Cave in the Snow: A Western Woman's Quest for Enlightenment

Rating:
Summary: Great reading
Review: Although I am usually most interested in books relating to Taoism and the martial arts, this book caught my attention. The story of a British woman spending 12 years in a small cave at 13,000 feet in Tibet meditating was one I had to read. Although some readers have said that the author's style turned them off, I must say I had no problem with it. It took me a day to read this book, and I will probably go back and read it again. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that thinks it may be interesting- a GREAT read.

Rating:
Summary: Take what you will.
Review: Although I lost some respect for Tenzin Palmo because of her initial desicion to align herself with the male dominated, hypocritical world of Tibetan Buddhism. However, after reading the book you start to see how her influence may be the beginning of a shift in the Tibetan Buddhist outlook towards women.

This is a fantastic book, and recommend it to anyone of any religous faith. It's an excellent story and very entertaining. Read it for that reason alone.

Rating:
Summary: A difficult but dazzling spiritual journey
Review: Despite Vicki Mackenzie's breathless tabloid style (which she comes by honestly, as a British tabloid journalist), this book works brilliantly ... and the reason is its subject, Tenzin Palmo, a British woman who became a Tibetan Buddhist nun. Her dry English wit and sterling character shine from every page. The first Western woman to engage in a 12-year meditation retreat in a cave in the Himalayas, Tenzin Palmo describes her spiritual life in a matter-of-fact way that is all the more inspiring for its simplicity and humour. Along the way she tackles the difficult question of women's role in Tibetan Buddhism - I was not surprised to learn that, rather than resting on her own accomplishments, Tenzin Palmo has devoted herself to helping her sister nuns in Asia. An engaging and wonderful book!

Rating:
Summary: Totally Enlightening
Review: I felt that I was gaining enlightenment just by reading this book. Tenzin Palmo is truly extraordinary. This is a great book for anyone, whether or not they are interested in Buddhism.

Rating:
Summary: The story shines through!
Review: It would seem difficult to commend sufficiently the merit of this book. Despite lackluster writing by journalist Vicki MacKenzie (whose fascinating book on lama Osel, the surprising tulku recently discovered in Spain, seemed affected arbitrarily by the same lack of dynamism in the writing) the story of Tenzin Palmo shines through, and witnesses to a kind of freedom that is the stuff of legend, and a harbinger of peace. Her presence is clear on every page, distinct and standing and shining on its own power, and perhaps in that way MacKenzie's notably waveless style serves the book well. The book is assembled beautifully, MacKenzie takes her time in just the right places; the final few chapters take up a kind of ecstatic explosion of joy, rumbling to a final free-flying celebration of a remarkable woman's life and freedom. I enjoyed it immensely; and what really calls, and remains a part of us is the woman, this rather great personage of achievement, the lama of freedom- Tenzin Palmo! Her teaching is without any superfluous edges, one finds on nearly every page of this book an immensely grateful and happily intelligent woman, one worth considering for the quality of her genuine spiritual impact. One of the more satisfying books I've read this year, its minimalist decor notwithstanding; not that the writing is so impoverished, but a little bloodless, as I say. But take heart, Tendzin Palmo is a bountiful journey! 4 glad stars!

Rating:
Summary: The story shines through!
Review: It would seem difficult to commend sufficiently the merit of this book. Despite lackluster writing by journalist Vicki MacKenzie (whose fascinating book on lama Osel, the surprising tulku recently discovered in Spain, seemed affected arbitrarily by the same lack of dynamism in the writing) the story of Tenzin Palmo shines through, and witnesses to a kind of freedom that is the stuff of legend, and a harbinger of peace. Her presence is clear on every page, distinct and standing and shining on its own power, and perhaps in that way MacKenzie's notably waveless style serves the book well. The book is assembled beautifully, MacKenzie takes her time in just the right places; the final few chapters take up a kind of ecstatic explosion of joy, rumbling to a final free-flying celebration of a remarkable woman's life and freedom. I enjoyed it immensely; and what really calls, and remains a part of us is the woman, this rather great personage of achievement, the lama of freedom- Tenzin Palmo! Her teaching is without any superfluous edges, one finds on nearly every page of this book an immensely grateful and happily intelligent woman, one worth considering for the quality of her genuine spiritual impact. One of the more satisfying books I've read this year, its minimalist decor notwithstanding; not that the writing is so impoverished, but a little bloodless, as I say. But take heart, Tendzin Palmo is a bountiful journey! 4 glad stars!

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: Not only the book is written reasonably well but Tenzin Palmo's life story is so touching that you probably won't stop reading until you reach the last sentence. This is one of those books you'll remember reading in ten or twenty years time. If you are looking for a book that might change your life or give you directions in your life then, this is the book.

Rating:
Summary: inspiring tale of a woman's faith
Review: Tenzin Palmo, this book's subject, is a character you will never forget. Full of faith, insight and strength, her dedication to persuing the Path has determined her life and continues to do so. The writer, Vicki Mackenzie, writes a gripping narrative about Tenzin Palmo's life from her beginnings in England (where her interest in the East bloomed) to her voyage to India, to living in a monastary, finding her guru and eventually going up to her cave, where she meditated for 12 years. The book reaches a peak in the chapters about Tenzin Palmo's cave retreat. The book changes directions upon Tenzin Palmo's emergence from the cave, becoming more reportorial and less biographical. Among the topics covered are Tenzin Palmo's efforts in founding a nunnery for her lineage (Kargyu) and to perpatuate the esoteric yogic practices of the Togdenmas, female yogis in this particular Tibetan line. Also interesting chapters on Buddhism in the West (particularly the U.S.) and the role of retreat. An amazing book for anyone who is deepening their spiritual practice, curious about or considering retreat, and highly valuable to women seekers! A wonderful book! Hurrah!

Rating:
Summary: A cart load of ... !
Review: The more and more you read about what Tenzin Palmo has to say is like listening to some crazy person who has a few moments of clarity. I kept wondering why this book was ever written - to tell the world that an English woman stayed up in the mountains for 12 years or about the feminist movement in Buddhism or about spinning yarn lack of nothing better to do ? I think anyone who is isolated and starves over a period of time ANYWHERE will start hallucinating -you don't have to go to a cave in the Himalayas to do that.Besides while she was busy trying to find 'Enlightenment' other people had to work hard not only for their living but also to offer her 'her plane tickets,their houses,food,transport,money,so that all her physical needs are met.This is how she says it should be.' Now that's a great way to get enlightened !

Rating:
Summary: Inspiration from Cover to Cover
Review: The story of Tenzin Palmo's search for enlightment in the Buddhist realm is an inspiration for any person looking for emotional strength in their lives. Her courage and fortitude living in isolation in a cave in the snow, high up in the Himalayas, gave me the courage to pursue my dreams down here in suburbia. This is not only a Buddhist story but a story of one woman's truimph against all odds.