Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master

by Amy Schmidt, Jack Kornfield (Afterword), Sharon Salzberg (Foreword by)

This biography of one of the few women in her generation to devote herself entirely to the pursuit of meditation also includes Dipa Ma's spiritual teachings, which have made her a major figure in contemporary Buddhism.

Genres: Buddhism, Biography, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Meditation, Memoir, Womens

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Andrew Vought · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book about Dipa Ma to be truly inspiring for meditation practice. It is not an overly long book and I don’t think it needed to be, but is just right for what I was looking for. Her story reminds me that suffering is a great catalyst towards pushing us towards enlightenment (which I think of as liberation from conditioning) and I think that explains why so many people show no interest in the spiritual life because they haven’t suffered in the way she did, and this suffering is often psychological in nature and often either goes unrecognized or is repressed through the constant distractions of society.
I appreciate Dipa Ma’s challenging practice and how she encouraged others to push themselves. The book is full of stories from her students and one of them mentions that Dipa Ma told him that he should be practicing all day Saturday and Sunday and should be optimizing his time for his practice. Not only is it rare to hear anyone give that kind of advice, but even more rare that someone would suggest something that required such a serious commitment.
Dipa Ma was not interested in social life which is a point that I connected with as I have become more wary of too much socializing as I have gotten older and often find conversations with non-practitioners leading to nothing insightful or inspiring and being generally just a waste of time: “She refrained from socializing. She did not engage in unnecessary talk. She didn’t involve herself in other people’s concerns.” To that I say Amen. I think her example illustrates the Buddhist precept of Right Speech which I believe that if more people followed, we would have less arguing and more peaceful relations.
At one point Dipa Ma advises Joseph Goldstein that he should practice meditating for 2 days straight. Not many would give such advice. Yet she told him, “Don’t be lazy.” I’m not planning to meditate for two days straight, but for me personally, maybe it means I’m willing to devote a little more time to meditation. I’ve noticed even after sitting for an hour that I could have gone longer if I wanted. Dipa Ma’s practice challenges me to push myself and not settle for distractions as a way of life.
Another inspiring quote from Dipa Ma: “You can do anything you want to do. It’s only your thought that you can’t do it that’s holding you back.” How often I am not aware of thinking as just thinking and she beautifully points out that it’s our own thinking that often blocks us from doing what we want to do. Dipa Ma’s advice: “Let go of thinking. Meditation is not about thinking.” For most of my life, I was trained and conditioned to think all the time and never really questioned it until I started meditating regularly.
Dipa Ma did not recommend for everyone to become monks, and that’s what I find heartening because it means that anyone can do the practice: “If you are a householder, you have enough time.” Because of her own transformative experience, she was also able to recognize the shift from a suffering person to a person who has learned how to be free of it when she explains to her student, “I was once like you, suffering very much. I believe you can proceed in a way to become free.” If people brought her excuses to not meditate, she would correct them and say things like, “It’s a great idea to live with mindfulness, but are you actually living your life that way?” The word mindfulness has integrated into our society, but I doubt many people are practicing the way that she taught it.
We live in an impatient society, but Dipa Ma emphasized the importance of patience in practice. When I think of meditation practice, I realize patience is essential in order to continue or else it is too easy to lose faith and think the practice isn’t working: “Patience is one of the most important virtues for development of mindfulness and concentration.” It’s no wonder that many people either choose not to meditate or they give up because they don’t see progress, and yet our society seems to be obsessed with constant stimulation and stories. As Dipa Ma pointed out, “Your mind is all stories.” We’re a story-obsessed culture and yet we can’t see how the stories we tell ourselves (which are often not true) affect our minds.
Controversially, she once said that “anger is never justified.” Once again, Dipa Ma challenges us to our core to be better human beings. Anger is a real problem and a real challenge that I can’t say that I have mastered, but I do aspire to her point of view because I find that anger in my experience only burns myself. It truly is like being on fire.
In short, Dipa Ma became a saint and it’s helpful to know people like this exist so that we can see what is possible in the spiritual life not just for monks, but for the average lay person. This will be a book for further reference and inspiration in this journey of the meditative life.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book, really a tribute to a woman who was a Buddhist saint and had a powerful effect on many. Dipa Ma (meaning mother of Dipa) was born in 1911, a descendant of the original Buddhists of India. At 12, she was married to a man of 25. Though she was drawn to meditation at an early age, she lived the life of a "householder," being a wife and mother, making her life her practice. Her meditation continued in earnest, and she attained enlightenment in an astonishingly short time, becoming the teacher of three American Buddhists who brought Buddhism to the West--Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, and Jack Kornfield.

