Customer Reviews

The Dance of 17 Lives: The Incredible True Story of Tibet's 17th Karmapa

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With so many books written on Tibet, it is hard to find a book that will provide an objective unbiased overview of history and the current situation in Tibet and Tibetan people. Mick Brown's book is exactly this. It's well written and easy to read, very informative! Suitable for those who are unacquainted with the subject, as well as for those who have been exposed to the wonderful Tibetan culture. A refreshing book in the world in which there is so much information manipulation!

really enjoyed this book and i am not of a religious bent of mind. i have never been to tibet or india and didn't know anything about the religions of those parts. my ignorance did not matter as mr brown is so informative. he lets the reader decide if the heroes and heroines of the book are telling the truth. i dont know. the young boy comes across as genuine as do the advocates of his rival's claims. i would say this book is a rare find as it is a travel book, an adventure story, a guide to religion and also a murder mystery. great value to my way of thinking.

I could not put this book down - read it in 24 hours and then gave it to a friend who did the same! It is about the latest incarnation of the Karmapa, Orgen Trinley Dorje, head of the meditation lineage in Tibetan Buddhism. He is now on his 17th incarnation and is 19 years old. But for various reasons, another high rinpoche in the same lineage has decided that he has found another boy to be the Karmapa and so the lineage is experiencing division. Of course this creates major problems and the book goes into detail about the 'Karmapa Controversy': the people involved, the events that occured along the way and the mistakes that have been made. As it is a true story being lived out now and continuing , it makes utterly fascinating reading and gives glimpses into the lives of revered Tibetan Masters and the politics which has always been an influence in Tibetan Buddhism. Well written but not sharp investigative journalism - the author would need to be more ruthless in tackling the revered Rinpoches that she obviously respects so highly. The reader gets the impression that these Tibetan teachers are very careful what they reveal and can be a little bit flexible with the facts! It left me wishing I knew what was REALLY going on, not what we are supposed to believe.

One word sums this wonderful book up, moving and eloquent! It is about a 14 year old boy at the centre of a tussle between Tibetan monks. Is he the reincarnation of the dead 16 th Karpana? Some say yes and some no. Fleeing Tibet the boy arives in India. That is only the beginning. In reverse Mr Brown takes us back to the true start when the boy is found as a seven year old. Without the cynicism sadly so common in today's books Mr Brown asks us to ask ourselves - are Humankind capable of holiness or are we all blighted by Original Sin? I am a slow reader as I am not in the first flush of youth. I read it slowly and often paused to reflect as watching my faithful dogs gamble in the garden. Would the 17 th Karpana empathise with me? Do dogs have souls? Is there life outside of us? Is Tibet ever going to settle down? To grapple so well with these questions is a difficult service. By the by it is also an enjoyable book whatever one's personal faith.

A fascinating but slightly depressing account of the complicated story behind the struggle to identify the true Karmapa. It's a very readable, although journalistic, book - by which I mean it presents the story with a clear concern for truth and accuracy but, for me, it is a little lacking in depth, and there is a sense of skating over the surface. If you are looking for the lofty spirituality of Tibetan Buddhism you will be disappointed as above all, perhaps, this story shows that there can never be any completely sacred organisation and that all human endeavours are dogged by worldy concerns and intractable politics. I would have thought, however, that it was essential reading for anyone interested in Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism, as is also The Secret Lives of the Dalai Lama: Holder of the White Lotus: The Lives of the Dalai Lama

I didn't expect this to be so engaging after reading the reviews. Then once I started, I couldn't put it down until I finished the whole book.

This is a must have for anyone who is interested in getting some facts and insights about the Karmapa Controversy before making your own judgement. This book simply lays out the facts and opinions of others (quoted with names) that the author has found through interviews with people. It is up to the readers to make their own judgement.

This book has cleared away the final doubts and confusion I had since I first read about the controversy. Now I am free and happy. :)

Sheer brilliance from start to finish! Written with clarity and emotion, Icould barely put this book down. Mick Brown's portrayal of the Karmarpa'sstory is both intriguing and deeply compelling. Highly recommended.

This was the first book I bought for my new kindle. I just could not put it down. I thought I would read a couple of pages put it down a say I have the tea shirt,but no it was good to read about Buddhism. I would recommend this book not to become a monk but to know a bit more about Buddhim.[[ASIN:B004YVYPZC The Dance of 17 Lives: The Incredible True Story of Tibet's 17th Karmapa]

Chose this book after reading other reviews. Was a little disappointed. Far to little on the actual life of the 17th Karmapa and endless details of previous factions & re-incarnations. A fairer title would have been The History of Tibet's Karmapa's & Other Religios Lines.

This book is a fascinating insight into the Karmapa and his history. Furthermore the insight into Tibetan Buddhism, it's structure, function and geography is truly enlightening.