49 Buddhas tells of Lama Rinzen in the Hell Realm—a realm of confusion, shifting ground, and anger.
In the Hell Realm, the lama must find insurance man Sonny Heller’s killer. Lama Rinzen believes finding Sonny’s killer will lead him to the sacred dorje. Once he finds the dorje—once he can touch it and feel the dorje’s ancient wisdom—only then can Lama Rinzen and all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.
Many seek the dorje, but only Lama Rinzen is deserving.
Then again, distinguishing such delusions from insight is the lesson the lama must learn. Not only so he can find Sonny’s killer, but so he also may progress along the path to enlightenment.
Mixing old style noir detective investigation with Tibetan philosophy and lessons, this novel is a thinker. It is neither a quick read nor a story one can gloss over. It is gritty and descriptive and the reader must pay close attention in order not to get lost or confused.
Certain scenes are graphic and difficult to forget. There are political tones and dark emotional hues to this tale. On the surface, Lama Rinzen has been reborn in the Hell Realm, one of six realms of incarnation. His mission is to find the dorje and bring all men to enlightenment. He has had this mission before for many lifetimes. Even now, his followers recognize him as they too are in this Hell Realm. Lama Rinzen must find the dorje before his time runs out.
In this incarnation, budget restraints have caused police to be minimal and part-timers to take on investigative duties. Some are just interested in closing cases, while others want to stretch them out as long as they can to earn money. The Lama and his followers exist to learn life lessons and bring enlightenment. To that end, he must discover who murdered an insurance man.
While reading this book you will also find yourself in a contemplative state.