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49 Buddhas
Lama Rinzen awakens from meditation to find himself reincarnated as a detective on Denver’s Colfax Avenue. Immediately he realizes that once again he has been reborn into the Hell Realm—this time charged with finding insurance man Sonny Heller’s killer. Rinzen believes finding Heller’s killer will lead to the Sacred Dorje, which has eluded the lama for many lifetimes. By finding the Dorje, he will become a bodhisattva, allowing him to lead all sentient beings to Nirvana. But should the Dorje escape his grasp, Rinzen will be forced to suffer yet another lifetime in Hell, haunted by past demons and his failure to achieve enlightenment.
ebook
Published May 29, 2018
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About the author
Jim Ringel
4 books106 followersJim Ringel writes the Lama Rinzen mysteries—a series of crime mysteries wrapped inside Buddhist mysteries.
Jim practices Zen, skis, hikes, bikes, and visits brew pubs throughout Colorado seeking out the Buddha in everyday life.
For more information please visit www.jimringel.com
Jim practices Zen, skis, hikes, bikes, and visits brew pubs throughout Colorado seeking out the Buddha in everyday life.
For more information please visit www.jimringel.com
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 17, 2026
49 Buddhas is a daring and intellectually rich novel that blurs the boundaries between mystery, spiritual inquiry, and psychological exploration. Set within the Hell Realm a shifting landscape shaped by anger, confusion, and illusion the story follows Lama Rinzen as he searches for a murderer, a sacred object, and ultimately, meaning itself.
Jim Ringel constructs a narrative that is as much about perception as it is about plot. The search for Sonny Heller’s killer provides forward momentum, but the true tension lies in the lama’s inner struggle: distinguishing insight from delusion. The Hell Realm functions not only as a setting but as a metaphor, reflecting the instability of belief, certainty, and spiritual ambition.
What makes the novel especially compelling is its refusal to offer easy answers. Lama Rinzen’s conviction that he alone is worthy and that enlightenment lies just beyond the next revelation gradually becomes something the reader is invited to question. The dorje, enlightenment, and even the investigation itself take on layered meanings as the story unfolds.
Philosophical without being preachy, mysterious without relying on convention, 49 Buddhas is a thoughtful and challenging read that will resonate with readers who appreciate literary fiction that engages the mind as much as the imagination.
Jim Ringel constructs a narrative that is as much about perception as it is about plot. The search for Sonny Heller’s killer provides forward momentum, but the true tension lies in the lama’s inner struggle: distinguishing insight from delusion. The Hell Realm functions not only as a setting but as a metaphor, reflecting the instability of belief, certainty, and spiritual ambition.
What makes the novel especially compelling is its refusal to offer easy answers. Lama Rinzen’s conviction that he alone is worthy and that enlightenment lies just beyond the next revelation gradually becomes something the reader is invited to question. The dorje, enlightenment, and even the investigation itself take on layered meanings as the story unfolds.
Philosophical without being preachy, mysterious without relying on convention, 49 Buddhas is a thoughtful and challenging read that will resonate with readers who appreciate literary fiction that engages the mind as much as the imagination.
June 13, 2018
Mixing old style noir detective investigation with Tibetan philosophy and lessons, this novel is a thinker. It is neither a quick read nor a story one can gloss over. It is gritty and descriptive and the reader must pay close attention in order not to get lost or confused.
Certain scenes are graphic and difficult to forget. There are political tones and dark emotional hues to this tale. On the surface, Lama Rinzen has been reborn in the Hell Realm, one of six realms of incarnation. His mission is to find the dorje and bring all men to enlightenment. He has had this mission before for many lifetimes. Even now, his followers recognize him as they too are in this Hell Realm. Lama Rinzen must find the dorje before his time runs out.
In this incarnation, budget restraints have caused police to be minimal and part-timers to take on investigative duties. Some are just interested in closing cases, while others want to stretch them out as long as they can to earn money. The Lama and his followers exist to learn life lessons and bring enlightenment. To that end, he must discover who murdered an insurance man.
While reading this book you will also find yourself in a contemplative state.
Certain scenes are graphic and difficult to forget. There are political tones and dark emotional hues to this tale. On the surface, Lama Rinzen has been reborn in the Hell Realm, one of six realms of incarnation. His mission is to find the dorje and bring all men to enlightenment. He has had this mission before for many lifetimes. Even now, his followers recognize him as they too are in this Hell Realm. Lama Rinzen must find the dorje before his time runs out.
In this incarnation, budget restraints have caused police to be minimal and part-timers to take on investigative duties. Some are just interested in closing cases, while others want to stretch them out as long as they can to earn money. The Lama and his followers exist to learn life lessons and bring enlightenment. To that end, he must discover who murdered an insurance man.
While reading this book you will also find yourself in a contemplative state.
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April 12, 2018Review available at Foreword Reviews.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews