Customer Reviews

Sorrow Mountain: The Journey of a Tibetan Warrior Nun

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An incredible, real-life story of a young woman born in Tibet in 1933, the only daughter of a powerful Khampa chieftan, in the years prior to China's takeover of their country. When the Chinese invaded their land, and her father died, Ani Pachen took over and led her people in the fight for their homeland, their spiritual beliefs, their culture, and their lives. It's a gut-wrenching story. This very spiritual person, from a good family with all the material possessions of the world, was captured in 1960 and imprisoned for 21 years enduring almost constant torture.

It was her spiritual faith and courage that inspired me the most while reading this book. "When our time comes, each of us dies. There is nothing we can do," she explains.

After a particularly brutal beating at the hands of the Chinese thugs, she reminded herself of the teachings from one of her mentors, Gyalsay Rinpoche: "Regard everything as though it is a dream. Everything is ephemeral, ungovernable, and hollow. Work with the essential nature of your mind, pure and radiant. Keep your mind clear and aware in each moment."

"All activity should be done with one intention. To help, and not harm, others. Be gentle, be kind, be compassionate, be generous to everyone including yourself."

I just now found this book a full ten years after it was published (in 2000). It's an incredible read, an incredible story. When I looked up Ani Pachen on the web, sadly, discovered she passed away in 2002. It is a very short time we have each been given in this lifetime. I lift up my prayers for all the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama, and the Chinese government. Ani Pachen demonstrated true love and compassion for all of these and this book motivates me to do the same. . . . Om Mani Peme Hum, Oh Jewel in the Heart of the Lotus, protect all sentient beings.