in anyway unapproachable. Whenever important books like this, written, compiled, with translations added to, somehow we gain a number of people without Guru Rinpoche as primary interest writing nearly discouraging reviews all about scholarship of the volume. Why? Because it is clear to most that this is a well researched and very well put together book.

Yet, skipping the point of the beautiful hardcover, later issued with amazing dust jacket and going to the actual subject. If you happen to be somewhat familiar with the towering figure of Guru Rinpoche the Padmasambhava also often called The second Buddha. It is an easy and informative read.

With the subject front and center, this one of the important books on the Guru Rinpoche because it includes very well made translations of what is known as the Prayer in seven chapters or the Seven Chapters of Supplications all with brief notes on origin and discovery. Followed directly by the translation of unique to the Tibetan Buddhism type of text where it is explained how to meditate on these. That instruction comes from the lineage of non sectarian King-like scholar Jamgon Kongtrul the great.

All of the texts above are meant to be short and to the point, very easy reading.

An idea of interest and degree of familiarity with Guru Rinpoche would help and where to get that but not from several inspirational sections presiding the translations. All are worth a read for the landscape covered in these just over 100 pages covers India, Tibet and flow of timeless Buddha wisdom, all towards us here, today. Again, it is in my opinion, although is based on scholarship, however is an easy read that is also informative.

amazon review: A Treasure Trove of Blessings and Protection, the Seven Chapter Prayer of the Great Teacher Padmasambhava translated by Mike Dickman

A Treasure Trove of Blessings and Protection, the Seven Chapter Prayer of the Great Teacher Padmasambhava translated by Mike Dickman

amazon.com review:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TPXMV0XE7N88/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=188727605X

An Important Translation

Culmination of Guru Rinpoche’s speech, the seven chapters of prayers of supplication.

It is said that all of Guru Rinpoche practice instructions, all of Guru Rinpoche life story and all of transmissions of these can be summed up and connected to through these supplications.

These “7 supplications” come with huge traditional place within lives of many followers of Guru Rinpoche. Both historically and currently.

A very important translation that was waiting to happen. Alas this review is 10 years late, but the importance of this project is not diminished by passage of time, rather it has grown, for many people now can get transmissions and teachings on these with the aid of this translation.

Thank you Mike Dickman.

amazon review: The Lion’s Roar: An Introduction to Tantra by Chogyam Trungpa

The Lion’s Roar:

An Introduction to Tantra by Chogyam Trungpa

Amazon.com review:

http://www.amazon.com/review/RUFR5835DDCQC/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1570628955

Nine Yana (path) system of classification of Buddhist Teachings

Within Buddhism of Tibet we encounter a whole range of complete transmissions of Buddhist teachings, a complete set “from top to bottom”. That very “set” is so complete that various parts if compared can be thought to be in conflict!

Actually there was and still is a persistent discussion on how one could integrate these so called paths into one’s understanding and practice. The So called Hinayana, Mahayana and the Vajrayana, all have to work in that short moment you call life and all too often that even sorter moment we call application of Buddhist teachings, practice.

In this book this very traditional to Nyinma and Kagyu framework is explained one by one and in relation to one another, with a brilliant  paragraph titled: “The Crazy Wisdom Holder and the Student”, it places student – teacher connection on the path.

The book is based on the two teaching seminars and includes live question answer that are quite unfailingly good.

Cover is of a painting by the Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa of Guru Rinpoche the Padmasambhava encountered in a vision.

amazon review: Crazy Wisdom by Chogyam Trungpa

Crazy Wisdom by Chogyam Trungpa

amazon.com review

http://www.amazon.com/review/RWFH1IVIWXKNM/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1570628947

8 Emanations of Guru Rinpoche the Padmasambhava

Is there a choice, crazy wisdom or not crazy, is wisdom always crazy? Why is this book that contains two, both a week long, seminar transcripts is called thus?

Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa in that life has affected change to the Buddhist landscape of North America more then any other master, even up to now well into the twenty first century.

To summarize topic covered in the original lectures and this book. It is an explanation of what is known as eight emanation of Guru Rinpoche the Padmasambhava and the representation of one known as Dorje Drolo is actually on the cover. And Guru Rinpoche is credited to be the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

The book covers a life story of Guru Rinpoche through these emanations, activities and names he was known by.

And possibly Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa, just so “fresh-off-the-boat” (two years into his American experience) contemplating the undertaking, of what teacher has to do to lead perspective students away from the neurosis of everyday persistence of that, the meaningless everyday. And onto the path of freedom, path of wisdom, possibly crazy, because it is all-encompassing.

