The courage of this beautiful lady to even publish such a book is fantastic. Her portrayal of that very difficult time in Chinese history without rancor, but with great forgiveness and love, is very encouraging for Christians everywhere. I only wish I could speak to her personally.

Ms. Duan's life and book are a testimony to the incredible uphevals that have occured in China during this century. From the perspective of a Chinese Christian, Ms. Duan has written a book that integrates her culture and her faith. This book captures the life of a unique woman who has lived a humble life and provides the reader with a window into Chinese life. Definitely a book both to inspire and inform.

This book is most inspiring to those of us who live in a world where we are free to believe and worship as we wish. Julia Duan endured hardships most cannot understand by exhibiting a strong faith through recalling hymns and scripture memorized years in the past. She can inspire us all.

This book is about the tale of Tibet's most beloved saint, Milarepa translated from a Tibetan source. It tells of how he embarked on the journey of revenge, and then realizing the grave mistake of taking many lives, seek the Vajrayana path through his guru, Marpa, to attain enlightenment in a single lifetime. Milarepa encountered many hardships but finally achieved his goal.

Anybody who has not heard or read about the life of Milarepa but on the Vajrayana path should read this book as Milarepa is an excellent role model.

The story of Milarepa is a classic in Tibet. He is their Robin Hood and their Shakespere, and universally loved. This is the most well known of the recent translations and provides a readable and fun story, if not something that is somehow going to provide enlightment.

Milarepa starts out as an orphaned child who learns magic to defeat an uncle who slaughtered his family. Later in life, he renounces those powers and becomes a monk.

I highly recommend this book!

This life story of Milarepa has long been one of the most popular books among Tibetans of all backgrounds and lineages, and Lhalungpa's clear translation brings the story to life in English. Milarepa's life would be an inspiration to spiritual aspirants of any religion, and especially to anyone interested in the teachings and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Matthieu Ricard has created a work of art. Remaining true to the poetic beauty of the Tibetan original he has for the first time presented this important work to the west. Also, his notes and appendixes on historical and buddhist backgrounds are invaluable. For the first time the reader is presented with the life of a Tibetan saint and his lineage formerly largely unknown among western students of Tibetan buddhism. A tuely inspiring page-turner !

Never have I come across such an inspiring piece of buddhist literature. Plan on having your life and your practice changed forever after reading the life story of this amazing yogin.

If you are a serious student of Tibetan Buddhism, this biography belongs on your bookshelf! (In fact, it's probably already there!)

Never mind. If you are an aspiring serious student, this book will be an inspiration.

Lord of the Dance is spellbinding. Don't expect to read a typical (boring) Buddhist book here. This memoir is filled with adventure and magic. From its opening chapters when a young tulku attempts to shoot his mother's boyfriend with an arrow through the tragic invasion of Tibet and into the heartbreaking sagas of the refugee camps in India, the reader is taken on an unforgetable and graceful journey. This book was hard for me to shake. It challenged what I believed and at the same time expanded my capacity for belief. Along the way, almost discretely, I became engaged in the inner workings of Tibetan Buddhism. The first time I read Lord of the Dance, I finished the book straight through in a matter of hours. It is beautifully rendered. If Marquez were to write about Tibet, you might have something of the world of Lord of the Dance.

The book doesn't really gives an idea of the man, the compassionate and kind Chagdud, but even so it is remarkable and it's worth every penny. It is very interesting even to those outside the buddhist tradition. Rinpoche is now here in South Brazil, building a traditional temple and revealing the pure and ortodox tibetan Dharma to this sunny side of the globe.

Chagdud Tulku is one of the great meditation masters to come to the west, and a colorful, engaging personality. This candid account of his own life--growing up in Tibet, marriage, flight and exile--is good, exciting reading. It's also an inspiring story of the human spirit, containing extraordinary wisdom amidst the humor, joy and pain of this ordinary but very special life

The book explores realms that are only seldom considered ,for their peculiar nature,and for not beeing easily"catalogued".. The paramount influence,Carol Anthony explains, it is not so much what we whish or desire..but rather what "we do".. " we cannot want the love from one person.." wanting something is still ego based talk..hence unsuccessful. " the way back.. ,straight into someone'heart is to "change the way we see them" as thoroughly as possible and as honestly..

This IS a formidable lesson! and Lesson # 2:.. "nothing can be hidden from, the loving heart of the person we are connected with.."no lies,regardless of their"size"or Color"(white?".).the two hearts are so intimately connected,and at such profound,non measurable level,that alienation soon ensues "The other" may never know the specifics,but the consequences are nevertless as damaging for the relation,that soon or later,breaks apart If the book would contain only these 2 formidable truth,would already be plenty..but thre are imbedded, in the generous and simple prose,hundreds of pure gems.... Such an exquisite voice. Such an exquisite lesson,for the avid heart,on its path to "redemption" Adolfo de' Martino

After working closely with Carol Anthony's "Guide to the I Ching" for a year, I found myself truly transformed in attitude and awareness. That work which continues, was hallmarked by an unexpected relationship and when I felt the powerlessness of loving another, I reached to "Love, an Inner Connection" because it was based in the principles I was familiar with. This book is absolutely necessary to guide you through the challenges of loving another. It requires that we grow up, discard useless attitudes and prejudices, and work from faith and discipline. It seeks to teach those who are willing to learn, that loving requires enormous perseverence and patience, and that relationships that are meant to last, indeed require work.

