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.