Blazing Splendor: The Memoirs of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

Blazing Splendor paints an intimate portrait of the lost culture of Old Tibet and of a remarkable man who inspired thousands. A memoir in the form of tales told by Rinpoche toward the end of his life, the book spans his lifetime — a lifetime rich in adventures of both spirit and body. His reminiscences weave a rich tapestry of family history and also describe the lives of some of the most realized and genuine practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.

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

434 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2005

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that can be seen from different levels.

In the tradition of "hidden yogis" all is not immediately apparent. It can be seen as a volume exploring different masters, or describing life in Tibet before the Chinese invasion.

All the stories can also be seen as teachings, and this is where the text becomes a little more difficult. Some see it as rambling, but there is method here, and readers must be fully present and bring themselves to the text.

Valuable as a reference volume as well. So much goodness!

[Anabel Olivo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I've ever read.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful stories told by Tulku Urgyen about his great grandfather, the famed Khampa terton, Chokgyur Lingpa (1829-1870), who together with Jamgön Kongtrül and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, created a Buddhist revival centered in the Kham kingdoms of Derge and Nangchen that gave rise to many of the teaching lineages which have since come to the west.

Tulku Urgyen also tells stories about the 16th Karmapa, and several of his teachers, his escape to Nepal, and his four sons, each of whom is currently a respected teacher in his own right.

It is enjoyable to read, as it's not too filled with scriptural language. Tulku Urgyen sticks to human stories that still convey a deep love for the tradition he inherited. This memoir provides a wonderful introduction to Tibetan Buddhist culture.

[Bob Woodley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a detailed and very readable history of Tibetan Buddhism from the end of the 19th century through the communist invasion. I shouldn't use the word 'history' which sounds dull, it is a collection of amazing stories replete with miracles, visions, termas, prophesies and spiritual practices.

It is amazing to ready what Tibet was like when its culture was in full bloom. So many larger than life characters walk through this narrative: the 15th and 16th Karmapas, Chokgyur Lingpa, Jamgon Kongtrul, Old Khyentse, Dilgo Khyentse, Dzongar Khyentse, Miphan Rimpoche.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written. entertaining, sad and funny at times written by a very humble but highly realized masters who rubbed shoulders with other highly realized master. But reading this then you can see why people want to love in the old authentic Tibet and not the Disneyland one of the tourist mundane world or the harsh propaganda of material world.

[Jim Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any Tibetan Buddhist will enjoy reading this. A glimpse into Tibet before the communist invasion.

[Debra Quincy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Francis Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is worth a read to get an insight into the world of Tibetan Buddhism, and the life of a tulku, which is the living incarnation of a revered master from the past. Urgyen talks about his life and the people he knew, including his formidable grandmother, and also covers some of the things that happened to the sacred teachings when the Chinese invaded Tibet.

I think that, if you aren't a Buddhist, you may find the book a little dry. I enjoyed it and found it an interesting relief to some of the heavier text one has to read if one's lama is teaching them, it's an accessible book.

[David Scharff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...what an incredible book filled with stories of amazing beings. And the most amazing of them all is the author himself, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. You can learn so much from these stories...so much about real Dharma and genuine holiness.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT book. I read and re-read this!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in Tibet, and or Buddhism, this book is a journey from the past to the present. Its like Magic and Mystery in Tibet, only more believable. Incredible tales, and very inspiring.

[Isaac Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely rich and inspiring. Full of amazing stories.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tales of old Tibet and the diaspora to Sikkim, India and Nepal. Any one will enjoy this book and Buddhists will especially benefit from reading it.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about lineage history.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few (maybe only?!) books I’ve ever read that I immediately wanted to start rereading as soon as I finished…

[Kim richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring stories of such great yogis