Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
A book that established Tibetan Buddhism in the West, 29 Jun 1999
By A Customer
Garma C.C. Chang, the translator of these songs, single-handedly preserved this book for the West, for it surely would have disappeared, overlooked by religious popularizers. The degree, Cha Gyur Khan-po, 'professor of translation,' was conferred upon the late Professor Chen-Chi Chang by his guru, a living Buddha, Kong Ka Lama, at the Kong Ka Monestary at Meia Nya, Tibet. The monastery is of the Kargyutpa School, which descended directly from Milarepa's line of gurus. C.C. Chang was more than a translator, however. He was among the greatest Buddhist scholars and teachers of the twentieth century. His studies of both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism are powerful because they are unvarnished. Unfortunately, not all his works are still in print. As he brought Milarepa to the West, he also brought what is perhaps China's greatest contribution to Buddhism (and recall, it was China that gave us Zen), the teachings of the 8th century Hwa Yen school, which is contained in C.C. Chang's book, still in print: The Teaching of Totality. I was deeply fortunate to have known Professor Chang, and I remember his reverence for Milarepa, his delight at the songs. I remember him imploring his students to delve deep into these teachings, from one of Tibet's greatest masters. Now there is this new edition. By itself, the story of Milarepa is magnificent, a tale of naive cruelty, healing, heroic effort and finally mercy and enlightenment. Milarepa is the psalmist of the Himalayas, and the late Professor's translation is a triumph of the heart. The book is a monument and a refuge.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
One of the world's great religious texts, 21 April 1999
By A Customer
This classic, originally a collection of folk narratives, is the myth and history of one of Tibet's legendary reclusive saints. The translation has a fluid and musical quality, and is easily accessible to the contemporary reader. There is much material here to fuel contemplation, particularly the stories concerning the courage to face inner fears and temptations. Meditators and followers of all spiritual paths will find the book most useful, but it is engrossing enough as a folk tale to keep anyone's attention. It is my personal favorite among the world's bibles, and I am delighted to see it reissued.
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