Tendrel: A Memoir of New York and the Buddhist Himalayas

by Harold Talbott

Harold Talbott’s memoir, alive with fascinating anecdotes and illustrations, reads like an enthralling novel.~from the Foreword by Tulku Thondup, author of The Power of Dzogchen and other works.Tendrel is the story of a gifted young man from a highly respected American family who undertakes a remarkable journey to become one of the first Western practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. His journey takes him from a sophisticated life in New York City, through precocious studies at St Paul’s School and Harvard, to his discovery of his homosexuality, and eventually to finding fulfillment through his Buddhist practice.In 1967, Talbott travels with the Benedictine theologian Dom Aelred Graham to Asia to meet with leaders from non-Christian religions. This year-long adventure leads to Thomas Merton’s invitation to be his guide in the Indian Himalayas. Talbott introduces Merton to the Dalai Lama, a spiritual encounter that inspires future generations. Merton wrote about these encounters in his groundbreaking book, The Asian Journals. On Merton’s advice, Talbott finds a Tibetan yogi with whom he begins the practice and study of Dzogchen, the highest path of Vajrayana Buddhism. He discovers his life’s the exploration of the nature of the mind—and the spread of the Dharma through writing. Excerpts from rare teachings given to Talbott in private are included as appendices in this inspiring book.At Talbott’s side we meet a panoply of people including Truman Capote, Noel Coward, George Balanchine, and great masters including such notable Tibetan lamas as Dudjom Rinpoche and Chatral Rinpoche, whom Thomas Merton called “the greatest man I have ever met.” These people and many others are part of Tendrel’s melody.Further Praise for Tendrel"Harold Talbott’s uncanny childhood fascination with Tibet led him to become a pioneer among Western Tibetan Buddhist practitioners. His memoir is a moving and precious testimony about a lifetime of dedication to the spiritual quest." ~Matthieu Ricard, author of A Guide to Life’s Most Important Skill and many more. “Merton’s descriptions of his young, eccentric and brilliant guide – published in the Asian Journals – turned Harold into a guide for a generation of American seekers. Talbott was a true trailblazer, an American original, whose huge contribution to the spiritual landscape of a nature remains inestimable.” ~Helen Tworkov, Founder of The Buddhist Review“Harold Talbott’s life is one of spiritual seeking, a pilgrimage of prayer. From this arose generosity of heart, extraordinary compassion, and an immense gift for friendship that many treasure, as they will this, his story told in his own inimitable way.” ~Bonnie Thurston New Testament scholar, poet, and author.“Harold Talbott played a big part in my life when I was growing up....So, if anyone thinks I have done something to preserve the Dharma, they should know that Harold played a role in it.”~Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, author, filmmaker, and teacher.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2019

About the author

Co-founder, with Michael Baldwin, of the Buddhayana Foundation, a tax-exempt organization in Marion, Massachusetts, dedicated to preserving and promoting the wisdom and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

Reviews

[Vivian Kurz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful memoir about the spiritual journey. Beginning with the history of his illustrious family, Talbott takes us through life in the world of high society in NYC. We meet the great artists and writers and figures of the 20th century including Truman Capote, George Balanchine, and society figures.
Talbott very honestly discusses his life in the private St. Paul's School and later Harvard with all its struggles and successes and emotional upheaval. Fascinating.
The second part of the book involves his journey to Asia and the amazing teachers he meets and the spiritual path is begins to trod. He writes about the meaning and spiritual enrichment of both Christianity and Buddhism.
His travels with Thomas Merton fill in the personal details from a story so beautifully recounted in Merton's Asian Journals.
I loved this second part and especially that fact that Talbott shares the private teachings and realizations he has received from great Tibetan teachers and yogis. It is a rare treat to be able to indulge in his worldly life in the 50's and 60's and then travel with him to India which he describes so touchingly and in vivid detail and discover how to use all of our lives in a meaningful way.