The Book of Tibetan Elders

Over the past few years, Tibetan Buddhism has become one of the most popular forms of Buddhism in the West. Here, Sandy Johnson, whose The Book of the Elders undertakes a similar exploration of Native American wisdom, collects the stories and wisdom of several Tibetan Buddhist masters. In 1991, Johnson's encounter with the Dalai Lama prompted her to learn more about the central teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Three years later, Johnson set off to travel around the Indian subcontinent to hear for herself and to record for others the teachings of some of Tibet's Buddhist masters. Johnson allows each teacher to tell the meaning of Buddhism in his own words. For example, a stone carver narrates the account of the ways he carves mantras in the river so that whatever touches the water will be blessed. Johnson's spiritual travelogue not only reveals the timeless wisdom of these great teachers as they live patiently the lessons of Buddhism in a homeland occupied by China, but also reveals the ways in which she is enlightened by her encounter with these men. (July)