LOVE MORE. FEAR LESS. FLOAT MORE. STEER LESS. - JOHN HALCYON STYN

RATING:B+

A collection of essays that I found inspiring. Drawing from life rather than a specific religion, the overall attitude is parallel to Buddhism, with a preference for peace and love over hate and ignorance. I could relate to quite a few events and realizations mentioned. Same outcome, different path to my own life's learning course...

I would recommend the book to those interested in stepping off the 9-5 picket fence track to take a peek at reality, those interested in modern essays, and those searching for security within insecurity or just ideas pertaining to reality.

THE SELF SUFFICIENCY BIBLE - SIMON DAWSON

RATING: C-

Although I read the majority of the book - I do admit I skipped the chapters/parts relative to livestock and butchery - being a vegan, these simply had neither interest nor relevance....

A fairly good, yet rather basic book, detailing various areas and basic instructions on how to live the self-sufficient lifestyle. Personally, I would have preferred more detail and less generalization. Personally interesting points made come from ideas for furniture polish without beeswax and the fact that seaweed contains Vit B12...

I would recommend the book to those seeking to dabble in self sufficiency, or those wishing to start but not aware of where to begin. I would hold off reading were you serious and determined and aimed at totality, however.

LIBERATING DUALITY WITH WISDOM DISPLAY - KHENCHEN PALDEN SHERAB RINPOCHE & KHENPO TSEWANG DONGYAL RINPOCHE

LIBERATING DUALITY WITH WISDOM DISPLAY - KHENCHEN PALDEN SHERAB RINPOCHE & KHENPO TSEWANG DONGYAL RINPOCHE

RATING: A

The introduction offered insight into my own experiences of seeing beyond eyesight, hearing beyond ear-reach, etc. I was drawn to the study on Guru Nyima Ozer - perhaps from a practice in a former life? I found the text very informative and hope to re-read the practices to start work on some of them - as time allows.

I would recommend this book to those practicing within the Nyingma lineages and to those interested in learning of the varying forms of Guru Rinpoche.

PROTONIC SPEAKING - GREG 'LUCRALOVER' ETHERTON

RATING: B

A pocket-sized book written by a friend of a friend. I like the example of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Page 65 explains what I have attempted to express to my son, concerning how the people you hang around with and think of influence you; how their ways and attitudes rub off on you.

A very interesting read. I would recommend this book to those trying to find a non-religious path towards life improvement, those trying to find the right attitude to cope and progress in today's crazy world, and those interested in the various methods of improving one's life.

ENTHRONEMENT - THE RECOGNITION OF REINCARNATE MASTERS OF TIBET AND THE HIMALAYAS - JAMGON KONGTRUL LODRO TAYE

RATING:B+

I found the introduction to be very interesting. It clarified and cemented some of my questions and understandings. I recognize the preference for ordinary lay practitioners to be able to continue under the guidance of those who have known them and their practice previously, let alone that of returning masters, senior monks, and realized teachers, so the entire Tulku system is of great interest to me.

This book was published in 1997, some time ago now. Within 2 days of my having finished reading the book, there was news online concerning the current situation in Tibet referent to the Tulku system - with a new problem possibly arising courtesy of the Chinese governments' interference with this long standing process. The fact that the Chinese do not respect the Tulku system poses the danger that Tulkus under the age of 18 might not be able to continue to reside in their own monasteries for much longer, should the Chinese invaders choose to implement their control. (REF: http://tibet.justice.overblog.com/tibet-justice-shared-your-photo-17 )

BUDDHIST MASTERS MILAREPA - SUNITA PANT BANSAL

RATING: B-

Another of the biographies from the famous Buddhists series that I am planning to read. I had already read a collection of Milarepa's poetry, but not before encountered a selection with a built in bio. It was interesting to fill in some details that I did not yet know to the 'general picture' I already had.

I would recommend the book to those interested in learning about the historical Buddhist masters, reading Buddhist bios, and of course those interested in finding out more about Milarepa.