MIND IN COMFORT AND EASE - HHDL

RATING - A-

A wonderful book that deepens my understanding on topics already partially explored and investigated. A bunch of helpful hints. It stretches my mind to be able to JUST understand the non-understandable for long enough to slip into knowing what it means. Excellent assistance to review and reinforce practice techniques.

The need for antidotes as well as wisdom, introduction to Rigpa, and list of texts on page 207 are all very helpful. As usual, HHDL's explanations are straightforward. The actual text that is covered is one that I find I am drawn to study further.

I would reccommend this book to Buddhist students looking for a new text to study, Nyingma students searching towards Dzogchen as a possible next step, and all those wishing to attend such teachings prior to arrival.

TOWARDS THE END OF FORGIVENESS - the story of Angulimala - BHANTE BODHIDHAMMA

RATING: B-

I found this helpful in covering a difficult subject with new insight. Although it dealt mostly with the everyday forgiveness, there were pointers to the complexities I sometimes find.

It was useful to read this at a time when several people in my life are acting in ways that give rise to my need to forgive them. With some, it is automatic and they are forgiven without the need to work on it at all - but with others, because I have difficulty in trusting them not to continue in the way in which they are, it takes a little work. There are only a few that I really need to put hard work into though - so I must be fairly lucky!

It would be a good read to those having problems with forgiving people in everyday life that have done everyday things, as well as for those working on the more difficult cases that seek a little inspiration or pointer.

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THE DANCE OF 17 LIVES - MICK BROWN

RATING - C+

This book tells of another Tibetan born Buddhist and deals with their escape from Chinese occupied Tibet. This is the third story I have read about Tibetans seeking and reaching safety and freedom in exile.

Although I found the book a hard read, mainly due to its overly political stance, it was sprinkled with enough Buddhism to keep me going. Page 52 talks of birds in a way I found delightful, having had personal experience of birds that have behaved in strange-for-bird ways myself. I was also interested to read that 37 is a supposedly difficult age - looking back, I can only agree! At the same time HH the 17^th Karmapa was making his great escape, I too was traveling on an escape - but only temporarily getting away from a difficult home situation onto an overseas vacation.

Although not from my own lineage, the Karmapas are a major part of Tibetan Buddhism. I would recommend this book to those wishing to know about the important reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhists, those in the Kagyu lineages, and those - like myself - wishing to learn about the situation, culture and religion of Tibet.

DZOGCHEN THE SELF PERFECTED STATE - CHOGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU

RATING - B

A helpful book covering the basics with a few ideas and hints for practitioners. I particularly found the parts concerning vows, putting practice into life, non-positional meditation, and 'presence' to be helpful. The latter being of great help to my main current problem. I appreciate the given explanations and the acceptance that Dzogchen practice does not need to be tied in to a pile of traditional rigmarole - because although I have nothing against such traditions, I have no 'local' temple to practice such at and see little relevance of a meditation center when I have already learned how to meditate.

I would recommend the book to Dzogchen practitioners/would-bes that want to clarify the basics or learn a few pointers and hints - also to those interested in 'The Cuckoo of the State of Presence' verses, or those wanting a good photo of CNN to scan-copy for use on an alter if they are students.

CHILD OF TIBET - SONAME YANGCHEN

RATING - A -

I intend to read a selection of autobiographical books from Tibetan Buddhists. There is something about Tibetan culture that is both appealing and easy to understand - I have never related well to my own background, which to me does not make sense or offer very much of use for living life. I found this book enchanting - the author made sense, as Tibetans and Eastern Buddhists often do!

I was amazed at learning that for one period of her life, she had herself lived in Brighton, Sussex - for so had I! In fact, I live not very far from this very town at the present moment after more than 2 decades overseas. Additionally, that she related to a seagull and blackbird stood out strongly to me - for I spent much time hanging out with birds whilst living in Wollongong and I even wrote a book about my precious feathered friends. I found her attitude to Buddhism and HHDL beautiful - so unlike many of my fellow Westerners.

I was intrigued to learn of the significance of 49 as an age relevant to dying and troubles - as this falls within the 2-8 years I have yet to live. I think it would be amazing if that were the actual age I were to drop this body and greet my next set of skin clothes. Her reaction to England as a favorable living place was strange to me - a native Brit - as I do not find it a pleasing place to live at all. Seen through another woman's eyes, it brings understanding of good points that I would otherwise have missed entirely.

I would recommend this book to anyone not afraid to cry along between moments of relief that wanted to learn a little of the Tibetan people, Buddhist belief, and life in 'other places' that I myself find more understandable than that around me.

