PRACTICING PEACE IN TIMES OF WAR - PEMA CHODRON

RATING: B+

A small and short - yet helpful - book.The text explains how individuals can take personal actions to assist with the lessening and alleviation of war within the world as a whole. I found chapter three on SHENPA to be especially helpful and will be following my read with some action/practice.

This is a good read for peace activists and people with personal wars. It is also worth reading if you want a few pointers at improving yourself.

THE POCKET TIBETAN BUDDHISM READER - REGINALD A RAY

RATING: B+

This book is a collection of quotations from Tibetan Buddhist masters throughout the ages. My favorite quote is on page 162, by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. Covering all Tibetan traditions and spanning the centuries, it is a concise 'what we believe' in the actual words of various respected masters.

I would recommend this book to those practicing Tibetan Buddhism as a reminder and back-up, while also recommending it to those curious as to what Tibetan Buddhism is about. I shall pop my copy on my alter for future reference.

Buddhist books, a general review, and my own favs

HERE is a link to a list of the 'best' Buddhist books for 2012. I could do my own top ten, perhaps - although most of the books I read over the past year were not actually written/published in the actual year...

HERE is a more general 2012 review, which includes authors who have died during the year as well as notable releases.

I could make a list of my top ten all-time books - which would include the one I am currently reading by Lama Surya Das and the biography of Acariya Mun. However, I doubt I would get beyond that, as there are a couple I have read and found helpful but forgotten the titles to! Look out for an upcoming report on the LSD book which I am currently about to begin the last 50 pages of - although I have read it a few times already. I have JUST finished another book, which I will report on shortly - and am a few pages from the end of another book...

As a child, my favs would include The Children of Green Knowe, The Hole in the Hill, and 7 Little Australians. As a teen, I prefered Children of the Stones, Ibsen's Peer Gynt, a few Shakespeare plays and various books on campanology. These days, I no longer read fiction - except for special occasions such as when a friend of mine has a fiction book published - I prefer Buddhist practice and theory, Indian philosophy, travel and vegan cookery...

VENTURESOME VEGAN COOKING - JM & MICHELLE HIRSCH

RATING: C

Although there are more recipes in this book than the last few I have read, once again, there are very few that personally appeal. Predominantly, I find a lot of white flour, whereas I ONLY use wholemeal organic or gram flours, and many recipes call for tofu or canned beans - whereas I prefer not to use tofu/soy products very often and only to use real beans rather than canned.

I was hoping for some vegan ideas, but there are only a couple recipes I might adapt. I would recommend the book to anyone starting out to explore vegan recipes - but would add that if you don't eat canned foods or soy/tofu, it might be better to try another book.

HOW TO BE COMPASSIONATE – HHDL

RATING: B+

This is one of HHDL's helpful books. Whether you are curious as to what Buddhism might offer, or a current practitioner seeking further guidance, it can be useful to read such books as this one. Chapter 9 was especially helpful to me, reminding me of what I already knew and had worked with and taking me 'one step further' into what I had already learned and practiced. Page 71 especially stood out.

I would recommend this book to everyone that wants to improve both their own life and that of others and to receive guidance and help with doing so.

QUICK AND EASY INDIAN SIMPLE VEGETARIAN - EDITOR: NEETA JATTA

RATING: C-

Another not-so-good Indian recipe book. There are only a few recipes in here, and once again, most contain ingredients I either do not eat or cannot obtain.

Another book I would recommend to those wanting to try out a few Indian recipes - before indulging in a larger book if enjoyed - providing you do not have any heavy dietary preferences.

TO A MOUNTAIN IN TIBET - COLIN THUBRON

RATING: B-

Even in the Himalayas they have rock pigeons! I enjoyed this relaxing read about a travel experience with several notes on birds. Whilst it mentions a multitude of religions, it is based mainly on the geography and culture of the area and people encountered. It is a trip I might have wanted to do myself, had the situation in Tibet been other than it currently is. (Until Tibet is known again as Tibet, rather than as Chinese stolen property, I will not go there.)

This book should appeal to those who have an interest in pilgrimages, mountains, and Himalayan travel.