Mind over Matter Reflections on Buddhism in the West

Drawing upon three decades of living and working with Western students, Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, one of the last high lamas fully trained inside Tibet, addresses issues important to everyone interested in the transmission of Buddhism to the West. In clear, direct language, he discusses differences between traditional and Western views of Dharma study and practice, academic and therapeutic approaches to Buddhism, and ingrained patterns that challenge successful transmission of the teachings. Addressing questions, doubts, and considerations of many Western Buddhist practioners, he explores such topics as karma and rebirth, the Tibetan tradition of Tulkus or reincarnate lamas, the place of initiations and rituals, and the power of prayer. While offering some penetrating, perhaps painful insights, his reflections convey a depth of kindness and encouragement that spring from a longstanding appreciation of America and its people. Since 1969, Tarthang Tulku has founded the Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center, the Tibetan Aid Project, Dharma Publishing and Press, Nyingma Institute (a public educational institution), and Odiyan, retreat center where the sacred art and texts of Tibetan Buddhism can be preserved and continued as a legacy for all humanity. He has authored 15 books in English. ISBN: 0-89800322-9.Tulku, Tarthang is the author of 'Mind over Matter Reflections on Buddhism in the West' with ISBN 9780898003222 and ISBN 0898003229.