Mrs.Anthony's understanding of the I Ching and her unique talent of bringing an ancient text to our "current" issues serves as an inexhaustible source of inspiration and strength.

This book is a spiritually based and illuminating work on how we connect with the other in a love relationship, based on the author's work with the I Ching. Unique in its approach, it is an in depth and spiritually based work.

Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche (1904-1989) compares human life to a fork in the road: "one route ascends to higher realms and freedom; the other descends to lower realms. We have the choice of taking the high road or the low road. To use this precious human life as a support to Dharma practice and liberation is to give it its true meaning" (p. 86). In the Foreward to this 318-page compilation of essential oral and written teachings delivered between 1968 and 1989, The Dalai Lama calls Kalu Rinpoche "a beacon of inspiration" (p. xiii). After becoming an ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk at age thirteen, Kalu Rinpoche completed a three-year lama retreat when he was sixteen (p. xv). He then became a wandering yogi when he was twenty-five, and practiced meditation in Himalayan retreats as a solitary hermit for twelve years (p. xv) before delivering his teachings to the Western world. "We must firmly resolve to use this life well," he observes, "by practicing Dharma enthusiastically during the time that remains in this life, this quick, bright moment, like the sun piercing through the clouds" (p. 88).

What HEART OF THE BUDDHA is to Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, LUMINOUS MIND is to Kalu Rinpoche. That is, LUMINIOUS MIND may be read not only as the essential teachings of Kalu Rinpoche, but as a comprehensive, yet practical introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. Kalu Rinpoche demonstrates that "it is experiential knowledge that teaches us to recognize our fundamental nature and liberates us from falling prey to illusions, passions, and thoughts. This awareness grants real happiness in this life, at the time of death, and in future lives up to spiritual enlightenment" (p. 7). He not only encourages us to understand our mind through daily meditation practice, but he teaches us how, because "mind is what we are. It is what experiences happiness and suffering. Mind is what experiences different thoughts and sensations; it is what is subject to pleasant and unpleasant emotions, what experiences desire, aversion, and so forth. A real understanding of the nature of mind is liberating because it disengages us from all illusions and consequently from the source of the suffering, fears and difficulties that make up our daily life" (p. 17).

G. Merritt

This book is a wonderful, authoritative and comprehensive account of the path of Vajrayana Buddhism, as expounded by one of the greatest teachers of the last (20th) century.

I would only add that this book is perhaps not ideal for the complete novice. The teachings are presented in a rather dry, traditional style. People without some previous exposure to Tibetan Buddhist teachings might find the material somewhat confusing. Those interested in a more easily readable introduction to this topic might first try Sogyal Rinpoche's "The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying" or Lama Surya Das' "Awakening The Buddha Within" before returning to this volume.

There are now several books out there which present the teachings of His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche, and many of them are quite good. However, when people ask me to recommend one book, this is the one I tell them to get. This book is very well-organized, and provides a wealth of information about Tibetan Buddhism in general, and Kalu Rinpoche's lineages (Shangpa Kagyu and Karma Kagyu) in particular. The information about the Shangpa lineage is unparalleled. the book is organized so that a beginning student will not be overwhelmed, while long-time practitioners will be rewarded with a wealth of practical instructions. This book was organized by one of Rinpoche's foremost western disciples, Lama Denis Tondrup, and the notes and glossary, which I think he is resonsible for, are invaluable. If you wish to know about the different stages of the Tibetan Buddhist path, or if you feel a connection to Kalu Rinpoche but don't know much about his tradition, I cannot think of a better book to read. This is a book I return to again and again, and I always find just the right advice. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written, in the forward to this book, that Rinpoche ws a "beacon of inspiration." Reading this book, you will come to see just how radiant that beacon continues to be!

I visited to pick up the paperback of this book, and saw this perplexing comment below. This book and The Last Emperor are apples and oranges. This is a popular book (I got my original copy from History Book Club) and intended for reader's with a general interest, or maybe beginning historians. The book by Evelyn S. Rawski is an academic title, very thorough and erudite. But also the books are not on the same subject. Rawski is about the Manchu emperors, their courts and palaces. The Manchus is much more general. Please do not get confused into thinking that these two books are on the same subject.

I have read a more recent book Evelyn Rawski's "The Last Emperors: A Social History of Qing Imperial Institutions " in which she discusses the context between her book and "The Manchus". The two books are probably quite similar but I think that Rawski's book would contain much more undisclosed material.
I have decided not to change the rating on this book in the interest of fair play.

