History of 16 Karmapas

Rating:
Summary: The subject matter carries the reader forward
Review: The lives of the Karmapas, successive reincarnations of the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, are here told in an almost textbook-like fashion. This happened, then that happened. There are no dramatic flourishes, no author's interpretations, to pretty it up. Nor is there a need for such narrative artistry. The subject matter is exotic enough, and the lives are fascinating in simple outline. This is essentially a history book intended for readers who are already interested in the Tibetan tradition of tulkus and/or the Karma Kagyu school.

Rating:
Summary: The subject matter carries the reader forward
Review: The lives of the Karmapas, successive reincarnations of the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, are here told in an almost textbook-like fashion. This happened, then that happened. There are no dramatic flourishes, no author's interpretations, to pretty it up. Nor is there a need for such narrative artistry. The subject matter is exotic enough, and the lives are fascinating in simple outline. This is essentially a history book intended for readers who are already interested in the Tibetan tradition of tulkus and/or the Karma Kagyu school.