With great, traditional for these books questions and answers.

 

amazon review: Gypsy Gossip and Other Advice, by Kyabje Thinley Norbu

Gypsy Gossip and Other Advice,
by Kyabje Thinley Norbu

amazon.com review:

http://www.amazon.com/review/RVFHFQ4S6Y5XD/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1611802083

Landmark, reissued

Famous book, a part of which was published several decades ago and I have heard was circulated in a form of photo copies. In many ways the original 67 pages are still too honest and there will be always some people connecting to the text and wandering why it does not attempt to flatter no one. A work requiring high degree of open mindedness because questions are asked (it is in a form of an interview) and Rinpoche gives long careful answers that are like poems, but are answers to real questions not presentations of wishful thinking.

Anyone looking for something that their narrow mind requires to feel good, could feel disappointed because this book comes from simple, sky-like mind and such a vastness looking back at us from the mirror like teacher could unsettle your comfort zones.

A legendary publication reissues by Shambhala with addition of three more parts that make for a hefty volume. A must read for all that consider Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche work important.

amazon review: Lama of the Gobi: How Mongolia’s Mystic Monk Spread Tibetan Buddhism in the World’s Harshest Desert by Michael Kohn

Lama of the Gobi:

How Mongolia’s Mystic Monk Spread Tibetan Buddhism in the World’s Harshest Desert

by Michael Kohn

amazon.com review:

target=”_blank”>http://www.amazon.com/review/R2P8EGDAI5U21A/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=9881774268

Mongolia’s Devine Madman

A very good attempt to write a colorful book by someone with the very best motivation.
Danzan Ravjaa was something of a bigger then life figure, a Mongolian Gendun Chophel “divine madman” and highly revered Tulku. Book is very small and an easy read.
Found it it by sitting down on a floor of B&N and landing right in front of it, very happy.

amazon review for: Chronicles of Love & Death: My Years with the Lost Spiritual King of Bhutan by Norma Levine

Chronicles of Love & Death:
My Years with the Lost Spiritual King of Bhutan

by Norma Levine

amazon.com review:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R30FJMKCWYUP0Y/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=9937506484

Amazon Review for Chronicles of Love & Death by Norma Levine

Reading the book quickly, with an air of happiness for the fact of such a story making it into the print in such a well written and well intentioned way. I can not seem to stop thinking of an image which follows something like this:
“A mirror which is Eastern civilization – a reflection of the Western civilization, culture, way of thinking..”
-As in, the west is there in dependence on the fact of east being there.
Where the author is a representative of sorts, for the West that comes to the point of meeting the East, both in reality is just space, wisdom in nature. And whoever can see past these reflections will understand what Tulku Urgen is quoted to say in one of the books left to us: “How far do you have to reach out to touch the space?”.
-There is a very complex set of references to mirrors and reflections throughout the book.
Like here:
“…The bodhisattva himself is like the moon and ordinary beings are like a lake. If the lake moves, the reflection moves, if the lake is clear, the reflection is clear… (and more on page 255) …’How I see him is just a reflection of my own disturbances rather than how he actually is?’ I asked. `It is an interdependent manifestation.’…”

Just how often we make things happen in our lives, but then again how seldom is it possible to come to any level of comprehension of what is going on in our lives at any moment and then when it is “too late” or “too far gone” it is just that, surely not the stuff for any kind of a book. Here in this book author very honestly describes her whole range of emotions that was reflected in the space of the relationship with this great lama.”

Very good quote opens Chapter 1:
“Making mistake after mistake I walk the unmistaken path” – Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso.

An interesting book, a very good chance to study the mind of ideation. But for what and why?
As it is quoted there at the very beginning (page 15) from the Karmapa: “Words are liars”.
The answer could be: “To read an interesting love story” or “To read a “1st hand account” on religion and customs” or to have a glimpse into a life of an incarnate lama…
-Many interesting things can be seen.
It can also be a way to see unmistaken reflection of the bodhisattva mind on the surface of our lives, an account of such a miracle, alas in Words.

May every one, everywhere be free from suffering and causes of suffering!

amazon review: Counsels from My Heart by Dudjom Rinpoche

Counsels from My Heart
by Dudjom Rinpoche

amazon review:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R25X3SSZJNZ7IF/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1570629226
Treasure, easy to read and small format

This book proved to be inexhaustible treasure for contemplation for myself. I pray that one day I will know this advice not to be wasted on me. I recommend it to others whenever it feels right.
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