INCARNATION - TULKU THONDUP

RATING: A

An extremely interesting and complete account of the Tibetan tulku tradition. Every aspect of the topic appears to be covered, from history through modern understanding of the usefulness, identification, variety, miracles, recognition, deaths, and there are even sections on how to become a tulku and questions that have been answered.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a complete coverage of the tulku topic, Tibetan tradition and culture, and Tulku Thondup's writings.

THE BLUE POPPY AND THE MUSTARD SEED - KATHLEEN WILLIS MORTON

RATING:B -

This heart~touching tale covers the death of a baby and how the Buddhist mother learned to cope and regain her life afterwards. It also covers a worldwide travel saga which includes Tibet & India. We are taken with the mother through her broken heartedness and into her new outlook on life ahead, alongside her husband.

I would recommend this book to those who are heartbroken by or scared of death, those who have lost a baby or child, and those who want to understand one Western Buddhist perspective in regards to death and dying.

A BLUE HAND - DEBORAH BAKER

RATING: D+

A rather dull read, I found. This book covered the preparation as much as the time spent in India of various famous Beat~tide personalities. Personally, I am more interested in their Indian exploration and understandings than the huge first chapter of US preparations. Mention of Tibetan Buddhism is present, but hidden within the main plots of who went where with whom. As an historical account it does more than as an informative investigation.

I would recommend the book to those interested in the Beat era and the early Western investigations of the Himalayan culture as well as fans of Ginsberg.

THE CAVE OF THE YELLOW DOG - BYAMBASUREN DAVAA & LISA REISCH

RATING: C+

This easy~read book, based on a Mongolian tale, is now a movie. It describes everyday life incidents of Mongolian nomads including their diet, housing, routine, family lifestyle, etc. There are plenty of photographs included.

I would recommend the book to those interested in the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle that is now fast disappearing, those who have seen the movie, and those interested in world cultures.

HOLDER OF THE WHITE LOTUS - ALEXANDER NORMAN

RATING: C+

A chunky book covering not only the lives of the 14 Dalai Lamas to date, but the surrounding history. While some of the facts given do not match those in other books, as a whole the historical background is helpful in showing the full picture. I much approve of the concluding comment, and am in agreement with it. Now that the Dalai Lama has brought Tibetan Buddhism to the whole world, there will likely be interest in his next incarnation arising all around our planet when such time comes for his next rebirth. There will likely be people all over our earth that seek the next Chenrezig incarnation, not only in Tibet.

I would recommend this book to those with an interest in Tibetan history, the institution of the Dalai Lama, and Tibetan Buddhism.

A HUNDRED THOUSAND WHITE STONES - KUNSANG DOLMA

RATING: B+

A hearty Tibetan tale covering the early years in Tibet, escape to India, and subsequent life in USA of a once~nun now~mother from Amdo. I can relate well to one theme, best mentioned on page 217, of not sharing the cultural interests of those dwelling around me. That same feeling of not sharing the values and lifestyle of those around me once led me to migrate to the other side of the planet to try to seek those who were similar to me. I still find that I relate better to Himalayan cultures than to my own.

I would recommend this book to those wishing to hear a Tibetan's story and to those wishing to contrast the various lifestyles ~ Tibetan, Indian, and American.