The book includes direction and encouragement for meditators and touching, humorous stories like this one: "Dipa Ma and I were on an airplane coming to the States from India. It was very, very turbulent, and at one point the plane hit an air pocket and dropped. Drinks and other objects flew up to the ceiling as the plane dropped downward before hitting stable air again. I kind of screamed. Dipa Ma was sitting across the aisle from me and she reached out and took my hand and she just held it. Then she whispered, "The daughters of the Buddha are fearless."

[Jer Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone loves this book, so my review doesn't really matter. Clearly it has impressed, entertained and inspired a ton of people, which is wonderful.

I bought it because it was so profusely recommended by Buddhist teachers at IMS and Spirit Rock during their talks (which I listen to via. https://dharmaseed.org/ ). I figured if so many of them loved this book so much it must be worth reading. It seems to have a similar level of fame as "Zen Mind Beginner's Mind" does (I got that one too, and love it), especially among those who remember being in the presence of Dipa Ma.

But for me, it was a bit flat. The format is interesting, being composed mostly of sets of quotes from Buddhist practitioners who studied under Dipa Ma or just had heard about her. In my experience of reading it, I was left with a feeling that each quote wasn't too important, and though I read it quickly, it felt a bit empty.

The story of Dipa Ma's life is very interesting, and her perspectives on dharma and practice are commendible. As a light read that gives a fresh take on classic dharma subjects, it's a nice book. There's lots of compact, practical quotes to ponder, and an excited tone that clearly captures a lot of people's imaginations.

One of my big turnoffs of this book is the level of mysticism. Like, a real literal magical thinking interpretation of Dipa Ma and her "powers". This is NOT a secular Buddhism book, it's full of affirmations of magic stuff Dipa could do and people sincerely stating that events in their lives were the result of magical interactions they had with Dipa Ma and her spirit.

I don't want to be a stick in the mud, but for me this took me out of the book, and makes me not really trust the people relaying the stories and the package. I don't think it invalidates the book and it's value, or that people shouldn't read this book because of it, but if literal magic turns you off, know that this book is not afraid to relay stories that seem realistically impossible.

So there you go. An interesting book and a priceless one in that it is one of the few stories of a notable female Theravada teacher, but at the same time, a bit of a mixed bag and not a book I'd recommend to new Buddhists still finding their footing.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a series of stories written by people who knew Dipa Ma, a renowned meditation master within the Theravada tradition. Dipa Ma was acknowledged to have fully developed the 'supranatural powers'. She continued through cultural and institutionalized obstacles along her path as a female meditator, housewife, mother, eventual meditation master and fully engaged teacher within her community.

Dipa Ma was taught by Munindra, and many well known meditation instructors in the US, including Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, and Joseph Goldstein all give Dipa Ma credit for her influence of expansive loving kindness (metta) on them.

This is not as much a book about meditation, as much as it is a life story of Dipa Ma and her challenges and achievements on a path to becoming a meditation master and the impact that she had on the people around her.

This book's short stories can be easily read along commutes, and is recommended for anyone seeking inspiration to deepen their practice or to reflect the life of someone who fully embraced metta and a meditative path.

[Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dipa Ma’s life- this book inspired me. Her husband died and her grief was overwhelming and overpowering her ability to cope and live. She was suffering so much and then she found a teacher who guided her thru the darkness of her loss. She learned to do mindfulness in her busy and difficult life and and raise her family in poverty. Women heard her story and she opened her home and she taught them what she had learned. I found her story very inspiring and the simplicity of her life brought ease. She inspired people through her teachings, example, love and dedication. She taught a lot of women and children and through her practice that women can find ease of wellbeing in life and overcome suffering. Some called her a Saint. But she was just herself.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing woman!

Dipa Ma sounds like a modern day Jesus. Oh to have met her and to have felt that love! Thank you to Bhante, my meditation teacher for telling me about her.

