DOC Lion of Siddhas: The Life and Teachings of Padampa Sangye by From Snow Lion in History

Review

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. A stunning synthesis of Buddhist thought and practiceBy Kimball WhitfieldLion of Siddhas is a joyful and exciting text filled with the miraculous activities of enlightened beings. More importantly; David Molk's work is a clear pipeline to the words of the realized meditation master; Padampa Sangye. This will be no surprise for those familiar with David's translation efforts for some of the great living masters of Tibetan Buddhism.Lion of Siddhas may rival the translations of the Songs of Milarepa in its importance and profundity. As one of the great Mahasiddhas of early Tibet; Padampa Sangye has been largely overlooked in the West despite being celebrated in the Songs of Milarepa as an equal and a fully realized being; and his profound influence on the First Panchen Lama.Westerners may have a hard time accepting the claim that in the same lifetime Padampa Sangye was also Bodhidharma who brought Zen to China; as well as Kamalashila who firmly planted the gradual method of enlightenment in Tibet. Yet; within the writing one clearly encounters the gradual stages of Indo-Tibetan meditation thoroughly mixed with the iconoclasm and immediacy of Zen and Mahamudra. Finally; all is combined into one package with the precision of Tantric thought and practice. Based on the text; the extraordinary claim that one being is actually all three of these pivotal personalities seems somehow possible. Whether one accepts this and other miraculous claims; Padampa Sangye clearly represents a stunning synthesis of Buddhist thought and practice that is functional; non-sectarian and refreshingly non-monastic.David Molk's lifetime of experience as a translator and Buddhist practitioner is evident in the translation; which portrays his deep personal acquaintance with the teachings.This book is an important addition to any library; providing insight into extraordinary teachings. I offer a heartfelt thank you to Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche for bringing these teachings to the West. I hope this is of value.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A manual.By AdrianIf you seek understanding actively; this book will bring you closer to this goal. It inspired me and produced an incredible change in the quality of my mind that lasted for several weeks. However; if you never read Buddhist literature before; be aware that this is not easy lecture. In the end; the greater part of this book is a how-to manual and it should be read accordingly - slowly and introspectively. The points Padampa Sangye makes should be analyzed; thought through and meditated upon.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Padampa Sangye--Lion's RoarBy Michael P.This is a rare text to have in one's possession! It took 2500 years for these teachings to be uncovered and now appearing in English is an extreme blessing; especially for those who have a karmic-link with this great master. The biography in the first half of the book is well written and easy to follow. The teachings for the remainder of the book are vivid and clear; for all those who aspire to cultivate the teaching of the Buddhadharma. Like Jetsun Milarepa; Padampa Sangye was a master of skillful means/crazy wisdom (in fact there is an endearing tale of these great masters meeting one-another; which appears in this text). His sole purpose is to bring all to Buddhahood through any means necessary. The medicine of the Dharma is the panacea concerning our personal/collective suffering; and Padampa Sangye's delivery is just as potent as it was when he taught in his physical form centuries ago. I feel that I can open this text at any point in my practice/study; and my mind will benefit from Padampa Sangye's teachings. If you are ready for a good dose of crazy wisdom in the form of Dharma teachings; having this book for your library is an indispensable blessing.