Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism

Rating:
Summary: Haven't Read Much of It, but I'm already Buying It!
Review: I couldn't give it 5 stars simply becuase I haven't yet finished reading it. I borrowed this book from the library and couldn't finish it in the lending period (it's big!), so I'm now online buying the book.

What I've read is extrememly well-written and interesting, not of a textbook style at all. It explains Tibetan philosophy in a very accessible way.

I reccommend it for anyone interested in Tibet or Buddhism.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Survey Despite Wierd Feminism
Review: I was glad to find J. Powers' comprehensive explanation of Tibetan Buddhism. It was both technically informative and colorful. I enjoyed the detail on the discovery of the reincarnated Dalai Lama; the testing of the 2-year-old boy by the disguised monks. Tibetan Buddhism can be confusing and arcane, and a book like this was needed. My only complaint: Powers' use of female pronouns throughout the book is offputting to a male reader; slightly bizzare. Buddhism was founded by a male, developed by men, and has attracted men for aeons. A feminist agenda in work of this weight (even twisting the conventions of literature) is misplaced and gives to the text a triteness.

Rating:
Summary: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother...
Review: This book is not a good "Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism." It
took me about one month to read the book. It is 500 pages.
The author uses big words. There is great detail. For an
intro to Tibetan Buddhism, buy "Open Heart, Clear Mind" by
Thubten Chodron. I learned a lot from this "Comprehensive
Guide to Tibetan Buddhism." But I have read thirty or forty
books on the subject. And this is still a HEAVY meal. If
you do want to really know about Tibetan Buddhism in an

"intermediate" fashion, then please buy and read the book.
You will learn a lot. I was dissapointed to learn that one of the Dali Lama's was a romantic poet and womanizer who did
very little spiritual practice! And that the Chinese organized
massive "gang rapes" in order to subjagate the Tibetan people.
So I learned a lot. But I still wished that there was less detail and more clarity. The meal is just too big. I'll state it once more. Buy and read this book if you want a comprehensive text on Tibetan Buddhism. Thank You.

Rating:
Summary: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother...
Review: This book is not a good "Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism." It
took me about one month to read the book. It is 500 pages.
The author uses big words. There is great detail. For an
intro to Tibetan Buddhism, buy "Open Heart, Clear Mind" by
Thubten Chodron. I learned a lot from this "Comprehensive
Guide to Tibetan Buddhism." But I have read thirty or forty
books on the subject. And this is still a HEAVY meal. If
you do want to really know about Tibetan Buddhism in an

"intermediate" fashion, then please buy and read the book.
You will learn a lot. I was dissapointed to learn that one of the Dali Lama's was a romantic poet and womanizer who did
very little spiritual practice! And that the Chinese organized
massive "gang rapes" in order to subjagate the Tibetan people.
So I learned a lot. But I still wished that there was less detail and more clarity. The meal is just too big. I'll state it once more. Buy and read this book if you want a comprehensive text on Tibetan Buddhism. Thank You.

Rating:
Summary: A Very Good Introduction
Review: This book is one of the most valuable I have come across in all the academic studies of Buddhism. I highly recommend it to all.