Customer Reviews

The Teacup & the Skullcup:Chogyam Trungpa on Zen and Tantra

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

 

 

What a gift this book is. I studied with both the Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and with the Tantric/Vajrayana master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and was present when these two great teachers encountered each other. This book brings the wisdom of the Buddhist traditions of both of these teachers vividly into the present moment. If you have ever been curious about Zen and Tantra--this is your opportunity to find out the real inside story. This is an inside story revealed from the vastness of a mind and heart that experienced life and truth beyond cultural, religious, and philosophical biases. Chögyam Trungpa's book The Teacup & The Skullcup speaks directly to the heart of the matter. The ten ox herding pictures from the Zen tradition are included and are accompanied by a Tantric/Vajrayana commentary by Chögyam Trungpa. This is a unique combination, and it sends sparks of insight flying. This alone would make the book worth reading. David Schneider's rich and revealing introduction is another bonus. You won't be disappointed.

I am also a student of both men and this book was a wonderful chance for me to hear a "dialogue" between them -- and also sheds a bit of light on Pema Chodron to boot. I love Trungpa's openness to other religions, and they both shared an eagerness to delve into the various traditions. As a student of tantra, I am always thrilled when a relatively easy book comes out to enlighten what the path is really about, and I have always seen the connections to Zen.

I read it once, through, and now am going back slowly and reading it like a morning meditation. High recommednation!

This is a very well written book that contrasts approaches within Buddhism and stimulates thought about key principles. It shows Chogyam Trungpa's openness to exploring different points of view and using that process to help his students expand and grow in practical ways. Very interesting reading!