[Kate Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very much. It is a collection of stories about Dipa Ma and her teachings. I like that she taught so many "householders," meaning homemakers. They had so many responsibilities they couldn't go to a meditation center, but she said you can achieve awareness or enlightenment right at home while shopping, cooking, and ironing. You can become enlightened anywhere, no matter how busy you think you are. Toward the end of the book are the Ten Lessons To Live By. Lessons Seven, Eight, and Nine are my favorites. You'll have to read the book to find out.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might seem cheesy, but when reading about Dipa Ma, I always get chills. I tend to air on the side of secularism and rationality... ok, actually maybe not always... But here's the thing: it doesn't really matter that Dipa Ma may or may not have been able to levitate, be in two places and once and perform other magical feats. It just makes this book more fun to read. Here's what matters: when asked what she remembers most about Dipa Ma, Sharon Salzberg said "Dipa Ma really loved me." If hearing again and again about how fully loved and seen people felt in the warm presence of this humble and funny woman who devoted her life to practice isn't inspiration and motivation, I don't know what is.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard Joseph Goldstein say, on multiple occasions, that Dipa Ma was one of the most extraordinary beings he has ever met. She was so extraordinary, apparently, that many westerns (including Goldstein and the author) believe some very bizarre things about her supernatural powers. Instead of being repulsed by the chapter on her psychic abilities, I took it as evidence of her powerful presence and teaching skills--since I can't imagine that most educated westerners would believe such wild things about any old Dharma teacher.

And, after hearing so many tales of Dipa Ma delivering teachings to people in dreams, I hope that one day she might come dispel some wisdom to my sleeping mind.

[Kevin Poe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book when I first arrived in India for research. A friend gave it to me when she finished reading and she said it would help me. It remained a profoundly peaceful and supportive presence in my life as I navigated living abroad in India. I found out that she taught in the monastery I’m staying in and her presence, through this book, kept me grounded in my meditation practice. In many ways, I think this book marks a new beginning for my practice.
It’s an excellent introduction into the the profound power and liberation of mindfulness.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't think about it, just read it.

[Omar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book when I was searching on the internet for "Dipa Ma", a meditation teacher for some of the pioneers of mindfulness meditation in the west such as Joseph Goldestien, Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg.

The book gives a brief and good account about this great woman. How she struggled and suffered in her life until she had the chance to learn meditation, which she didn't only learned but mastered very well.

The story of this great woman can show how meditation can be learned and mastered by anyone. She was a layperson, a widow and a mother living in a very poor neighborhood in Kolkata, India.

As for any great spiritual person, you will come across some stories about the special powers Dipa Ma used to have. Don't make these stories put you off, but just skip through and focus on the good stuff in this book.

[yoursavagegoodboy Toàn]

tôi từ nhỏ đã rất không thích dính dáng nhiều thứ về tôn giáo, nhất là Phật Giáo, nhưng rồi càng lớn tôi có một niềm đam mê và ham thích nhất định về tôn giáo, tôi muốn tìm hiểu về cách người ta nói về nó, những triết lý và suy tư liên quan.

tôi cuối cùng, thương thứ khó thương nhất, quay về tìm xem những phim về Phật giáo, đọc sách, tìm hiểu về tôn giáo này; tôi nhận ra, đón nhận nó với một tâm thế cởi mở giúp tôi cởi mở và yêu quý nó hơn.

cuốn sách này chỉ về một nữ thiền sư người Ấn Độ nhưng đã giúp tôi học rất nhiều điều về cuộc sống này.

[Dembet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kişisel dönüşüm kitabı.
Dipa Ma ilham verici bir kadın.
Bu kitabı karşıma çıkaran iyi Karma'ya teşekkür ederim.
Bunu boşa harcamamak için kitapla ilgili notlarımı belli aralıklarla hatırlamalıyım.

İnsan bir şeyi sevdiği anda , maksimum farkındalık içerisindedir.
Bu durum kendiliğinden bir metta halidir.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible woman.

[Gokce · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Marc Mannheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dipa Ma is a wonder. She seems to be one of those teachers who transcends the tradition, a Universal teacher. The book, anecdotes of time spent with this Buddhist meditation adept and some of her teachings, brings with it a warmth that is out of space and time. Her warmth, the warmth of the Buddha, and that of the inner Buddha in the reader.

[Connor Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly helpful for anyone in a spiritual path. The delineation between equanimity and indifference and how this difference actually looks in our lives, is demonstrated crystal clear. I will be returning to this book in the future whenever I am in a spiritual rut.

Quite the mind, open the heart.

