Sky Dancer: The Secret Life and Songs of the Lady Yeshe Tsogyel

by Keith Dowman

Describes the life of Yeshe Tsogyel, the consort of a distinguished Tibetan guru, and portrays her path to enlightenment

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Historical, Occult, Religion

379 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Marzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit sensationalized view of the life of the leading female teacher of tibetan buddhism, yeshe tsogyal.

[Ludmirska]

"so be composed, tsogyelma! you and i will never part. but on the relative plane, farewell! and through my compassionate prayer, may tibet be happy."

[Emily O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As is typical of Tantric texts, this book was laden with difficult-to-understand imagery and symbolism. Nonetheless, the footnotes were extremely helpful, and by setting aside the time to understand the details, layers of meaning were illuminated and I was able to understand the book. There were portions of this book which were troublesome from an ethical standpoint, but the overarching narratives of compassion and physical and spiritual transformation were vivid and inspiring. I ended up writing an essay on the imagery of the "rainbow body," or one that transcends dualisms and stretches into various corners of suffering and is thereby better equipped to extend compassion in a wider range of circumstances.
Overall not something I would suggest for someone only slightly interested in Tantra or Buddhism; I would suggest other things first.

[Scott Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read parts of this book for a few years now but this is the first time I've read it from cover to cover. The main part of this book is moderately difficult to access, being Yeshe Tsogyal's own account of her life, however there is some juice in there so it is worthwhile to read. My favourite part though was Keith Dowman's commentary which is wonderful in explaining some aspects of the Tantra of Padmasambhava and Yeshe Tsogyal. Thoroughly recommended but best appreciated with several years of study and meditation experience within Tibetan Buddhism.

[Tserim Om · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all about how Khandro Yeshey Tshogyel benefited sentients, the journey to Ja-Lus body!!!
One must read, no summary worth for you.

[Linus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent hagiography of Lady Yeshe Tsogyal, one of the greatest teachers in Tibetan history.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, like nothing I ever read, and it's suppossed to be a true story.
It's fancy, Update: It's really kinda wild, a keeper. Has some beautiful illustrations too.