LOSING THE CLOUDS, GAINING THE SKY - EDITOR DORIS WOLTER, MULTIPLE WRITERS

RATING - A-

Bite-sized teachings from a multitude of teachers set out in specific sections. These teachings come from more than a dozen Tibetan Buddhist masters, mostly of the Nyingma tradition, including Dzogchen Rinpoche, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Orgyen Tobgal Rinpoche and Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche. Those mentioned are among the ones most meaningful to me.

It was very easy to read for somebody such as myself, who finds they have twenty minutes here and twenty-five there, but who cannot sit down and devour a giant 2-3 hour chunk of text in one sitting. I found the book inspirational and it helped clarify a few points that had previously been somewhat misty. I would recommend it to Buddhist students of the Vajrayana/Dzogchen leaning - especially those of the Nyingma lineages who wish to collect snippets of help.

THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD - FRANCESCA FREMANTLE & CHOGYAM TRUNGPA

RATING - B+

I expected this to be an easy read, considering I have read 2-3 different versions of the same text already. However, it was the best translation so far and I found an awful lot of material to contemplate in the before and after sections in addition to the main text.

On page 59, it says that if one recognizes the luminosity due to previous meditations etc - one doesn't need to have the text read upon passing. What it does not explain is how to direct yourself to a specific rebirth from that position...

I have previously read at least one library version and the Evans-Wentz original translation, but this is the only version so far that has offered hints for practice whilst living rather than solely guidance when departed. (Or maybe this is the first time that I have picked them up).

THE ART OF FORGIVENESS, LOVINGKINDNESS, AND PEACE - JACK KORNFIELD

RATING - C

A pleasant easy-read between more complex study & practice books. Due to not having much sleep/rest, I am taking it easy (for a few books?) and reading some relaxing - yet still Buddhist/non-fiction/travel - books.

The book contains a 2-part layout, with the first chunk of each of the three chapters loaded with quotes - both Buddhist and otherwise, and the second chunk of each chapter devoted to meditation.

Whilst I would not recommend the book for serious students seeking in-depth text analysis or practice instruction, this book would be ideal to those seeking a simple yet effective Buddhist meditation practice, beginners, and those not concerned with specific lineage practices.

EYE OF THE STORM - KEITH DOWMAN

RATING - B

Yet another Dzogchen book! I was very sleepy while reading most of the book, and therefore very slow to complete reading it through. I was trying to stay in a mode of understanding and contemplating, rather than letting words go in my eye and disappear into thin headedness - but did not have much success.

I intend to re-read the entire book once I am getting enough rest & sleep to feel alert while reading, as the first short piece was firmly understood on 2-3 reads, but I have yet to properly figure out the other 4 pieces.

I wonder if it is significant that the two pieces with birds in the title were those that stood out the most?

I would recommend this book to Dzogchen practitioners interested in reading through texts with commentaries as ideas and pointers towards furthering their practice.

NATURAL RADIANCE, AWAKENING TO YOUR GREAT PERFECTION - LAMA SURYA DAS

RATING - A (almost A+!!)

A very interesting and entertaining practice manual combining a book and CD. Along with the Ngondro of my former lineage, I intend for this book/CD to become the basis of my regular practice over the rest of my current life. I was also interested to learn how much of the Dzogchen teachings I could re-find from a former life.

Highlights include:

* amusement at my initial attempt at 'morning sky breath', due to sounding somewhat akin to dirty bath water going down the plughole. (With further practice, I sound as if a cross between a didgeridoo and someone doing a Tarzan impersonation, but....)

* confusion over 'Rushen' - due to previously achieving the same results in a different way and having to try to find and then go in the back door after already having gone thru the front. The instructions appeared as 'just words that were spoken' without leading anywhere, as I already had arrived thru differing means.

* likewise concerning Thekchod - I have already learned to achieve the same result using a differing method.

* the results of my initial practice of Hung Mantra and Togal.

Overall, I find this a highly valuable book. It would suit someone who was unable to take one-on-one instruction in Dzogchen at the moment, yet was curious and determined to practice anyway. With either practice from a former life or an ability to tune in spiritually to the writer at the point of the recording of the CD, this book/CD should be workable with until linking to a teacher.

NB: in many opinions, it is impossible to practice Dzogchen without a teacher-to student DIRECT/LIVE transmission. Whilst I have not personally found this to be the case due to having practiced/received transmissions in former lives, I agree that a complete 'newbie' would benefit extremely from personal tuition and transmission from a qualified teacher in a one-on-one basis.

