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Surfing the Himalayas: A Spiritual Adventure
The author of Lifetimes: True Accounts of Reincarnation follows an American snowboarder to the top of the Himalayas, where he plows into a Buddhist monk who shows him the parallels between snowboarding and spiritual fulfillment. 100,000 first printing. $80,000 ad/promo. Tour.
236 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 25, 2015
If tempted to read Surfing the Himalayas, do yourself an enormous favor and instead use the pages to slice away your corneas. It will be far less painful in the long run. This book is the translation of Buddhism into IKEA furniture instructions.
With sincere apologies to IKEA...
With sincere apologies to IKEA...
June 7, 2012
A spiritual adventure indeed. Read this years ago right around the time it first came out, and as I'm updating my goodreads book list with it, I find that I will probably need to read this one again. Forgot I had this book, and interestingly, it is about a snowboarder, so it just shows you how long that sport has been around. Anyway, I was just learning about the metaphysical aspects of spiritualism when I first read it, and loved this book. When it was over, I put it down and felt like I really discovered myself.
May 30, 2013
Re-reading. At this time, some of the mysticism seems clearer and worth exploring further. What sticks in my mind most was the quote "Once you have become enlightened, you don't have to live in a monastery, because the whole universe has become your monastery."
December 12, 2006
I read this in college in my 'spiritual book' phase, and despite its cheesy name remember rather liking it. Its basicaly an intro to Buddhism.
June 24, 2017
What a fun book to read! As a young adult myself, I found this story to be very relatable, especially in being that it tells the story of an American who ventures into an unknown land, learning ancient practices. It reminded me of "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" and "The Tales of Don Juan."
The book goes over basic Buddhist principles in a concise, clear way. Although the writing style is like that of a journal, which some might find to be elementary, it makes it all the more like we are peeking into Lenz's life.
Overall, I have to say the best part of it is how much it made me laugh. There are so many funny little lines, even the fact that the spiritual teacher is named Master Fwap, puts a smile on my face. After reading other spiritual-type books, this one was light and easy to read, while providing insights that anyone can learn from if they stop judging it by what they think a "spiritual book" should be.
The book goes over basic Buddhist principles in a concise, clear way. Although the writing style is like that of a journal, which some might find to be elementary, it makes it all the more like we are peeking into Lenz's life.
Overall, I have to say the best part of it is how much it made me laugh. There are so many funny little lines, even the fact that the spiritual teacher is named Master Fwap, puts a smile on my face. After reading other spiritual-type books, this one was light and easy to read, while providing insights that anyone can learn from if they stop judging it by what they think a "spiritual book" should be.
July 15, 2017
I read Surfing the Himalayas long ago, at a time when I was starting to snow board. I believe my impression of it then was much different when I recently read it. On the surface it's about a young guy who comes to the Himalayas to surf the highest mountains, only to encounter a mischievous monk, Master Fwap, who wants to take up all his time and teach him about Buddhist principals. I found it enlightening and I enjoyed the fun, dialogue between the two explaining and debagting some pretty serious topics such as reincarnation, meditation, metaphysical elements of spirituality and lots of other interesting topics. It also neat to realize that this is based on Frederick Lenz's real life adventures in the Himalayas that inspired him to become a spritual leader himself in the West.
January 21, 2008
This one will stink up the room. There are so many better books out there for those who are interested in religion and mysticism.
Read
February 19, 2008This book was soooo fun to read! Not only was it fun, it was a very spiritual journey. I read this book in 2 days and loved it so much. It really gave me a lot to think about in the spiritual sense.
October 12, 2012
I was cleaning out my bookshelves while I was reading "Turtle Feet" and came across "Surfing the Himalayas". Looking at the blurbs, I thought it might be interesting to contrast it with Grozni's book.
Unfortunately "Surfing the Himalayas" is truly awful--so dreadful I could barely make it through half of the book. Written in the style of a bad middle school essay ("How I Spent My Summer Vacation"), it makes Buddhism sound like an eternally sunny, self-centered, new-agey joy ride. No struggle, no searching--just find your teacher and your bliss. Variations on the words "happy", "ecstasy" and "enlightenment" are too numerous to count; in a "see no evil" view of the world, malevolence doesn't matter--just meditate and ignore your way past lies, war, oppression, cruelty, killing, hunger, poverty, slavery, death, and suffering.
Just how does one see and experience this light without acknowledging the darkness? It never sounded very appealing to me, this totally self-indulgent vision of happiness, which, of course, "can't be explained in words".
Read "Turtle Feet", instead, not only for the vibrant writing, but for a real view of the conflicts, contradictions, and constant inquiry involved in the practice of any spiritual life.
Unfortunately "Surfing the Himalayas" is truly awful--so dreadful I could barely make it through half of the book. Written in the style of a bad middle school essay ("How I Spent My Summer Vacation"), it makes Buddhism sound like an eternally sunny, self-centered, new-agey joy ride. No struggle, no searching--just find your teacher and your bliss. Variations on the words "happy", "ecstasy" and "enlightenment" are too numerous to count; in a "see no evil" view of the world, malevolence doesn't matter--just meditate and ignore your way past lies, war, oppression, cruelty, killing, hunger, poverty, slavery, death, and suffering.
Just how does one see and experience this light without acknowledging the darkness? It never sounded very appealing to me, this totally self-indulgent vision of happiness, which, of course, "can't be explained in words".
Read "Turtle Feet", instead, not only for the vibrant writing, but for a real view of the conflicts, contradictions, and constant inquiry involved in the practice of any spiritual life.
August 2, 2009
Gawd, I tried to get through this book, and finally tossed it after this, on page 152:
"I asked Master Fwap if he would explain, in more physical terms, the high- and low-range "frequencies" he had mentioned to me. I thought I understood some of what he had said to me, but parts of his explanation still seemed difficult, if not impossible, for me to grasp.
