Reflections on a Mountain Lake: Teachings on Practical Buddhism Kindle Edition
by Ani Tenzin Palmo (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 97 ratings
“Tenzin Palmo is one of the most genuine and accomplished of western practitioners. Her voice is simple and pure, wise and true.” —Jack Kornfield, author of Path with a Heart
This sparkling collection of Dharma teachings by Tenzin Palmo addresses issues of common concern to Buddhist practitioners from all traditions. Personable, witty, and insightful, Tenzin Palmo presents an inspiring and no-nonsense view of Buddhist practice.
Print length
256 pages
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Tenzin Palmo is one of the most genuine and accomplished of western practitioners. Her voice is simple and pure, wise and true."—Jack Kornfield, author of Path with a Heart
"Venerable Tenzin Palmo generously shares with us a life of practice. This book is clear, well-written, and a joy to read. The sincerity and motivation of Tenzin Palmo are a great example for all of us."—Martine Batchelor, author of Meditation for Life
"One of the true yoginis of our time, a woman who has dedicated her life to Buddhism, Tenzin Palmo brings her years of experience in a cave to offer us a down-to-earth, inspiring approach to the spiritual path. Tenzin Palmo is a voice we need to hear a woman who has fully experienced what she speaks about with absolute honesty, delightful humor, and real insight."—Tsultrim Allione, author of Women of Wisdom
"In this book, Ani Tenzin Palmo presents the most timely, profound, and lucid advice for all Buddhist practitioners. She has torn away the thousand veils that shroud our self-deceptions. She speaks with the humility of experience rather than charisma, her words resonating with the naked simplicity of clarity and wisdom. Her voice constantly reminds me of everything I have ever loved and perceived as truthful in this life."—Robert Beer, author of The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs --This text refers to the paperback edition.
About the Author
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo was raised in London and became a Buddhist while still in her teens. At the age of twenty she traveled to India, becoming one of the first Westerners to be ordained as a Buddhist nun. The international bestseller Cave in the Snow chronicles her twelve years of seclusion in a remote cave. Deeply concerned with the plight of Buddhist nuns, she established Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in India. In 2008 His Holiness the Twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa, head of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, gave her the rare title of Jetsunma (Venerable Master). --This text refers to the paperback edition.
From Library Journal
Excellent writing and a solid grasp of their subjects mark the efforts of these two authors. While both treat aspects of Buddhist thought, Boorstein's perspective derives from the Mahayana school, while Palmo's tradition is Tibetan. Boorstein (That's Funny, You Don't Look Buddhist) focuses on the ten paramitas (perfections of the heart), which include generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, determination, lovingkindness, and equanimity, and she devotes a chapter to each. (Of course, concepts like wisdom and equanimity are also a part of Tibetan Buddhism, but they operate differently in that tradition.) In each chapter, Boorstein follows the same format, first offering an explanation of what the particular paramita means within Buddhism, then instructing us on how to use the concept effectively in meditation, and finally illustrating the paramita with stories that grow out of her own experience and usefully show how that quality can be applied in life. By contrast, Palmo, a Buddhist nun, begins with a brief account of her life and training in Tibetan Buddhism. She then considers many of the major concepts of this school, including the six realms (e.g., hell, which she describes as a mind filled with anger; shamatha, or calm abiding; and vajrayana, or meditation that makes use of visualization). In addition, Palmo provides some wonderfully informative and useful chapters such as "Women and the Path" and "Difficult Points for Westerners." The latter includes an insightful discussion of karma and rebirth. Boorstein treats a more limited subject matter, while Palmo offers both greater breadth and depth. Both books are recommended, not only because they treat material from different schools of Buddhist thought but because both offer thorough explanations of their chosen subjects. Furthermore, the stories used to illustrate and clarify the various topics are effective and interesting, offering clear illustrations of how the teachings can be applied to life. David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino
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Publisher : Snow Lion (May 30, 2002)
Waterlight
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read about Meditation and BuddhismReviewed in the United States on March 5, 2016
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Tenzin Palmo is a Tibetan Buddhist nun but for any student of Buddhism, this would be an interesting and illuminating book. Start with the book "Snow Cave," which is the story of her journey into Buddhism. That book will frame this one. There is another called "Into the Heart of Life" but it won't matter if you read that one or this one first. This book is compiled from her lectures all over the world. I honestly don't think I have read anyone who explains the inner process of meditation better than Tenzin Palmo does. She was born in England and left for India in the 60's right after the Tibetans fled the Chinese and established themselves in India. She understands the western and the eastern mind and is able to take obscure concepts and explain them so well. After reading so much of her lectures, I constantly said to myself, "oh, I see now." She talks mostly about meditation--how it works, why it works, what to do, what to focus on, what is the nature of the mind, do we need gurus and so forth. Now this isn't a how to book but instead, she gives you understanding of what is happening underneath while you are meditating. She does directly address the challenges that westerners have with understanding Buddhist philosophy especially Tibetan Buddhism. After reading this book, I begin to think that I know nothing at all about this path--probably a good place to start. Don't miss this book and follow her on YouTube also where she has some very interesting lectures.