HOW TO BE HAPPY - LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE

RATING - B

A collection of short pieces of wisdom arranged in topical order. A generally easy to read book, giving a break after the serious study style books I have been reading recently. That is not to say that there is nothing to learn within these snippets of wisdom, merely that it is not a serious practice to focus upon as much as advice, ideas, and a few meditations to balance and progress one's practice.

I would recommend this book to those wanting to find clues as to how to improve their state of life and living, those seeking understanding, and those wanting to take small steps towards big goals.

Incidentally, had I ever managed to get up to Sydney to attend the Vajrayana Institute, I might have encountered the author who teaches there regularly - but all three attempts to attend prior to my leaving Australia failed.

DZOGCHEN HEART ESSENCE OF THE GREAT PERFECTION – HHDL

RATING - A-

Highlights from the book include a page agreeing that some people can have done something in previous lives enabling them to have a clearer view to start with in their current life & a paragraph explaining why I find some harder things easier than the easy things. There are also a chunk referring to what I call think mind and know mind, linking it to conventional and ultimate, an explanation of Rigpa,...

Altogether a highly instructive book that I would recommend to anyone wishing to know the basics of Dzogchen practice who had a basic knowledge of Buddhism. Covering all the essential aspects without giving away too much, this book can be used either as reference material or for an informative read.

THE DHAMMAPADA - GIL FRONSDAL & READ BY JACK KORNFIELD

RATING - B

This is the third version of The Dhammapada that I have read, and the second that I own. Although an essential for the Hinayana practitioner, it also comes in handy for the Mahayana practitioner in way of being a 'safety net' for when other reading material/practices become extremely complex and you just want to relax as you read yet have something good to read.

I find that after having read quite a few Dzogchen books and texts recently, new views fall into place when reading books that I have already read such as this one. I would have to say that I am not too fond on the lenience in translation that allows some of the he/hims to be read as she/hers, however - I prefer my texts to be accurate rather than politically correct.

I would recommend The Dhammapada to anyone, Buddhist or not, seeking verses of wisdom - but not necessarily this specific translation, unless you are a feminist rather than a precision lover.

THE DZOGCHEN INNERMOST ESSENCE PRELININARY PRACTICE – JIG-ME LINGPA

RATING – A

This book is exactly what I was searching for – a ngondro practice from my former lineage that I can follow at home based on former-life memories until such time as I can attend a Buddhist Center or Temple in person!

Along with giving text, commentary and prayers, this book offers the Tibetan script. (I have not yet started to study READING Tibetan, but...) The final chapter on the nine Yanas was very helpful in clarifying the various Buddhist pathways – a subject that can be quite confusing, especially when 'stumbling about through Buddhism' searching for a lineage from a former life and only just having found it.

I would recommend this book to those in the Nyingma Dzogchen Long-chen Nying-thig tradition and the final chapter to those unsure of their former Vajrayana/Mahayana lineage that may be seeking a few clues and pointers as to what they have been previously studying and practicing.

BUDDHIST PEACE RECIPES – PUSHPESH PANT

RATING- C-

Whilst giving some delicious looking vegetarian recipes, the book indulges in the use of certain articles my kitchen does not have – such as a deep-fat fryer & a food blender. Whereas some of the dishes may be able to be altered into meals I can prepare at home, I find being an almost-vegan puts some of them on the 'adapt or no-no' list and living in a village puts others out of bounds due to lack of a decent Indo-asian supermarket nearby.

I would recommend this cook book to vegetarian Buddhists seeking new ideas – providing they have a decent Indo-asian supermarket nearby and a modern kitchen appliances.

THE EXCELLENT PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT – DILGO KHYENTSE RINPOCHE

RATING - B+

I wanted to read a book compatible with practices from the Nyingma Dzogchen lineage to confirm that this is the lineage I once followed in a former life. I found the text both invigorating and helpful. Covering matters I had already encountered, it covered them in assistive ways to ingrain these practices and understandings deeper.

By the time I was a third of the way through the book, I knew it would become a re-read text and be on my 'read again' booklist. This is the sort of book to come back to and practice with – if the next book in line is not the ngondro teachings I choose to at-home practice with, I shall use this one myself!

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in/practicing the Nyingma Dzogchen lineage seeking to have a basis for at-home preliminaries. Also, for those seeking to learn more about or reinforce their current practices.

