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The Dance of 17 Lives
by
Mick Brown
The 17th Karmapa, one of the holiest figures in Tibetan Buddhism, arrived in Dharmsala as a fourteen-year-old boy in 2000, after an extraordinary escape across the Himalayas. Fascinated by this charismatic young figure, Mick Brown traveled to meet him, and found himself drawn into the labyrinthine web of intrigue surrounding the 17th Karmapa's recognition and early life.
Paperback, 368 pages
Published
June 6th 2005
by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
(first published 2004)
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This is a well written narrative about the strange events and complex politics surrounding the two claimants to be the 17th Karmapa Lama. It is frustrating that Brown seems so taken by one of the claimants (although he is, apparently, not a practising Buddhist) - it colours the book from early on. However, he does still manage to expose the ridiculous posturing by the Indian and Chinese governments on the subject. I would have liked more on the link to the history of China-India relations; and p...more
Surprisingly entertaining read.
The story is pieced together from interviews with the different people involved, we get a good overview of Karmapa's religious and cultural significance, the controversies over his identification, and the politics imprisoning him.
And in the end, the Author reminds us, amid all these intrigues, we must not forget the initial intent. Karmapa is not here for political gain, or personal gain, he is here, because he wants to help others end suffering, all the politics...more
The story is pieced together from interviews with the different people involved, we get a good overview of Karmapa's religious and cultural significance, the controversies over his identification, and the politics imprisoning him.
And in the end, the Author reminds us, amid all these intrigues, we must not forget the initial intent. Karmapa is not here for political gain, or personal gain, he is here, because he wants to help others end suffering, all the politics...more
If you're trying to decide between this book and Wrestling the Dragon In Search of the Boy Lama Who Defied China, pick this one.
Wait. Actually, it doesn't matter which one you pick because they are, essentially, the same book. The strength of Brown's is that it includes pictures, and the strength of Naher's is how she set up the books in corresponding parts.
Ultimately, both depict the tale of the 17th Karmapa, although Brown manages to score an interview with China's pick of the Karmapa, which I...more
Wait. Actually, it doesn't matter which one you pick because they are, essentially, the same book. The strength of Brown's is that it includes pictures, and the strength of Naher's is how she set up the books in corresponding parts.
Ultimately, both depict the tale of the 17th Karmapa, although Brown manages to score an interview with China's pick of the Karmapa, which I...more
Jan 11, 2010
Roxanne
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
spirituality,
nonfiction
Brown keeps a journalist's perspective on this controversial topic, telling the story and interviewing all the participants without coming down on one side or the other. Instead he gives us a bit of the humanity of these larger-than-life spiritual figures. The whole book is pretty masterfully done. I was impressed with Brown's impartiality and the grace with which he handled the material: he doesn't sensationalize the events, or hype up the drama, or engage in gossip (and the gossip he reports f...more
very good, if biased, look at the life so far of the 17th Karmapa
Love this book
Somewhat biased insight into the politics behind the Karma Kagu lineage & Tibetian Buddhism in general. The author struggles to suppress his scepticism while presenting the Karmapa's story - a hard task considering the total blind faith of his Tibetian subjects. The result is confusing, but not overly so.
Too many details in some portions - you will enjoy the story of the 17th Karmapa if you are interested in Tibetian Buddhism.
Too many details in some portions - you will enjoy the story of the 17th Karmapa if you are interested in Tibetian Buddhism.
Before I read this book, the 17th Karmapa was a mysterious figure, even though I'd attended his teachings. I watched the nuns peeking in admiration through the windows at him... but whatever their connection was, I didn't feel the same. Reading this history, not just bridged the gap in my knowledge but helped me to understand the 17th Karmapa more. I hope to learn more about him as time goes by.
Mr. Brown did a good job describing the sturcture of Tibetan Buddhism in this book. The 17th Karmapa is an amazing individual to say the least, and those around him are equally intriguing.
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Mick Brown (born 1950 in London) is a journalist who has written for several British newspapers, including The Guardian and The Sunday Times and for international publications. For many years he has contributed regularly to The Telegraph. He is also a broadcaster and the author of several books
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