White Sail [Paperback]

Thinley Norbu (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 1992

A well-known Tibetan teacher discourses on the Buddhist view of reality and the nature of enlightenment. Buddhism teaches that enlightenment is our natural state. The problem is that we do not experience this state, owing to the mind's confusion about the true nature of reality. Norbu clears up misconceptions and awakens the reader's innate wisdom.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An inspiration for anyone interested in the Tibetan expression of the Dharma."—The Middle Way

"A powerful guide and antidote to Nihilist-mind; I'll keep this book close at hand for the rest of my life."—Michael Herr, Tricycle --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Thinley Norbu Rinpoche is a preeminent teacher in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The eldest son of His Holiness Düdjom Rinpoche, he is a primary holder of the Düdjom Tersar lineage and is considered to be an emanation of Longchenpa, the great fourteenth-century Nyingma master. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (November 17, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877736936
• ISBN-13: 978-0877736936
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,093,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars White Sail, September 28, 2001

By 

K. Call "DC" (The Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: White Sail: Crossing the Waves of Ocean Mind to the Serene Continent of the Triple Gems (Paperback)

While I'm not much of an intellectual I do take the study of Tibetan texts pretty seriously. What I especially like about this book is that Thinley Norbu Rinpoche has taken some of the most basic and at the same time most profound teachings of the Vajrayana and made them especially accessible to everyone. He begins the book's preface with a small quotation of Patrul Rinpoche;

"Those who intend to benefit others through holy teachings
Do not use elaborate terms and poetry.
The pure path is shown with the simple words of the laity.
That is the sublime method of the Bodhisattvas."

The book absolutely remains true to these words of advice. It can be picked up and read a bit at a time over days, months or years, as each chapter covers a different topic. It can be read sequentially or randomly and enjoyed. In some ways it reminds me a bit of the classic, "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism" in that it is a book to be read again and again at intervals in ones life and I think it will remain fresh with each reading.

On a personal note, my copy lives in a zip-lock bag in my rucksack. I like having it around me to pick up and read a few lines whenever I have a free moment. It is like breathing fresh air and clarity.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Is Englightenment?, February 23, 2005

By 

Myron Makewater "redcrosseknight" (Laramie) - See all my reviews

This review is from: White Sail: Crossing the Waves of Ocean Mind to the Serene Continent of the Triple Gems (Paperback)

Like Trungpa Rinpoche's Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, White Sail's purpose seems to be the establishment of a clear and direct view from which those new to Buddhist practice can approach and gainfully engage Dharma. Pointing out typical obstacles and pitfalls, and appropriate paths, is a challenging tasks. Thinley Norbu Rinpoche succeeds admirably at defunking and debunking certain misunderstandings that have wound themselves around (for example) the use of Buddhist philosophy and deity practice. White Sail clarifies. Potent reading.

This is not a conventional "Dharma Book." Rinpoche's style is poetic, digressive, recursive. His refrains arise again and again in new keys and contexts, giving a texture some readers may find confusing or off-putting. I find it refreshing and precise. Also, Rinpoche does not seem interested in making compromises with anyone's incapacities. If goop is your game (that is, if you want someone to comfort you in a bedroll of boloney), this text is not for you. My only complaint is that it isn't 300 pages longer and that much broader in scope.

I earnestly hope this book finds a wide and receptive audience among English-language readers for many decades in the future. In one lifetime or another, I would love to meet the author and offer him my deepest gratitude for this teaching.

Homage to the herukas and dakinis, all true teachers, and the Wrathful Guru Takhyung Barwa!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete authoritative guide to enlightenment, September 15, 2003

By 

Bruce (Calgary Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: White Sail: Crossing the Waves of Ocean Mind to the Serene Continent of the Triple Gems (Paperback)

A very profound book, which is exceedingly well written. I was astonished at the superb and erudite use of the English language as well as the amazing explanations. You will not find a better guide to enlightenment. I strongly recommend buying this book.