Book Reviews

Buddha Da
By Anne Donovan
Jimmy McKenna is a down-to-earth painter & decorator who falls in with a bunch of Buddhists, takes a vow of celibacy and moves out of his Glasgow home in search of ´clarity´. ´´Buddha Da´´ is an affectionate and humourous portrayal of his journey. It’s a funny warm story with hugely real and likeable characters.

The book is written in a strong Glaswegian accent, which is strange at first and some readers may find off-putting. But I found that, a few pages in, I had adapted to the style and script and it added something special, rather than being an obstacle to overcome. As the adults struggle with their mid-life crises, Jimmy´s 12 year old daughter sums it all up, ´Some folk like meditation, some prefer Eastenders´.

If you´re looking for some bed time or holiday reading, then look no further!
Submitted by: Brenda


Reflections on a Mountain Lake – Teachings on Practical Buddhism
By Ani Tenzin Palmo
The author is probably best known as the subject of the biography by Vicki Mackenzie ‘Cave in the Snow’. Born in 1943 in London, Tenzin Palmo travelled to India when she was 20, met her teacher, and in 1964 was one of the first Western women to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. After 12 years of study and frequent retreats she sought complete seclusion and better conditions. She found a nearby cave, where she stayed and practised for another 12 years, the final 3 years in total retreat. She faced long Himalayan winters and near death when her food supplies were not delivered for 6 months.

When I saw that a series of Ani Tenzin Palmo’s teachings had been published I knew that whatever advice she offered would be heartfelt and have the firm foundation of personal experience. I was not disappointed. This is a wonderful book. I have given many copies to friends but always feel that my bookshelf is incomplete until another copy has been purchased. Yes, I admit to feeling very attached to this book. Her teachings are inspiring, challenging, witty, compassionate but always down-to-earth, practical and easy to read. This is advice and instruction for dharma in our day-to-day lives. She has helped me personally to take the Dharma from the head to the heart and then into my daily actions.

This is a true reference book with teachings on subjects as varied as, Motivation and Practice, The Six Realms, Shamatha, or Calm Abiding, Vipashyana, or Insight, Awareness, Tonglen, Nature of the Mind, The Role of the Spiritual Master and Visualising the Deity etc. etc.
Submitted by: Stephanie