[Sparrow Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Largely a collection of reminiscences from her students. Very warm & heartfelt. Inspiring.

[Fábio Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful life, as told by one of her spiritual children. As a Theravada Buddhist, I felt the lovingkindness emanate from this book and give me more strength to meditate.

[Mark Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 1970s and early 1980s, Dipa Ma taught such Western Buddhist teachers as Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg and Jack Kornfield, all of whom talk about her in this biography. Unlike most Eastern Buddhist teachers — she was Bengali — Dipa Ma lived with her family in a crowded Calcutta apartment building rather than a monastery or other spiritual center. She was a grandmother who emphasized the ability to reach levels of enlightenment while doing housework and breastfeeding.

The book itself is like one of those family biographies an aunt writes and prints off at Kinko’s to distribute at family reunions — and I don’t mean that as a slight, it’s just how the book reads. There’s a bit of background on her early days that feels like a Wikipedia synopsis followed by various themed chapters with quotes from students remembering her. There’s one chapter detailing her supernatural powers: walking through walls, flying above trees, foretelling the future, etc. The female perspective missing in so many Buddhist books was fascinating — for example, one of her supernatural feats was to duplicate her body so when she would walk down the street, there was two of her so men wouldn’t bother her. Of course I don’t believe the supernatural stuff, but as myth, I like it.

Excerpt of one of her teachigns: “‘If you practice for a result, then it becomes a hindrance.’ The desire for liberation is nonetheless desire — one of the key hindrances on the spiritual path. At one stage, zeal on the path is useful, and it moves us along; at another stage, this very thing that was so helpful becomes an impediment. We need to recognize when effort has become an obstruction. To stay with what is happening without giving up — sometimes that is all that is possible.”

Grade: A-

[james · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written with incredible warmth and candor. At ~ 53 Dipa ma finally got her chance to learn and practice what she'd always only dreamed about-- insight meditation. Culture and life circumstances would no longer stand in her way. Through translations from her nephew and teachings from her family friend see learned the Dharma. She pushed passed cultural taboos restricting meditation to men only and became a revered meditation master. She 'became' loving kindness and forever changed those with whom she came in contact. Amy Schmidt's warm and clear writing style brings Dipa Ma's life alive. Highly recommended. You'll be inspired, enlightened, and changed.

[DChristina]

I really enjoyed this biography again the second-go round. Dipa Ma's life, the way she lived it in spite of much suffering is an inspiration. For many, she is considered a modern Buddhist Saint, who shared her deep compassion and love with everyone she met. First person accounts of her many American students tell the story of a "gentle, disarming, fierce, sweet presence" - a presence that was at once totally accepting, though not gushy, healing, even through dreams and determined in an effortless way.

[Jamyang Puntsog · Rating 5 out of 5]

the account of this holy meditator is simply amazing. recollection of clairvoyance and miraculous deeds were stated as if it is simple daily task. An account of her queries and remarks about auto teller machines drew goose pimple reaction from me when I realise the deeper meaning behind her statements. Otherwise it would just be an account of an ignorant Indian woman amazed by modern technology. Inspiring reads for me.

[JenO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who had the opportunity to meet Dipa Ma let alone learn from or be blessed by her are truly lucky, although they (eg Sharon Salzberg, Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, Sylvia Boorstein, and many others) do her proud by carrying on with the teachings in such a dedicated, loving and earnest way. A lovely book.

[Agni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly recommended pleasant read about an amazing being. I have finished the book with a feeling that I know Dipa Ma although I've learned about her just now. It seems to me that the author managed to convey the character of Dipa Ma by presenting multiple testimonies of her disciples.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, beautiful, inspiring--I'm so glad I've come to hear of Dipa Ma. This was a cleansing read after Holy Hell, and a reminder that holiness can be found in the most humble of faces. (That, and holiness demands true humility.) I only wish I could have known Dipa Ma while she was alive.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anecdotes from people who’ve interacted with dips ma. A very wise practitioner that was able to achieve great heights of practice as a householder and later the teacher of many of the original western Buddhist thought leaders

[Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. I dont know that I got all that I wanted out of it since it was written as a third person account and with other people's experiences. But it was a nice reminder of spiritual principles that I had learned previously through the life of a new teacher.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn't give as much of her life story, but attempts to show how she impacted people through their quotes. But, reading a book filled with so many quotes gets a bit tedious after a while, even if it is a fast read. You get a sense of her magic and truth.