THE DZOGCHEN INNERMOST ESSENCE PRELININARY PRACTICE – JIG-ME LINGPA

RATING – A

This book is exactly what I was searching for – a ngondro practice from my former lineage that I can follow at home based on former-life memories until such time as I can attend a Buddhist Center or Temple in person!

Along with giving text, commentary and prayers, this book offers the Tibetan script. (I have not yet started to study READING Tibetan, but...) The final chapter on the nine Yanas was very helpful in clarifying the various Buddhist pathways – a subject that can be quite confusing, especially when 'stumbling about through Buddhism' searching for a lineage from a former life and only just having found it.

I would recommend this book to those in the Nyingma Dzogchen Long-chen Nying-thig tradition and the final chapter to those unsure of their former Vajrayana/Mahayana lineage that may be seeking a few clues and pointers as to what they have been previously studying and practicing.

BUDDHIST PEACE RECIPES – PUSHPESH PANT

RATING- C-

Whilst giving some delicious looking vegetarian recipes, the book indulges in the use of certain articles my kitchen does not have – such as a deep-fat fryer & a food blender. Whereas some of the dishes may be able to be altered into meals I can prepare at home, I find being an almost-vegan puts some of them on the 'adapt or no-no' list and living in a village puts others out of bounds due to lack of a decent Indo-asian supermarket nearby.

I would recommend this cook book to vegetarian Buddhists seeking new ideas – providing they have a decent Indo-asian supermarket nearby and a modern kitchen appliances.

THE EXCELLENT PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT – DILGO KHYENTSE RINPOCHE

RATING - B+

I wanted to read a book compatible with practices from the Nyingma Dzogchen lineage to confirm that this is the lineage I once followed in a former life. I found the text both invigorating and helpful. Covering matters I had already encountered, it covered them in assistive ways to ingrain these practices and understandings deeper.

By the time I was a third of the way through the book, I knew it would become a re-read text and be on my 'read again' booklist. This is the sort of book to come back to and practice with – if the next book in line is not the ngondro teachings I choose to at-home practice with, I shall use this one myself!

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in/practicing the Nyingma Dzogchen lineage seeking to have a basis for at-home preliminaries. Also, for those seeking to learn more about or reinforce their current practices.

DREAM YOGA AND THE PRACTICE OF NATURAL LIGHT – CHOGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU

RATING - A-

I selected this book partly due to it concerning Dzogchen and partly due to it concerning dream Yoga practices. Both topics interest me enough to participate in practicing them. I have been able to enter the dream zone and participate fully whilst awake for some time, but have had little ability to be aware whilst dreaming/sleeping itself – I thought that this book might assist me.

I found it extremely helpful in learning what I do and do not currently know and what I can and can not currently do. It also amazed me in that I discovered that I had already been practicing what is termed 'Thegchod' without knowing it was called this, due to memories from a past life that resurfaced. As the subject was discussed, I realized that I had already begun to practice this! Obviously, I will need to now find a book on that topic and continue my studies!

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in practicing dream Yoga from a Buddhist point of view – but would also say that this book agrees that for the practice to be conducted properly one needs a transmission – something I have not yet had in THIS life, though have had formerly.

THE WORLD OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM – HHDL

RATING - A-

I selected this book as I wanted to see if there were any areas I had missed in my studies to date that needed attention. I felt a comprehensive well-written guide that 'covered it all' worthwhile reading, so as to reinforce my current understanding and allow me to open up into new exploration if anything cropped up.

Specifically of interest to me were matters related on page 28 – imputed, dependent, and thoroughly established phenomena – leading me to contemplate beyond the text. I was also especially interested in the latter chapters, dealing with matters I had a fair but not full knowledge of until reading this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about Tibetan Buddhism with thoroughness rather than having a quick 5-minute read through of the basics.

TAKING THE LEAP – PEMA CHODRON

RATING – B

Despite being a modern text, there was still plenty to work with. I found the book was written at the right level, not so much as to introduce new topics but new viewpoints and ways of practice on familiar subjects. This is naturally assistive to someone like myself who finds constantly re-reading multiple facets of the same subject matter inspiring and helpful. I especially found chapter 8 helpful for my current practices.

I would recommend this book to those curious to understand basic Buddhist practices and those practicing that are seeking a fresh perspective or refresher.

AN OPEN HEART - HHDL

RATING - B

Another of HHDL's gems – I must have read a couple of dozen of his books by now. I recall having once read this when borrowed from Wollongong library and put it on my 'read again some day' list. Finally, I have my own copy and can re-read it as much as I like.

Having personal difficulty with compassion in that it comes easily in regard to animals, birds, bugs – but with more difficulty in relation to people, I am searching the book for help and guidance. Some of the structured practices appeal and some little bits and corners fell into place along with reinforcement of previously obtained knowledge.

Covering the basic Buddhist beliefs as well as a detailed structure to progress through, the book will be helpful throughout multiple stages of practice – therefore is recommended for anyone interested rather than JUST Westerners OR beginners OR advanced OR avidly practicing Buddhists....