Customer Reviews

Brilliant Moon: The Autobiography of Dilgo Khyentse

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4 star:		(1)
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This is, as said before, half autobiography and half anecdotes from family, students, etc.

Much of the book is "Khyentse Rinpoche gave such and such empowerment at such and such time", which to some people would be very boring.

However, within that, there are some very interesting stories. You do get a sense of how the mind of the terton Khyentse works, and also of the devotion that other lamas had towards him, as well as other things- stories about his time in retreat, etc.

All in all, for a person who is willing to sort of go through the seemingly thousands of empowerments that he gave, the book is a good account of one of the recent meditation masters of Tibet.

A Brilliant Moon - is a beautiful book with a rare glimpse into the mind of an enlightened being through his words and poetry. One gets a taste of what Dilgo Khyentse was like through reading this book.

Brilliant Moon: The Autobiography of Dilgo Khyentse is a compilation of anecdotes, stories, and recollections from the friends, family, and students of Buddhist meditation master and scholar Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Half of Brilliant Moon consists of Dilgo Khyentse's early life story told in his own words; the other half draws testimony from his wife, grandson, and spiritual heir, as well as such notable figures as the Queen Mother of Bhutan and many more. Enhanced with a handful of black-and-white photographs, extensive notes, a glossary, and a bibliography, Brilliant Moon is a welcome addition to Buddhist studies shelves strong in biographies of spiritual leaders.

Wonderfully rich in detail - of the ways of early 20th century Tibetan aristocratic life, of the abundant teachers and teachings that came his way (apparently effortlessly) - Khyentse Rinpoche's autobiography and supplemental anecdotes of those who knew him best is really beyond my comprehension.

From the perspective of modern America it is easy to want to dismiss feudal Tibet as a land of wisdom infused magic and mystery, yet still bound by ignorant superstition. I feel this view just shows my ignorance.

This Lama and this glimpse at his life and teachings leaves me overwhelmed.

(ps. For someone specifically interested in H.H. or his practice lineages this would be 5 stars, but for the general Buddhist/spiritual reader probably only 3 stars.)

One of the greatest Buddhist teachers of our time. Students of Tibetan Buddhism will consider this a must read. Students of Iconic religious figures will be further inspired.