Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master [Paperback]

Amy Schmidt (Author), Joseph Goldstein (Introduction), Jack Kornfield (Afterword), Sharon Salzberg (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

This life story of one of the few women in her generation to devote herself entirely to the pursuit of meditation also includes Dipa Ma's spiritual teachings, which have made her a major figure in contemporary Buddhism. Dipa Ma was the first truly accomplished female meditation master in the Thereavada tradition to teach in the United States and, while she had a deep devotion to the tradition, she also had a fierce understanding that the spiritual accomplishments of women could be in every way equal to those of the predominantly male religious hierarchy. Her influence on the teaching of insight meditation practice in the West is presented here through stories and encounters told by sources such as family members, her students in Calcutta, and several of America's leading Buddhist and meditation teachers.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Schmidt, a resident teacher at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Mass., offers a study of the life and teachings of Nani Bala Barua—the Indian saint more commonly known by her affectionate nickname, Dipa Ma (1911–1989). Schmidt begins by offering a swift but engaging outline of Dipa Ma's life, including her marriage at age 12, her struggle as a single mother to practice meditation, her mastery of such "supernatural powers" as mind reading and time travel and her eventual establishment in a tiny Calcutta apartment as a gentle, playful and world-renowned teacher of mindfulness—indeed, Dipa Ma deeply influenced such American Buddhist heavyweights as Sharon Salzberg and Jack Kornfield, who provide the foreword and afterword, respectively. Schmidt then highlights a number of Dipa Ma's teachings, such as "the mind is all stories"; "you can do anything you want to do"; and despite strongly patriarchal economic and religious systems, "you should not think that women are helpless." Schmidt rounds out the book by exploring Dipa Ma's continuing legacy, including how many of her students continue to experience her presence even after her death. This is not a penetrating biography; in fact, later chapters are composed chiefly of brief but fond anecdotes shared by Dipa Ma's students. Nevertheless, it is a compelling tribute to a beloved teacher whose "combination of gentleness, no pretense, and power" continues to inspire many interested in the Buddhist path. (May)
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Review

"Although Dipa Ma made only two trips to the West, her impact on Buddhism in America has been profound." -- Joseph Goldstein, author, One Dharma

"Dipa Ma was the most loving person I ever met." -- Sharon Salzberg, author, Faith

"Rarely does a story about another person contain so much heart. After reading Dipa Ma...you will never forget her." -- Paul Hawken, coauthor, Natural Capitalism

"This book, like Dipa Ma, is simple, straightforward and powerful." -- Alice Walker, author, The Color Purple

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Bluebridge (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974240559
• ISBN-13: 978-0974240558
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Amita (Amy) Schmidt is a licensed clinical social worker who was the resident teacher at Insight Meditation Society for six years. She offers spiritual support to people by phone and teaches Vipassana meditation nationally. For more information visit www.amitaschmidt.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Dharma Read., December 25, 2006

By 

William G. Humbert "Willhum." (Barcelona) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master (Paperback)

This is an excellent read, very inspirational and well worth the price. I think some of the reviwers slightly missed the point - whilst Dipa Ma probably didnt eat meat, Theravadin Buddhists are not vegetarian because like the Buddha himself, they rely on alms donations for food. There is no prohibition on eating meat or fish in either the vinaya or the sutras, monks and nuns in Thailand and Burma are mostly meat eaters. As for the change in title, its really just a reprint with colour photos and a new publisher - its not done to rip anybody off, the newer version I think is a better tribute to Dipa Ma's spiritual legacy. Anyhow, for anybody wanting to read about a lay meditatior who was highly acomplished and masterd the siddhis (spiritual para normal powers), the janas (absorbtions) and three of the four paths to nirvana, this is the book!

Other highly recommended books to people who enjoy this one are "Life of a Siamese Monk" by Richard Randall and also Maha Bowas facinating biography of Ajan Mun, a Thai forest monk who attained nirvana and passed away in the late 1940's. Maha Bowas book is given away freely and a great read, I think its also on the internet.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blessings of Buddhist Master, April 15, 2005

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Thomas Pruzinsky "Tom Pruzinsky" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master (Paperback)

My heartfelt thanks to Ms. Schmidt for writing this book and collecting the very moving reflections of Dipa Ma's students. The teachings about the power of love embodied in this book and in the life of Dipa Ma can help us all to live a life that is truly joyful.

There are many wonderful books available that provide guidance and inspiration on the spiritual path. I found this one to be particularly inspirational and instructive about how suffering can be transformed into love and how love can be shared and a source of healing and joy.

What a blessing it would have been to meet Dipa Ma in person. What a blessing it is to be able to meet her through the words of people who knew her and now know in their hearts the power of kindness.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book; highly recommended, July 31, 2006

By 

A. Bassuk (Ojai, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master (Paperback)

Dipa Ma's life, practice and high level of attainment is truly inspirational. If you're looking for a book that will teach you the basic tenets of Theravadin Buddhism, this is not it. But, if you're looking for a powerfully inspirational story of a profoundly loving, compassionate master who transformed and inspired many Western practitioners this book is great. It really brought tears to my eyes and I keep rereading it and my wonder never ceases. It has good pictures and can easily be read in an evening. I've bought and sent copies to all the women in my life. Buy it, read it and enjoy!