TIBET - YESHI CHOEDON & DAWA NORBU

RATING: B+

A beautiful book or large proportion filled with both text and photographs. The photos cover a widespread array of Tibetan culture, including people, places, religion, scenery, and buildings. The text explores the people, religion, culture, land, history, and traditional celebrations. I found it enjoyable to browse through the photographs, daydreaming....

I would recommend this book to those interested in a basic guide to the Tibetan culture and also to those interested in cultural photography. I enjoyed getting lost in some of the scenic pictures, dreaming....

THE CRYSTAL AND THE WAY OF LIGHT - CHOGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU

RATING: A

This is the first time I have understood that 'voice' may relate to inner energy - very helpful! I have learned a lot from this book, and was able to relate well to the chapter on 'The Path' where it talked about prana. As well as clarifying several mystery points, I was able to travel new ground and learn where I was headed and how far I had got. (Not currently having a Dzogchen teacher, I get a little curious at times.)

I would recommend this book to those looking for information on Dzogchen as well as to those practicing and needing a guide.

THE WISE HEART - JACK KORNFIELD

RATING: C+

What is known as 'mood contagion' or 'limbic resonance' interests me from page 17 & continuing into 'mirror neurons' on page 26. I also found chapter three's recognition of know-mind and knowing something easy to relate to. I had found these from personal observation before knowing what to call them! I found the Buddha's words that open chapter 19 a helpful reminder. The chapter on concentration explains my pre-Buddhist practice/study abilities quite well.

I did find it difficult to jump from one mode of Buddhism to another so frequently - but that is me at fault and not the text. When first exploring Buddhism, I liked to read of all types, until settling into Thai Forrest and Tibetan Vajrayana. Then I became absorbed in these, and other forms slipped out of sight as I focused on what I personally round helpful and relevant. So this text reminded me that Dzogchen-Nyingma is not the only Buddhist practice and reacquainted me with other forms of Buddhism. However, I do find this difficult, as in its modern Western format Buddhism can be all mish-mashed together and not really retain the essence of any specific practice.

I would recommend this book to those interested in psychology from a Buddhist aspect, but not to serious students of a specific lineage or practice. I would also recommend the book to those interested in Buddhism but not yet involved with a personal study.

DZOG CHEN MEDITATION - KHAMTUL RINPOCHE/GARETH SPARHAM

RATING: A-

This is the sort of practice that I am working towards. I am not quite advanced enough in pranayama for this specific practice, yet though, and I shall have to wait until I can find a new teacher to continue my studies beyond where i am currently working. However, it can do no harm to be prepared for the next step...

I would recommend this book to those beginning Dzogchen practice as a hint of what lies ahead, those in the midst of it as a guidance, and those advanced as a companion.

THE EARLY LIFE OF THE DALAI LAMA TENZIN GYATSO - CLAUDE B. LEVENSON

RATING: B+

A detailed rendering of the early years of the life of HHDL. It zooms in to describe the time period starting from his birth and identification and leading up until his trek into exile. Covering his family, monasterial training and monkhood, his life as a child, and how events unfolded to bring him into the adult world in a rush, the book explores events covered in his biographies with more detail.

I would recommend the book to those seeking a detailed description of HHDL's pre-exile years as well as those who would like more information on HHDL's time in Tibet.