Customer Reviews

In Search of the Medicine Buddha: A Himalayan Journey

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The perspective and insight that this books contains is overwhelming. The content was great, but what struck me most was the nature of the author. He has such an incredible respect and love for the Earth, other cultures, and human beings. If the world was full of David Crows, we'd be in good shape. I recommend this book for the fascinating look at Tibetan medicine, but even more for the spiritual development that Mr. Crow inspires.

David Crows book is a must read for anyone interested in herbal medicine, Eastern philosophy, and their relevance in todays hectic world--especially for those interested in the ancient yet highly topical teachings of Ayurveda.

This book is urging us to create a new renaissance in healing, but it is not another superficial New Age book. This book is written with care and depth of heart by someone who is not interested in simple answers to complicated questions. I was struck by the authors integrity and ability to make sense out of such diverse yet interrelated topics as herbs, healing, culture, sustainable economics, and ecology. The authors central theme is that we need to both revive and advance herbal medicine and our own sense of sacred environmentalism in order to live in harmony on this troubled earth.

In Search of the Medicine Buddha is not only a book about herbal medicine but also about the need to renew our ageold spiritual connection to plants. Moreover, the book is refreshingly honest, rich, and poetic in its descriptions of Nepali and Indian culture. Highly recommended for anyone interested in creating a richer, more fulfilling and balanced life for themselves and all other living beings!

As a physician with over 20 years of clinical experience in alternative medicine, and nearly 30 years of serious spiritual practice, I highly recommend this book for healers of all types, patients, Buddhists, and those interested in the journey from the old way of thinking to the new.

The text itself is medicinal. The story speaks often of the ancient and rare, but is something everyone struck by the unrelenting madness of the modern world should read. The author's sincerity comes through clearly, and I would be pleased to see more from him. It is difficult to do justice to this book in a short time; it is very rich, even poetic. Do yourself a favor: just trust me on this one.

A poetic book, but disjointed. One moment he is writing about his experience in Nepal and in the next paragraph, without warning, about being in the California desert. Very few dates are given and it hard to follow the flow of events. Lots of stream of consciousness passages on the philosophy of healing and the interconnectedness of man and nature. The book would have been much better if he had quoted more from his teachers and contained his poetic ramblings to half their length.

I have to give it only three stars as it is almost totally devoid of any practical advice. Adding twenty or thirty pages of practical formulas or advice would have made this book much more useful. Having studied Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine formally for four years I can state this book conveys the philosophy of Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine, but it is almost completely devoid of any practical instruction. It is inspiring and fun to read, but it only nourishes the heart and mind, not the body.

This book really peaked my interest and brought Tibetan Medicine alive for me. It is power-packed and full to the brim of fascinating information.

This medical travel-log details the origins of ancient Himalayan and East Asian medicine (Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, Chinese medicine). Himalayan healers, whose tradition dates back millenia, understand that the plantworld, much of which is currently in danger of extinction, holds the secrets to health. A beautiful anecdote in this book suggests that there is not a plant in the world that does not have medicinal value. David Crow's book is a fascinating and detailed account of the natural world's ability to bring balance to body and mind. He interviews traditionally trained doctors from a variety of traditions (Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, etc), lives by their side from Kathmandu to rural clinics of the Himalayas, and shares with his readers secrets of their trade as well as of the philosophy and religion which are integral parts of their healing art. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in alternative medicine, meditation, and the ancient religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. David writes poetically and passionately, evoking deep respect for these ancient medical traditions and an awe-filled reverence for the natural world.

a wonderful, wounderful book! a must read for all on thier journey thru life.

David delves into the subject of miraculous medicinal plants around the world and explains why botanical medicine is so crucial for the long term health and care of our planet, our healthcare system and our economy. David writes about how you can get involved in creating a grassroots healthcare system in your community by growing your own living pharmacy among many other natural wonders.

To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?(Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.), Roman orator, philosopher, statesman. Orator, 120.)

As humans we not only should look into the future, but into the past. Without considering our past history-how can make appropriate observations, conclusions and judgments? And this is why I find this book of value.

About the Book:
Crow, a student of spiritual healing, left his acupuncture practice in San Francisco to travel to Kathmandu to pursue the path of the healers in Buddhist and Hindu culture. He discusses his experiences with Nepalese traditional doctors and Tibetan healing practices. Crow believes Ayurveda is the medicine of the future and the antidote to disease caused by our increasingly toxic world.