Customer Reviews

Like An Illusion: Lives of the Shangpa Kagyu Masters

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nicole Riggs has presented a very well written book, but comparing her translation to the Tibetan original, I can't help but notice that she often omits sizable chunks of the texts. But what really has me bewildered is the strange gender issue that she seems to have. When I translate a text, I translate what's written there, period. I do not add things, unless I make it very clear that it is an addition by me, and I certainly don't change things around so they suit me better. But changing even the names of male deities into female ones, now that's utterly ridiculous!!! But as I say, otherwise a good and inspiring read...

Thomas Roth, one of Ven. Tenga Rinpoche's interpreters, Kathmandu

In this book, Nicole Riggs provides both a translation--several hundred pages long--of Buddhist biographies, and a thorough introduction that is thoughtful and filled with examples from the text; I thought her treatment of the issues of women, solitude, and miracles, was outstanding. I also liked "Appendix III: Songs of the Dakinis", with the Tibetan text on the recto page. I strongly recommend the book.

I strongly recommend this book. It is engaging, delightful, and full of help for those seeking enlightenment. These biographies will inspire and entertain readers while at the same time providing valuable information. Obstacles can be overcome. Nicole Riggs is clearly highly realized and very knowledgeable about Tibetan Buddhism. She is the only author I have encountered who has explained what Dakinis are (what they are symbolic of) and their purpose in achieving enlightenment. I look forward to getting a copy of her other book "Milarepa, Songs on the Spot". Buy this book.

At last a book to honor the Shangpa tradition! I've known of this lineage for a long time but never until this book (recommended to me by a friend) have I found accessible material on it. Each chapter tells the story of a different Master. I keep re-reading the stories and songs: there's wisdom to be found for all situations. This book is a gift.

What a beautiful translation! I've read lots on Tibetan Buddhism, but I didn't know about this Shangpa Kagyu lineage until now, and I am very impressed. There is one song in the chapter on Mokchokpa that's really beautiful. Great translation, she's managed to keep it poetic. One of the best Buddhist biogaphy books I've read.

...you'll enjoy Like An Illusion just as much. I found these stories very inspiring and touching. They are the life stories of spiritual masters from a very old Tibetan Buddhist lineage and it is so exciting to read them in English after almost a thousand years! Definitely the real stuff.

This book offers a thoughtful introduction to the tradition and a careful translation that reads very well. Nice book!

Forget the Buddhist angle, this is a book of stories that are quite extraordinary. It would resonate in any culture or time. If you want to go someplace that's up there with the Moby Dicks of Hobbitsville drifting down a big river on a flimsy raft, come visit this place, it's not as much of an illusion as it seems. This is the life we're all trying to master. Ask any Tiger. But try it as I did and be taken away...