Blazing Splendor: The Memoirs of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

I've read many books involving short stories about masters. Lives and Legends of the Mahasiddhas, Zen Antics, and others. They were all useful, and entertaining. But they were always a few steps, and a few hundred years, removed.You can't help but feel the richness of each word here. Some say you need to apply willing suspension of disbelief while reading some of the stories, but to me, as much is being described as can be, using words.This book is a glimpse into the final generation of Tibet before things changed permanently, but it is so much more than this.

A great overview of the history of Buddhism in Tibet. The way the Tulku Urgyen Rinposche describes his experiences and relationships it seems like the history ranges from Padmasambhava on. I loved the inter relationships between disciples, reincarnations, emanations and family ties. I gained a much greater layman's understanding of the intricacies involved in the life of such a high Tulku.One of the puzzles of this book is that there is no mention of the two people who have been recognized as the 17th Karmapa even though Tulku Urgyen had close interactions with with both the 15th and 16th (died in 1981) Karmapas. He mentions the Chinese communists only as needed.The book contains a comprehensive glossary (with a pointer to a website that promises an even more extensive glossary, the website URL leads to a page saying that website name is for sale). I learned a great deal by reading the glossary after reading the book. I have been unable to find a way to make convenient use of such a glossary when reading on the Kindle.

Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche is a descendant of a renowned and almost legendary Tibetan lama Choguyr Lingpa. Because of that, his family met with many high lamas and had a lot of stories about prominent figures of Nyingma and Karma Kagyu lineages of 19th and 20th centuries: Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgon Kongtrul, 15th and 16th Karmapas, and many other Rinpoches.Author himself is very humble and honest, not telling a lot of himself and not trying to appear as someone outstanding and supernatural. You'll get a unique insight into the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism from the authentic lama of its oldest lineage, with photos of places and people.Sadly, it was nearly extinct during the Cultural Revolution; not everyone was able to escape and save the teachings, artwork, and relics. This fact makes the book even more important for those who want to understand deeper the phenomena of Tibetan Buddhism.

A delightful account of transmission of teachings and terma from Kagyu and Nyingma "stars". I rarely find personal profiles like this of the masters, whose biographies often consist of empowerments received and their teachers, but do not relate the personalities or personal struggles.From a historical perspective it is fascinating to get a personal look at great masters of the near past - e.g., those who I "knew of" in my lifetime - 15th (before my time) and 16th Karmapa, Dilgo Khyentse, Dudjom Rinpoche, and lots of personal information on Tulku Urgyen himself. Also, this book provides an account of Mao Tse Tung's relationship to Tibet and the series of communist invasions, leading to the dreadful destruction of a (literally) incredible culture.Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche has other books which are more profound in actually teaching and explaining the dharma. Although Blazing Splendor is more of a pleasurable excursion, it is nevertheless an inspiring account and prompted me to take a more serious look at the lack of true dedication in my practice.

I found this book fascinating. It gave me a window to view the way of life of an elite sector of traditional Tibetan society - the high-born lamas of Eastern Tibet - and their complete dedication to the pursuit of spiritual attainment within the context of the buddho-shamistic culture of their people. Written from deeply within the context of the Tibetan spiritual worldview, this narrative brings to life the character of many great masters from pre-communist Tibet, and puts the teachings that survive them within the context of their traditional way of life. If you are interested in awakening to Truth, the Dzogchen teachings, and traditional cultures, you are sure to find this an interesting read, providing that you are able to navigate the many dozens of Tibetan names and words that occur throughout the text (glossary included.) :) The greatest thing that struck me from reading this memoir was how profoundly the society of Tibet supported its spiritual practitioners - and in contrast how lacking our modern society is in this regard. Truly, despite all of its failings from a modern humanistic perspective, traditional Tibet was a sacred society.

It is a beautiful book. For people of our age probably somewhat unbelievable. Mystical even. But then again if reading with an open mind it can be an interesting view of the world to ponder.Although I did not have the luck to meet Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche when he was alive, I have had the chance to watch some videos of his teachings, meet his sons, and visit Nagi Gompa where he used to live. If you take to reading the book and feel inspired, do visit Nagi Gompa in Nepal or one of Urgyen Rinpoche's sons for teachings.

Engaging, humble, and self-effacing, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche tells stories about his family and his teachers. Great stories about Chogyur Lingpa and his dependents, including Samten ..., Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's uncle, who was a hidden yogi.This is the third Rinpoche (Chagdud Tulku and Chogyal Namkai Norbu being the two others) that I've read their stories and their female relatives figured prominently in them. That is refreshing in the stories of Tibetan Buddhism, where often women are mentioned as the mother or consort of some master and then never really spoken of again. These women were smart, accomplished, and a precious link to the history of their families.

Easily the best biography I have read thus far - highly recommended!

A lot of people who have naively encountered Tibetan teachings have ended up abused or with mental health issues. It is hard in the modern world to see these stories as more than myth or legend. They are not a practical guide on how to live your life nor do they contain much that the historical Buddha is likely to have said. Tibetans form a small minority of those trying to follow the Buddha’s inspiration and their beliefs would not be accepted by the majority. Their teachings were not traditionally given without prior warning of severe commitments. Finding out about these commitments after having already received the teachings can be very disturbing.

Excellent condition and wonderful. Thanks.

An absolutely inspiring and amazing book, delivered on time.

Wonderful book that weaves together the lives and stories of many great masters of Tibet, and paints the scene of the conditions prior to and during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.Full of many magical stories that are captivating and perhaps hard to believe for some. Really wonderful reading experience, I recommend it to anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism.