大寶法王．千年一願

by Mick Brown, 施心慧 (Translator)

　　當智慧與善業逐漸從這地區消失時，獅子吼菩薩的化身，名噶瑪巴者將會出現。通過他的證悟能力，他將廣弘佛法和普渡有情。－－釋迦牟尼佛《三摩地王經》

　　一段九百年的生命旅程，化身十七次的人間轉世
　　一趟九百哩的朝聖路線，卻揭開無數的人性試煉

　　歷史上首位建立轉世制度的上師－－大寶法王噶瑪巴，在1999年12月，從西藏的楚布寺出發，穿越九百哩毫無人煙的荒涼高山，冒著在仲冬嚴酷惡劣的氣候下死於喜馬拉雅山區的危險，進入尼泊爾，再從尼泊爾到達北印度。離開西藏，是為了領受更深奧的噶瑪噶舉傳承教導，弘揚佛法利益更多人，但這條壯闊的朝聖之路，卻也同時展開了另一段人性試煉的旅程……

　　作者米克．布朗透過來自西方「理性」的眼光，看東方「神祕」的藏傳佛教，他擺脫了「不可說」的尊崇敬畏，以「記錄」的角度，深入訪問了藏傳佛教的相關人士－－第十四世達賴喇嘛、第十七世噶瑪巴、大司徒仁波切、本樂仁波切、夏瑪仁波切以及他提出的「噶瑪巴」人選泰耶多傑．．．．。從一位西方人眼中看到的噶瑪巴，將會是什麼面貌？承襲自十二世紀以來的轉世認證，大寶法王十七次的「乘願再來」，即將揭開「神秘」的面紗！

作者簡介

米克．布朗(Mick Brown)

　　出生於1950年，是一位記者、廣播員以及《The Spiritual Tourist》、《Tearing Down The Wall of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector》等六本書的作者，現居於倫敦。

譯者簡介

施心慧

　　政治大學中國文學系畢業，曾於劇場、電影、美編、撰稿、電視廣告製作等領域流轉多年，現專事英、藏文佛法翻譯，譯作有：《為什麼看不見》、《噶瑪巴九百年》等。

Genres: Buddhism, Biography, Nonfiction, India, Memoir, Politics, Philosophy

349 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Mick Brown (born 1950 in London) is a journalist who has written for several British newspapers, including The Guardian and The Sunday Times and for international publications. For many years he has contributed regularly to The Telegraph. He is also a broadcaster and the author of several books

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was familiar with the general story before I picked this up. Even so the book reads like a strange soap opera, the reincarnation storyline of a telenova.

I've met some of the main characters in the book. The saga is ongoing and it will never end.

People still talk about the 16th Karmapa, who visited North American and made such an impression. The lineage now is perhaps split, or perhaps evolving, or perhaps it is too soon to tell. Just like one must observe a garden for four seasons before making decisions, must must also observe patience in these matters.

Viewed from a distance, it is challenging to grasp some of the subtle complexities, the ancient conflicts, and the modern —yet timeless— politicking.

[Yoshay Lindblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible. Written with compassion and kindness. An unbiased account of the strangest and most perplexing incidence within the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Reading this book, my heart opened with empathy for both sides.

[Jodi Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book. It took me a long time to finish it however, because it is rich with so many characters, Tibetan Buddhist terminology, and places I’m unfamiliar with, so I kept having to google for more background information and to hear how some words were pronounced. It is an excellent starting place for learning more about the basics of Tibetan Buddhism hierarchy in general.

[Kayla Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written journalist’s biographical account of historical and current events surrounding the reincarnations of the Karmapa lineage in Tibetan Buddhism. Interesting content for those who are interested in Tibetan Buddhism, the process of identifying reincarnates, the story of the current 17th Karmapa, and/or the political conflict and intricacies between Tibet, China, and India. This subject matter requires a great deal of contextual information, and while I appreciate Brown’s objectivity and attention to detail, his writing was not always engaging enough to sustain my interest.

[Aurora65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was published in 2004. Start there, with the vague historical perspective and read the whole thing. Then look up where they are today. The headlines (and lack of headlines) will have new perspective after this personal and deep dive from as western perspective, into the nuances of Tibetan Buddhism, as currently practiced and politicized.

[Geoffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting story about the latest Karmapa and all the political intrigue that surrounds him and the naming and recognition of other important Lamas and figures inside Buddhism. Fascinating biography that helps round out the more spiritual notions and texts surrounding the Karmapa, while revealing all the jostling that goes on behind the scenes. It also helped me understand how new reincarnates are recognized--it is not as straight forward as I suspected.

[Tserim Om · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story about how 17th Karmapa is chosen, conflicts, prophecies and recognized by The Great teachers.
Must read if you are curious.

[Venkateswaran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Previously I thought Buddhism was one of the sensible religions ( if those 2 words could go together any time!!), but this book dispelled any such myth. Identifiable reincarnations, multiple sects jostling for political power, a stronghold by an elited. Probably, as in any other religion, simple truths may be obscured by layers of complex rituals designed to be a money making model.

Onto the book, not so interesting for a non-Buddhist. Pages filled with unknown names, places. The most interesting chapter was that on the escape itself which could quite easily be made into a movie. The compelling power play between China/Tibet, Tibet/India, India/China might be material for a standalone book but it is dealt with only fleetingly here. The chapters sometimes give a date at the beginning but the paragraphs deal with a completely different era which makes the reading very difficult.

[Minette Visser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still have to wrap my head around biographies - they are not the same as reading novels! More like reading a very long Marie Claire article. I dunno, I'm not getting it.

Being a devotee of the Karmapa, it's great to read the story of his escape from Tibet, and I can only be a little jealous of the people the author got to meet (Tai Situapa! Akong Rinpoche!). It's also the first time I've known someone in a book (I've cooked for Ken Holmes, who was the 16th Karmapa's driver at one point, and who first told us the story of 17th Karmapa's baby tooth. My cooking didn't go very well though...that's another story ;-)

As with the Tenzin Palmo book I recently read, the author got a number of facts about Buddhism itself wrong - or is it my understanding that's wonky?

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're trying to decide between this book and Wrestling the Dragon In Search of the Boy Lama Who Defied China, pick this one.

Wait. Actually, it doesn't matter which one you pick because they are, essentially, the same book. The strength of Brown's is that it includes pictures, and the strength of Naher's is how she set up the books in corresponding parts.

Ultimately, both depict the tale of the 17th Karmapa, although Brown manages to score an interview with China's pick of the Karmapa, which I thought was very interesting.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brown keeps a journalist's perspective on this controversial topic, telling the story and interviewing all the participants without coming down on one side or the other. Instead he gives us a bit of the humanity of these larger-than-life spiritual figures. The whole book is pretty masterfully done. I was impressed with Brown's impartiality and the grace with which he handled the material: he doesn't sensationalize the events, or hype up the drama, or engage in gossip (and the gossip he reports from others is stated matter-of-factly as it was told to him). He really works to tell this story in such a way that the reader can draw her own conclusions.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written narrative about the strange events and complex politics surrounding the two claimants to be the 17th Karmapa Lama. It is frustrating that Brown seems so taken by one of the claimants (although he is, apparently, not a practising Buddhist) - it colours the book from early on. However, he does still manage to expose the ridiculous posturing by the Indian and Chinese governments on the subject. I would have liked more on the link to the history of China-India relations; and perhaps for Brown to at least entertain the possibility that the real problem lies in the unquestioning devotion to the idea of reincarnation itself.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly entertaining read.

The story is pieced together from interviews with the different people involved, we get a good overview of Karmapa's religious and cultural significance, the controversies over his identification, and the politics imprisoning him.

And in the end, the Author reminds us, amid all these intrigues, we must not forget the initial intent. Karmapa is not here for political gain, or personal gain, he is here, because he wants to help others end suffering, all the politics and intrigues are just noises.

ps. I gave it 4 star, because the other side of controversy did received rather limited coverage.

[Saju Pillai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat biased insight into the politics behind the Karma Kagu lineage & Tibetian Buddhism in general. The author struggles to suppress his scepticism while presenting the Karmapa's story - a hard task considering the total blind faith of his Tibetian subjects. The result is confusing, but not overly so.

Too many details in some portions - you will enjoy the story of the 17th Karmapa if you are interested in Tibetian Buddhism.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book, the 17th Karmapa was a mysterious figure, even though I'd attended his teachings. I watched the nuns peeking in admiration through the windows at him... but whatever their connection was, I didn't feel the same. Reading this history, not just bridged the gap in my knowledge but helped me to understand the 17th Karmapa more. I hope to learn more about him as time goes by.

[Eugene Pustoshkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As other religions Buddhism needs to continue evolving, transcending (but including as phase-appropriate) its mythic underbelly in order to make sense in a modern and postmodern world. This book is a good account of the political battles related to much of its mythical karmic past.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Brown did a good job describing the sturcture of Tibetan Buddhism in this book. The 17th Karmapa is an amazing individual to say the least, and those around him are equally intriguing.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good, if biased, look at the life so far of the 17th Karmapa

[Richard Freedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

An engaging read but an account contains many inaccuracies and is very biased.

[Melita · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!
A really good book to know and understand the history and biography of 17th Karmapa. Highly recommended! I can hardly put it down n it sticks in my mind long after i finish reading it

[Zubyre Parvez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about the 17th Karmapa.

[Karen Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible and all true