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Summary: Memoir, History, Politics, Geography, Spirit -- All in One
Review: This story is appealing on many levels, not the least of which is its thoughtful, powerful, flowing prose. The writers bring us the dramatic history and culture of the expansive country of Tibet through the personal oddyssey of the amazing Ani Pachen. An early surprise is learning about the day-to-day life of a Tibetan town and its culture prior to the Chinese invasion. Quite poignant is the Tibetan perspective of the Chinese Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution. Far from being merely a catalogue of the long string of horrific abuses on the part of her captors, Donnelley sensitively narrates the details of Ani Pachen's 21-year imprisonment and torture by weaving the narrative with the gems of Ani's faith. While it is emotionally-draining, the reader is provided opportunities to regain strength. You cannot avoid being deeply moved by the power of this woman and her fellow Tibetans -- and moved to help save her culture. Read this book!
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Summary: Sorrow Mountain, the other side
Review: When I first held this book in my hand, I was captivated by the picture of a Tibetan woman's face that measured less than a half inch square on the book's cover. Who is this Ani Pachen? I asked myself. And what bliss lies on the other side of Sorrow Mountain that she wears it so? This beautiful face shines with such a radiance of love and enlightenment, that I carry it now in my mind and heart. One afternoon when I was sitting in my recliner halfway dozing off, as I was recovering from a minor accident which was more painfull than serious, I held the book up and said to my wife, "I've only managed to read six pages." Which brought me not quite to page 100. The next morning I held the book again before her and said, "I could not have survived what this woman has. I'm not sure I've ever known anyone who could have." I held my emotions in check, as I had cried the night before, when I turned the final pages. My wife looked at the book and said, "You've never read a book that fast before." This was not far from true. I spoke briefly about the book and then I spoke my heart aloud. "I know we have no money, but I feel compelled to do something for the people of Tibet." If this review resonates with your heart, then I have made a start. As someone who loves the Chinese people and culture, it was difficult for me to read about the atrocities committed against the Tibetan people during the Cultual Revolution. After watching her homeland destroyed and her people murdered, after enduring 21 years of torture and imprisonment, Ani Pachen's message is pure, as she prays for an end to all human suffering.
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Summary: Sorrow Mountain: The Journey of a Tibetan Warrior
Review: Whether it is the plains of frozen Siberia in the Soviet Union or green pastures of Oswiecim in Poland, better (or worse for that matter) known as Aushwitz - history has been brutally repeating itself in the mountainous hights of Tibet in the current decades, outplaying itself right in front of our own opened (or shut) eyes. This time the Red Chinese yet again dramatize the same vile and satanic scenario - ruthless homicide, destruction of an ancient culture of highest value to the humankind, brutal denial and annihilation of one of the most profound religious creeds of this planet, and thus prove and warn of their continuing disregard for all life. If there is a difference, and an uplifting one, between the crematoriums of Aushwitz and those exiled who died in Syberia and that of the Tibetan destruction - the Tibetans uniquely defy their oppressors in life and death through their high and most advanced religious beliefs and their practice thereof. The warrior nun is the most beautiful example of this truth - thanks to her sublime spiritual background and training, as well as a lifelong following of the holy example of lamas and gurus of her indomitable nation - she does have the truths of reincarnation and karma not only in her vocabulary but first of all in the deepest depths of her heart. Such spiritual aristocracy is supremely prepared to face satanic oppressors with the legendary Chinese torturous twist. She has the unique mental and spiritual wherewithal to be able to suffer, survive and conquer. She has the body, sustained through her happy childhood on the best diets of the advanced eastern adepts, and the mind trained to perfection by the Buddhic practices of her holy faith, to be able to come out of the 21 years of the Communist hell and continue her life and service to the cause of freedom at the feet of the Dalai Lama in his (and hers) forced exile in India. This book is a must reading for all informed and open-eyed Western readers - those who see the signs of the times and wish to do something about the probability, if not possibility, of the Tibetan scenario repeating itself in the West. Beware of the complacency and comfortability of our times - Ani Pachen, though raised according to the highest aristocratic lifestyle of her beloved Tibet - was never spoiled, indulged in or undisciplined but otherwise supremely prepared to face the challenge. And she did, victoriously. Would you? . . .
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