Riding the Tiger: Twenty Years on the Road : Risks and Joys of Bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West

Rating:
Summary: Logbook of building centers in the west
Review: A discription of Ole Nydahls work in building up and cherishing a western community of buddhists. A lot of illustrative pictures. The book is a sequal to Riding the Tiger, but Ole has now a clear program of establishing Karmapas buddhism in the west. It's a down to earth but solid system of tibetan buddhism. Ole's work is still growing and right now gaining momentum with 17.Karmapa in Europe. So I'm looking forward to another sequal of his biography.

Rating:
Summary: A true treasure
Review: I found this book really met a lot of questions which had formed over the years about lifestyle and the Buddhist view.
Lama Ole really presents joy and excitement with some rare glimpses of early interactions with the 16th Karmapa.
The freedom and acceptance of Kagyu Buddhism in non-judgement and fearless activity brings blessing to many around the world.
I am not suprised more and more that there are over 350 centers forming around the world. Id pick up this book any day, with the element that every part of it captures a unique and integral aspect of the development of Buddhism in the West. It is joy to read of Hannah and Ole Nydahl and their gift to bring lay buddhism to the West and in such a natural, unhindered way.
A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS LIFES TRAVELS

Rating:
Summary: A true treasure
Review: I found this book really met a lot of questions which had formed over the years about lifestyle and the Buddhist view.
Lama Ole really presents joy and excitement with some rare glimpses of early interactions with the 16th Karmapa.
The freedom and acceptance of Kagyu Buddhism in non-judgement and fearless activity brings blessing to many around the world.
I am not suprised more and more that there are over 350 centers forming around the world. Id pick up this book any day, with the element that every part of it captures a unique and integral aspect of the development of Buddhism in the West. It is joy to read of Hannah and Ole Nydahl and their gift to bring lay buddhism to the West and in such a natural, unhindered way.
A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS LIFES TRAVELS

Rating:
Summary: A Fine Dharma Travelogue!
Review: Lama Ole Nydahl is a unique figure in modern Buddhist history -first Western student of the Black Hat lama, H.H. the XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa, married, lama 'without robes', and spiritual figure personally chosen by the Karmapa to teach and make foundations in his name- and 'Riding the Tiger' is filled to overflowing with his particular energies and gifts. It is a galloping book that takes the reader around the world, inviting him in for a close-up look at the making of a Buddhist center for meditation and study, and Lama Ole has successfully started over one hundred such centers. And a deep look, as well, at the nature of Buddhism in the West, how it has been transplanted, how it has flourished. With due respect to another of the reviews on this page, Lama Ole's defense of Diamond Way Buddhism and of the singular wishes of the XVIth Karmapa, and his willingness to discuss the schism that has taken place within the Kagyu tradition, with two reincarnations of the Karmapa presently recognized by two differing factions, is certainly not childish, nor does the conflict itself necessarily reflect negatively on the Kagyu lineage. It is to Lama Ole's credit that while focusing his attention on the spreading of the Dharma, he does not shy away from the controversy. Perhaps that is because he holds the truth of this historical situation in his mind and heart, and therefore need not fear the light of day when looking at this controversy. It is certainly interesting that the 'other' 17th Karmapa, the one 'recognized' by Beijing, has recently escaped over the mountains to Dharamsala! Did not the Lord Buddha say "I show you suffering and the ending of suffering?" This is a magical book and a magical ride!