The Life of Shabkar: The Autobiography of a Tibetan Yogin (Suny Series in Buddhist Studies) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791418367 ISBN 13: 9780791418369

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1994

Synopsis

The Life of Shabkar has long been recognized by Tibetans as one of the master works of their religious heritage. Following his inspired youth and early training in his native province of Amdo under the guidance of several extraordinary Buddhist masters, Shabkar Tsodruk Rangdrol devoted himself to many years of meditation in solitary retreat. 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. His autobiography vividly reflects the values and visionary imagery of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the social and cultural life of early nineteenth century Tibet.

About this title

Book Description:

"Brings this spirited yogi to life...highly recommended."

From the Back Cover:

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.

"Regarded by many as the greatest yogi after Milarepa to gain enlightenment in one lifetime...a source of inspiration to Buddhist practitioners and general readers alike."--the Dalai Lama

"This thorough, well-conceived edition of an important text will be welcomed by scholars and serious practitioners of Buddhism"--Library Journal

"Shabkar's life is the world of the Buddhist adept, a world of intense self-discipline, but also of humor, vision and joy....Shabkar's wit and playfulness, his magnificent flights of imagination, his persistence in exposing all hypocrisy--these are the qualities that suffuse his work."--Matthew Kapstein, The University of Chicago

"It is alive, a tale with compelling magical adventures, the force of narrative, and great variety."--Steven D. Goodman, Institute of Buddhist Studies, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley

"This is an accurate, readable translation of an important Tibetan autobiography, rich with details about Tibetan culture, religion, attitudes, and practices."--Janet Gyatso, Amherst College

"...brings this spirited yogi to life and is highly recommended for anyone who has ever dreamed of following the adventurous path of the mountain recluse."--What Is Enlightenment?

Matthieu Ricard lives in Shechen Monastery in Nepal. French born in 1946, he became a Buddhist monk in the 70s. He is the author of Journey to Enlightenment and The Monk and the Philosopher.

About this edition

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0791418367
• ISBN 13: 9780791418369
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 740
• Editor: Wilkinson Constance