HINTING AT DZOGCHEN-A COMPENDIUM OF TEACHINGS BY TSOKNYI RINPOCHE - LOTSAWA TONY DUFF

RATING: A-

After a slow and tough start to the book, part 1.2 began to become much more helpful, leading to huge chunks of new views on old topics throughout the remainder of the book. It seemed right for my level, being informative on what I half/three-quarters know. Page 109's flower passage became a temporary meditation practice for me. In the latter half of the book, there was a lot of information that helped clarify certain topics I was a bit hazy on or 'almost' sure about - but needed to double check. There was also a new view on emptiness for me to work with.

This is the first of two books of Tsoknyi Rinpoche teachings that I bought late last year - the other still sits in my pile of circa 25-30 'yet-to-reads' and will be read hopefully by the close of 2012. I would reccommend this book to Mahayana practitioners searching for a different approach, who benefit from observing familiar subjects from as many aspects as possible to clarify their own understanding.

LARGE IN TIME - RICK HUTCHINS

RATING: B

SURPRISE! I actually read a poetry book, rather than a Buddhist studies/philosophy book or a travel guide! My idea has been to indulge in a few books that various friends of mine have written from time to time, and I recently selected a couple of Rick's to 'try out'. This is the first.

There is definitely a wide selection both in style and subject matter. I could not help but notice the word 'honeysuckle' popping up in several of the poems. My favorite verses include 'Take Your Medicine', 'Especially Valerie', and a few of the untitled ones.

I would recommend Rick's poetry book to those interested in looking out for a new poet of the 21st century - one who that appears to adore honeysuckle - which is not a bad thing.

DEAR LAMA ZOPA - LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE

RATING: A

Many things discussed in this book demonstrate the methods that I myself am learning and practicing. It serves as a reminder of how I should be dealing with the many disruptions to simple, peaceful living. The cure of aids and cancer through spiritual means rather than medical, assisting creatures by circumambulation around images and stupas, talking to bugs, etc, all stand out as 'right'.

I myself reject Western medicine and rely entirely upon herbal remedies, Ayurvedic/Tibetan medicine suggestions, and spiritual means to keep myself fit and get well again if ill, for example. It is great to read of another person who treats bugs and animals with respect and courtesy - as I am much laughed at for talking to birds and bugs and recognizing them as having certain rights. This book backs me up and shows me I am right rather than crazy to do what I can for those small creatures - especially seeing the mess we humans are making of the planet we all share.

The mention of a pigeon certainly caught my attention - one of my favored subjects and teachers. Many beings killed for each meal of food, even if we eat only vegetarian/vegan, is a reminder not to eat more than we need. This is something that perhaps I should pay attention to - for although I only eat 1.5 meals a day, my 2-3 courses are generally very large serves and I eat far more than is needed. Page 171 talks about spiritual harm - something I have been through courtesy of my ex and his family and that my son may still be going through due to the same source. It is something I must remain wary of for the rest of my current life.

I would reccommend this book to those with everyday modern problems that are willing to accept advice that works, even if it is not conventional.

MARPA - HERITAGE CLASSICS

RATING: B

This is one of a couple of books I purchased last year on the great masters. They concern people whose names crop up frequently, though little has yet been learnt by me about them. I aim to try to read up on several of the great masters in between bouts of serious study reading and Tibetan escapee autobiographies.

The poetic verses on page 29-30, 105-7, along with song 9 all stand out strongly to me. I was fascinated to hear of the physical struggles of gold collecting and traveling involved. Also, the way Marpa traveled to various teachers rather than basing himself upon a single guru as is more often done these days stood out.

I would reccommend the book to those seeking a basic biography of Marpa - those who have heard the name, but know little about him.

PATIPADA - ACARIYA MAHA BOOWA NANASAMPANNO

RATING - B+

Having found a great deal of assistance for my understanding and meditation in Acariya Mun's biography, I have attempted to get my hands on a copy on this book ever since. Finally, having done so, despite not being a Buddhist of the Theravada style, I was able to relax into reading at a much slower pace than I would be if borrowing and rushing through from a library, or reading on a computer screen while my eyes hurt. In fact, it has taken me multiple months to read - as I have read it piece by piece.

I also appreciate reading about the connectedness between monks and animals, as I have found connections to birds and bugs myself, since practicing. The deva communication topic on page 185-6 was also of specific interest to me. The emphasis on mindfulness is helpful, and I also found chapter 13 to be of particular help in regard to meditation. This book has - as has Acariya Mun's bio - helped clear up a lot of questions from my pre-Buddhist understanding and contemplations, leading to a clearer understanding of Buddhism of any style.

I would reccommend this book to anyone interested in understanding meditation that might have begun solo without instruction, as well as those interested in Thai Dhutanga practices.