Customer Reviews

Gurus for Hire, Enlightenment for Sale

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I notice that I am the first to post my review about this book. It is pity that this book is not promoted heavily and widely, as it is truly beneficial for so many - especially those who call themselves Buddhists, or are following the path of Buddhism. I guess, in places like Amazon, even a precious GEM can be lost in this jungle of mass products. Why would I say its precious and beneficial? Well, for one, it deals with subject matters like Gurus, Buddhist Centers and the politics that also do exist behind the scenes. It does not attempt to hide the weaknesses and flaws because we are all humans, and humans are the ones responsible for finding a Guru, sustaining a relationship with the Guru, running a Buddhist center and sustaining that Buddhist center and so forth. But beyond all that, it clariifes and helps us to understand the phenomena of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhist Centers. This is the only book of its kind. I wish more people know about this book so that we can all start respecting one another, learn to tolerate each other and even help everyone, regardless of our religious backgrounds and beliefs. Infact, I would say that this book should be a mandatory reading for all Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. What is the point of pursuing our own spiritual growth when we are engaged in activities that undermine others's spiritual growth and development? Should we be growing and developing at other people's expenses? These are some of the questions that came to my mind as I read this book. Then I realised how my own actions and thinking have been conditioned all these years, without even realising it. And I call myself, a Buddhist! So, I am grateful that someone like Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has taken the time and trouble to clear away the farce from the truth, however, unpleasant or difficult the subject matter may be. I guess, he must truly care for every person's spiritual journey and not the labels. Tsem Tulku is one of the rare Gurus who speak in fluent English and Tibetan. He also has the uncanny gift to help us understand this profound subject, with "witty, humourous compassion".

In 'Gurus for Hire, Enlightenment for Sale', Tsem Tulku Rinpoche tells it like it is: want to know about the Guru-student relationship and why it is important? Can you actually question the Guru? What's the difference between centres, teachers, different practices, etc? It's a must read for any Dharma practitioner who harbours these kinds of questions but was just too darn embarrassed to ask. A great read!