Life of Shabkar: The Autobiography of a Tibetan Yogin FROM THE PUBLISHER
"The Life of Shabkar has long been recognized by Tibetans as one of the masterworks of their religious heritage." "Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol devoted himself to many years of meditation in solitary retreat after his inspired youth and early training in the province of Amdo under the guidance of several extraordinary Buddhist masters. With determination and courage, he mastered the highest and most esoteric practices of the Tibetan tradition of the Great Perfection. He then wandered far and wide over the Himalayan region expressing his realization." "Shabkar's autobiography vividly reflects the values and visionary imagery of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the social and cultural life of early nineteenth-century Tibet."--BOOK JACKET.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Shabkar (1781-1851) was a Tibetan master who, according to the introduction by the Dalai Lama, is second only to the sage Milarepa in the regard in which he is held at all levels of Tibetan society. His reputation rests on a clear and sometimes playful style of presentation--amply illustrated, alternating prose with verse--in which he covers all aspects of spiritual practice. Shabkar also transcends the sectarian snares of the Tibetan tradition, incorporating aspects of all the teachings with no apparent prejudices. The translation group, headed by Ricard (The Monk and the Philosopher), has done a meticulous job, including the copious accompanying textual apparatus. This thorough, well-conceived edition of an important text will be welcomed by scholars and serious practitioners of Buddhism. For the average reader, however, it will be rough going, as the style tends to be repetitious and sounds a bit stilted to modern Western ears. Also, it is an account of a life that--while extraordinary in a spiritual sense--was largely uneventful. Essential for larger academic collections with an interest in Buddhism, it should be considered by collections serving serious students and practitioners of Buddhism.--Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
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