14 people found this helpful
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JenJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book!Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2021
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I love how she explains concepts, making them easy to understand. The book is basically transcripts of talks that were given along with questions and answers. Well worth the read.
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Annette Seidenglanz
5.0 out of 5 stars A Rare ViewReviewed in the United States on December 22, 2016
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This book is a rare view into the life of a woman who grew up in the West and became a nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Ani Palmo has also dedicated herself to the successful establishment of an abbey or nunnery in Northern India to continue the growth of a lineage of women practitioners that nearly became extinct due to the political situation in Tibet.
Digesting the foreign practices of Buddhism is a challenge for anyone seeking the wisdom that may be found within it. Ani Palmo has spent her life dedicated to understanding this material and with guidance from her teachers. She is a living exemplar of that lineage.
This book opens many doors with lively writing full of humour and warmth. A real gift...especially for the female practitioner.
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Siva Pragathesewaran
5.0 out of 5 stars Teachings of the Buddha by a BuddhaReviewed in the United States on December 29, 2016
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I first read Tenzin Palmo's "Three Teachings" which I took from the shelf which had hundreds of Buddhist books in a bus station in Malaysia. As I read the first two pages, the deep insight shook me. I quickly flipped to the back cover to see the person who had uttered those words, only to find a Western nun with beautiful glazing eyes.After that I got all TP's books. This book, "The reflections on a mountain lake" answers the many esoteric questions a wisdom seeker would have. This book is for anyone, whether a stranger to buddhism or even a meditator. TP's in depth experience is channelled through the words of the Buddha. Basically these are teachings of the Buddha by a Buddha!!
6 people found this helpful
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Dr. Justin Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars WITH A DEEP BOW OF GRATITUDE TO ANI TENZIN PALMOReviewed in the United States on October 23, 2015
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A wonderful read from a true believer!. A strong and courageous person willing to put her life on the line for her beliefs. What is really important about this work is it is written by a person who has experienced the issues she speaks of and at the same time, is a "work in progress". This book spoke to me these words-"When the student is ready, the master will appear". Although we have never met, she is truly my teacher.
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Martin Edic
5.0 out of 5 stars ... don't want to wade through all the new agey crap out thereReviewed in the United States on May 8, 2016
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If you have an interest in Buddhism but don't want to wade through all the new agey crap out there, read this book. She spent twelve years meditating in a cave and came out one of the sanest people imaginable. If she took students, I'd be one.
9 people found this helpful
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Robert Vincent
5.0 out of 5 stars Be inspiredReviewed in the United States on February 19, 2016
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If you have an interest or could be interested in the Buddhist path, be inspired by this book. Tenzin Palmo guides the reader through the Buddhist mind with a clear understanding of those of us in the western world, that are from a different spiritual influence.
Robert
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computer guy
5.0 out of 5 stars Very accessible way to learn about Buddhism and its practiceReviewed in the United States on January 8, 2017
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Author writes as if she's having a conversation with the reader. Very powerful and insightful book on Buddhism from someone who has lived it for a long time!
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Nemo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2021
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This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the Buddhist beliefs and way of living. It is very well written and presented in a very intelligent yet human way. It's just lovely, and presents Buddhist teachings in a way that is accessible for everyone. It's a real celebration of the human spirit and the journey that we all undertake in order to become the fullness of who we are and the real life that we are here to share with our world.
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Dill
5.0 out of 5 stars interesting and enjoyable to readReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2011
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This book contains wisdom and insight from respected Buddhist nun Ani Tenzin Palmo, formerly from the UK and now living in India. It is based on a series of talks she gave in the US in 1996-7 and in Australia 1998.
In the first chapter she talks about her life, from her beginnings in the East End of London to living out her chosen Path as a Buddhist nun, living in Asia. Later chapters then go on to talk about various aspects of Buddhism, including the `nature of mind', and `difficult points for westerners'. Each chapter of the book starts with a talk, which is followed by a question and answer session.
I recommend this book. Ani Tenzin Palmo's approach is both intellectual and down to earth. I think it will appeal to a range of people, from those with just an interest in Buddhism and mindfulness to those who are practicing Buddhists and wanting more detail about various aspects of the Dharma.
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Elsie
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, it really is a helpful book for ...Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2015
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Fantastic book, it really is a helpful book for anyone on their spiritual journey, one does not need to be a Buddhist to receive help from this book, its very well written, easy to understand, and is of a helpful nature for anyone. Its the second book I have read by Tenzin Palmo. Its a must have for anyone on their journey.
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Lmd
4.0 out of 5 stars Life story of Buddist nunReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 15, 2013
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Thought provoking book. Liked the way it was written, and the fact that she is English. Would recommend to read.
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Maika
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and deeply inspiringReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 1, 2013
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A deeply inspiring book. Talks about buddhism, the place of Buddhism in the West, about meditation and other issues in a very clear and straitforward manner. It motivates to go into practice!
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