It's funny to note that at many times the Qing dynasty faced many of the same problems that we see today: overpopulation, government corruption, war against drugs. So much of what we think of as Chinese is also Manchu and was introduced rather recently. Well writen and clear all the way through.

I bought this book when it first came out after watching Martin Yan's cooking show on PBS. He's a great chef and teacher. I was lucky to buy this book as my first intro to chinese cooking. If I had bought another book, I might have been too intimidated. But Martin Yan's book of simple recipes with complex flavors was the perfect start to learn how to cook chinese. The recipes are easy, simple and delicious. You'll want to cook them over and over again, and before you know it, you'll begin to experiment on your own, using the simple techniques you learn in this book. I've made almost every recipe in it, and nearly every one has turned out great. From the pot-stickers to the soups to the salads to the stir-frys, all of them tasty and easy to make. The one thing I disagree with Martin Yan on is his saying "don't stare-fry, stir-fry," meaning that you should always keep stirring the food around in your wok (or fry pan). I've found many recipes benefit from a little charring here and there, so less stirring can often add tremendous flavor in some of the dishes. Anway, I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have over the years! It's one of the best in this genre of cookbooks.

This is my most used cookbook. Great explanations and easy instructions. Anyone can with this cookbook.

The book starts off by literally taking the reader through a journey - A journey that totaled more than 65,000 miles throughout China over land, sea, air, and waterways during a three-month period. I learned something new myself reading this book. I have always tried to explain to people how to understand the balance of flavors, taste and textures of food. Martin Yan explains it in one easy thought - yin and yang. "Yin represents the feminine, yielding, darker, more mysterious forces, while yang stands for the masculine, harder, brighter and hotter ones. In the world of food, yin might be cooler, moister, softer foods, like winter melon, asparagus or crabmeat. Yang might take the form of chiles, ginger, fried foods or red meat." The concept of the yin and yang also fit the textures of the food as well. The next part of the book talks about special equipment, tools and techniques. The recipes include Hot and Sour Beijing Dumplings, Duck Soup, Seafood in an Orange Basket (an incredible dish that is so easy to make), Minced Poultry with Walnuts in Lettuce Cups, Mongolian Roast Lamb, Mushrooms in Fragrant Broth, Steamed Garden Vegetables, Fish in a Bamboo Leaf, Steamed Spareribs in Plum Sauce, Tofu Custard with Tropical Fruits, Honey Walnut Prawns, Ginger-Date Wontons, Asparagus with Sweet and Pungent Dressing, and Spicy Fun See Noodle Salad. The recipes are well written with a little history for an item of each recipe. Food styling and photography of this book are outstanding. Some of the ingredients in the book will only be found in specialty shops or Oriental markets, i.e. dried black mushrooms, nori (Japanese seaweed), Sichuan peppercorns and dried bean thread noodles. This book was aiming to be the first book to receive a perfect score from me, until the very end of the cookbook. Martin Yan wrote an incredible book. I felt the last two pages of advertising took a little bit away from the book however

Lee Ao did it again! Another great yet enthralling work by Lee Ao, the best Chinese critique writer. Lee Ao does it in a serious cum humorous way, from poems to elite phrases. There isn't a boring page. If possible, get the Chinese version (for those Chinese literate). A highly recommended piece of work.

I've read the original of this book about ten times, and the more I read this book, the more thoughts and after-thoughts occur in my mind. As a Chinese born in Taiwan, This book really inspired me. Not only its depth of historical records and eloqunce of critique are unprecedented in the history of Chinese literature, but the passions, the intellectual's hope for salvation and revolutionaries' struggle to improve China expressed between the lines are set on a trageic stage in a way that is both dramatic and calm, violent and peaceful. You can see the flow of time and the continuation and history when reading this book. And that feeling, is what makes Chinese people and Chinese civilization distinctive. Li Ao is one of the most talented, humorous, arrogant, witty, insightful, and controversial liberal intellctual in the modern China. He has been imprisoned for treason(the accusation was totally groundless). He has been supressed by the maintream media in Taiwan because of his humiliating disclosure of government official's scandals.But he has won the heart of the contemporary readers through his stylish, if not flirting and combative, writings(over 15 million ords and still mounting). The Martyr'sShrine is by far his greatest achievement. He was even nominated to compete for the Nobel Prize for literature. In my opinion he absolutely deserves the prize. To understand this book requires a solid background knowledge in Chinese history and culture. I don't know if the ordinary Western readers are up to the task. However, if you really want to understand China and its struggle of modernization in the 19-20 century, this book is a good start.

Based on the history of reform movement of 1898 in China, the great thinker, historian, and writer of China, Ao Li( who lives in Taiwan) created this fiction. In the story, through the conversations and actions of the elits of Chinese intellecturalists, the author discussed the true thought and spirit of budhhism and Chinese thought of loyalty, patriatism, etc.; and expressed his idealist's thought. This is more a philosophy book and history than a novel. Six months ago when I finished reading this book in Chinese, I said it ought to have an English translation for people who don't read in Chinese. I am glad there is an English translation now.