DREAM YOGA AND THE PRACTICE OF NATURAL LIGHT – CHOGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU

RATING - A-

I selected this book partly due to it concerning Dzogchen and partly due to it concerning dream Yoga practices. Both topics interest me enough to participate in practicing them. I have been able to enter the dream zone and participate fully whilst awake for some time, but have had little ability to be aware whilst dreaming/sleeping itself – I thought that this book might assist me.

I found it extremely helpful in learning what I do and do not currently know and what I can and can not currently do. It also amazed me in that I discovered that I had already been practicing what is termed 'Thegchod' without knowing it was called this, due to memories from a past life that resurfaced. As the subject was discussed, I realized that I had already begun to practice this! Obviously, I will need to now find a book on that topic and continue my studies!

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in practicing dream Yoga from a Buddhist point of view – but would also say that this book agrees that for the practice to be conducted properly one needs a transmission – something I have not yet had in THIS life, though have had formerly.

THE WORLD OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM – HHDL

RATING - A-

I selected this book as I wanted to see if there were any areas I had missed in my studies to date that needed attention. I felt a comprehensive well-written guide that 'covered it all' worthwhile reading, so as to reinforce my current understanding and allow me to open up into new exploration if anything cropped up.

Specifically of interest to me were matters related on page 28 – imputed, dependent, and thoroughly established phenomena – leading me to contemplate beyond the text. I was also especially interested in the latter chapters, dealing with matters I had a fair but not full knowledge of until reading this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about Tibetan Buddhism with thoroughness rather than having a quick 5-minute read through of the basics.

TAKING THE LEAP – PEMA CHODRON

RATING – B

Despite being a modern text, there was still plenty to work with. I found the book was written at the right level, not so much as to introduce new topics but new viewpoints and ways of practice on familiar subjects. This is naturally assistive to someone like myself who finds constantly re-reading multiple facets of the same subject matter inspiring and helpful. I especially found chapter 8 helpful for my current practices.

I would recommend this book to those curious to understand basic Buddhist practices and those practicing that are seeking a fresh perspective or refresher.

AN OPEN HEART - HHDL

RATING - B

Another of HHDL's gems – I must have read a couple of dozen of his books by now. I recall having once read this when borrowed from Wollongong library and put it on my 'read again some day' list. Finally, I have my own copy and can re-read it as much as I like.

Having personal difficulty with compassion in that it comes easily in regard to animals, birds, bugs – but with more difficulty in relation to people, I am searching the book for help and guidance. Some of the structured practices appeal and some little bits and corners fell into place along with reinforcement of previously obtained knowledge.

Covering the basic Buddhist beliefs as well as a detailed structure to progress through, the book will be helpful throughout multiple stages of practice – therefore is recommended for anyone interested rather than JUST Westerners OR beginners OR advanced OR avidly practicing Buddhists....

YOU ARE HERE – THICH NHAT HANH

RATING - C-

 

It is very different to the books I have been reading and Buddhism I have been working on of late, and is therefore somewhat confusing. Suited more to the average Westerner than to one who never fit the system to begin with,I would recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring Buddhist principles – if they were a Westerner with a Westerners' mind.

Personally, I find it very hard to follow, as I have to firstly remember how I am supposed to think, act, and live, and then take the advice suited to that and transfer it back into my own way of being as I do not think, act, or live in this way, so it is not of as much help to me as to the conventional Westerner.

I did however locate several gems hidden amongst the confusion with which to update my outlook.

DAKINI'S WARM BREATH – JUDITH SIMMER-BROWN

RATING: B

With a dry start, this book became increasingly interesting as it progressed. There is a lot of information about dakinis contained within the book, covering every aspect thinkable from the 'what' to 'who' to 'how' to 'when' and 'where'. If you have never heard of a dakini, or are not exactly sure what they are/might be, this book covers everything you need to know to fix your knowledge gap. Specifically of interest to me were the latter chapters, dealing with human dakinis and encounters with dakinis.

Thorough research is evident from the multiple references, making it a trustable source of information. Now, why don't they have a book like this for EVERY Buddhist oddity, from devas and deities to hungry ghosts, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas....

A Guide To The Bodhisattva Way Of LIfe - Santideva

RATING: B

The second version of this classic book enters my collection and eyes. Whilst 'study-reading' the other version, I 'read thru' this one to see how similar they were. Actually, there were quite a few differenhces, and this book does seem to bring out different points, so it shall go into my 'study read' list for a re-read some time down the track - when I run out of new books/old study ones.

(This was the version of the book originally reccommended to me, that I could not purchase initially but have been able to obtain since.)

In contrast to the other version that I have ben studying over the past months, I find the notations easier to locate and the chapter on wisdom easier to comprehend in this version.