"Master Fwap, would you please tell me a little more about these high- and low-range frequencies?
Yes, of course."
and, two paragraphs later
"What does that mean, Master Fwap?
It means that enlightenment exists..."
152 PAGES OF THIS! Plus, I'll bet tantric Buddhist monks don't! use! exclamation! points!
Bah.
"I asked Master Fwap if he would explain, in more physical terms, the high- and low-range "frequencies" he had mentioned to me. I thought I understood some of what he had said to me, but parts of his explanation still seemed difficult, if not impossible, for me to grasp.
"Master Fwap, would you please tell me a little more about these high- and low-range frequencies?
Yes, of course."
and, two paragraphs later
"What does that mean, Master Fwap?
It means that enlightenment exists..."
152 PAGES OF THIS! Plus, I'll bet tantric Buddhist monks don't! use! exclamation! points!
Bah.
July 21, 2018
I found this book in my local library one summer in High School and devoured it. It inspired a deep-dive into Buddhism, Eastern thought, and Yoga which made a significant positive impact in my life and the way I look at it. Re-reading it years later it doesn't hold up to the more eloquent, accurate, and credible books I've read on those topics but this book holds a special place in my heart. A lot of the critiques are on the sophomoric nature of this book... well, that worked for me when I was young and sophomoric.
January 22, 2019
I saw a NY Times article on Tina Turner recently where she said that this book is one of the few books on her nightstand and it peaked my interest.
As an avid reader of spiritual books, I found Surfing the Himalayas to be an absorbing read that has many layers to it. Though it's a fictional account, it covers the core concepts from spiritual and religious traditions in an easy to follow format. There are also advanced principles that are woven in - but presented in a clever way that makes it a fun and engaging read.
As an avid reader of spiritual books, I found Surfing the Himalayas to be an absorbing read that has many layers to it. Though it's a fictional account, it covers the core concepts from spiritual and religious traditions in an easy to follow format. There are also advanced principles that are woven in - but presented in a clever way that makes it a fun and engaging read.
January 27, 2020
People seem to be pretty forcefully opinionated in their reviews of this book. It’s basically about a young man from the west who heads to the Himalayas to snowboard and while on a run down a mountain runs right into an enlightened Buddhist monk. I liked this book. The writing style was basic at best and it probably could have been half as long, but, a lot of the topics really resonated with me right now. And it has prompted me to look into some things for further understanding, which is really cool.
November 18, 2021
It is difficult to know how seriously to take this book. It is essentially a modern day Buddhist fable about a snowboarder working the Himalayas when he encounters a Buddhist monk he was fated to meet, following which they engage in a series of instructional sessions.
The book is a light and pleasant read. The author appears to have been seriously involved with spirituality and with Tantric Buddhism in particular, but this book is unconvincing.
The book is a light and pleasant read. The author appears to have been seriously involved with spirituality and with Tantric Buddhism in particular, but this book is unconvincing.
December 12, 2021
This was reread. It has much valuable information to understand enlightenment. According to this author, it is so different than most think. I love one of the sayings that guide me in my daily tasks:
"Chop wood & carry water, before enlightment; Chop wood & carry water, after enlightment. It has todo with outlook & attitude and spirituality.
"Chop wood & carry water, before enlightment; Chop wood & carry water, after enlightment. It has todo with outlook & attitude and spirituality.
August 16, 2007
Fun and light eastern spiritual adventure for westerners.
It was written especially for Generation Xers (but the author is not a member).
The author is one of the most intelligent, beautiful, amazing, noble, giving people I've ever known. I have to give it 5 stars.
It was written especially for Generation Xers (but the author is not a member).
The author is one of the most intelligent, beautiful, amazing, noble, giving people I've ever known. I have to give it 5 stars.
February 6, 2009
I enjoyed this book and thought it was interesting. It definitely made me more interested in Buddhism, meditation, and enlightenment. Reading about Master Fwap always made me so happy. I think it'd be awesome to always be as happy as he was in this book.
March 1, 2009
I enjoyed this book because we all can learn something from it. I've been to that area of the world (Nepal and the Evereast region), and it would be my dream to snowboard and explore that area. The story at times got too unbelievable, but overall it is a good read.
August 24, 2009
This is a barely-veiled introduction to one man's interpretation of Buddhism. While I encourage anything that teaches humans to treat each other better, I just didn't think it worked as a "fictional" tale. But, I gave it two stars, because who doesn't benefit from reading about Buddhism?
July 31, 2013
Delightful, insightful and fun. This book weaves clear,classic Buddhist concepts with the adventure of snowboarding. This is a wonderful story of a young man encountering a spiritual teacher in Nepal.
February 5, 2018
This is an outreach book - great for young adults or teens.
It is NOT a manual, factual or a study guide.
Read it with the audience in mind. There is no 'short path' ...
... but it's nice to hope for.
It is NOT a manual, factual or a study guide.
Read it with the audience in mind. There is no 'short path' ...
... but it's nice to hope for.
September 1, 2007
WOW!!!! READ THIS!!!!!
June 11, 2008
A snowboarding enthusiast goes to the Himalayas to surf some major snow, instead he literally runs into a Buddhist monk...that is a winner for me!
July 29, 2008
Beautifully enlightening...
October 22, 2008
this book is way deep but super cool... showed up at the perfact time in my life...
January 16, 2009
A fun way to study Nirvana and Buddism..If englsih isn´t your first language it´s also a good way to spice up you vocabulary....
December 22, 2010
A Buddhism 101 written in a very approachable manner.
May 31, 2011
good book for spiritual adventure
July 27, 2011
What a great journey.
December 27, 2012
Not bad. Read it quivk, not quite my thing but written well
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews