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Synopsis
"A devoted Buddhist and a spokesman for Tibetan culture, Lama Anagarika Govinda was one of the last foreigners to journey through Tibet before the Chinese invasion of 1950. Govinda's luminous and candid account is a spectacular and gloriously poetic story of exploration and discovery, and a sensitive and lucid interpretation of Tibetan traditions. Comprised of elements from several genres - spiritual journals, adventure narratives, anthropological field reports, and philosophical commentaries, The Way of the White Clouds is one of the twentieth century's classic spiritual autobiographies and an invaluable document about a place and a way of thinking that are virtually defined by their mysteries." Robert Thurman's perceptive new introduction to the volume places Govinda's writings in historical context and expands understanding of Tibet, Buddhism, and the life of a remarkable man.
Library Journal
As Tibetans continue to live under an oppressive Communist regime in their native land, many Westerners are showing genuine and widespread compassion and interest in understanding Tibetan religious, cultural, and social history prior to the 1950s Chinese takeover. This new and accessible Western edition of author/explorer Govinda's (1898-1985) spiritual classic is intended for such an audience, which may know little of Tibet's contributions and the origins of its traditions. Major topics include the death and rebirth experience, ritual mystery plays, typical guru/student relationships, and the nature of pilgrimages. The stories of people the author meets who are "loving-kindness in action" (e.g., the Great Hermit) shine especially. Replete with rich descriptions of colorful Tibetan practices and a new introduction by Robert Thurman, this book will appeal to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Govinda grasped the importance of conveying the time-honored sacred truths of Tibet so that upcoming generations would feel a real passion to grow spiritually. Recommended for religion collections of larger public and academic libraries.-Lisa Liquori, M.L.S., Syracuse, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.