Surfing the Himalayas: A Spiritual Adventure (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "I have always been in love with the snow..." (more)
Key Phrases: secret meditation techniques, soul type, astral dimensions, Master Fwap, Buddhist Yoga, Rae Chorze-Fwaz (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An engaging true story of a young American snowboarder who seeks "the ultimate high" in the Himalayas. But he stumbles on an experience more thrilling than he can anticipate when he becomes a spiritual apprentice to a Buddhist monk...and therein lies the tale...

Review

A magnificent journey to the mountain within. -- Lynn Andrews, author of Medicine Woman

In search of his spiritual roots, an American who journeys to the Himalayas for the ultimate snowboarding meets a Buddhist Monk and finds his life transformed. This tells of the young man's unexpected encounter with spiritual enlightenment, and is based on Dr. Lenz's own experiences in Nepal. Written as a novel, it's especially recommended for those interested in spiritual journeys. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 236 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr (November 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312141475
• ISBN-13: 978-0312141479
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,030,329 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Intro to Tantric Buddhism, August 13, 2005

By	Mommy Mystic "www.MommyMystic.WordPress.com" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surfing the Himalayas: A Spiritual Adventure (Paperback)

I think both this book and Snowboarding to Nirvana are fun introductions to Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, although overall I prefer Snowboarding, as I think it is a little better written. I have studied Buddhism both academically and personally and feel that some of the criticisms written about this book are from people that have only studied the traditional or orthodox forms of Buddhism. Tantric or Mahayana forms are esoteric and mystical, and that is what this book tries to introduce. It does throw in some New Age ideas, but I think this is mostly to make it more palatable in today's market.

As for the particular quote that a couple of reviews criticized regarding the energy influence of the Himalayas on regaining enlightenment and the astrological power of the age 29, neither of these are foreign to Tantric traditions! Astrology is part of many branches and this does include the relevance of the Saturn return at 29. Also, the energy of different places, and the 'termas' planted in them, is an important part of the tradition as well, especially regarding sacred places such as Mt. Kailesh.

So my advice it to read this book as a creative intro to Tantric Buddhism and then go and explore other sources as well.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is awesome!!!, September 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Surfing the Himalayas: A Spiritual Adventure (Paperback)

"Charged with energy, humor, and insight, this is the engaging story of a young American snowboarder who travels to the Himalayas seeking the ultimate high - but surfs into an experience more transcendent than he could ever imaged. In an accident of karmic destiny, the young man plows into a Tantric Buddhist monk named Master Fwap who takes him on as a spiritual apprentice. Using snowboarding as a path to enlightenment, the charming and learned Master Fwap shows how, by freeing the mind and challenging the soul, one can master any mountain - and master himself."

Surfing the Himalayas is one of the greatest spiritual adventures ever written. It can be easy compared to The Celestine Prophesy, or any book by Carlos Castaneda. Master Fwap's enlightening humor takes your mind into a higher level of awareness at the turn of each page. This is an adventure that should be enjoyed by all.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great accomplishment indeed, March 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Surfing the Himalayas: A Spiritual Adventure (Paperback)

I write as a Roman Catholic trained in philosophy and theology. I recommend this delightful read as a true spiritual journey. From the first pages, Dr. Lenz surfs the reader right into a wonderful spiritual ambience. Agree or not with every point in his doctrine, one cannot escape a heightened sense of the divine. That is a big gift to our secular culture. Dr. Lenz's work will undoubtedly help bridge a gap, and East will come closer to West and vice versa. That is true development of doctrine, a great accomplishment indeed.

Marvin Bordelon
President, American Conference on Religious Movements
Washington, DC