The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava: The Indian Consort of Padmasambhava

by Samten Lingpa, Janet Gyatso (Introduction), Lama Chonam (Translation)

This lucid translation of a rare Tibetan text makes available for the first time to Western readers the remarkable life story of Princess Madarava. As the principal consort of the eighth century Indian master Padmasambhava before he introduced tantric Buddhism to Tibet, Mandarava is the Indian counterpart of the Tibetan consort Yeshe Tsogyal. Lives and Liberation recounts her struggles and triumphs as a Buddhist adept throughout her many lives and is an authentic deliverance story of a female Buddhist master. Those who read this book will gain inspiration and encouragement on the path to liberation.

Genres: Buddhism

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2015

Reviews

[Nor'dzin Pamo · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can one review a book such as this? It is beautifully presented, beautifully translated, and tells an extraordinary narrative. The life and experiences of Mandarava in this text are so completely outside my ordinary experience as to be incomprehensible or unbelievable, and yet in some way it touches and inspires me. It is a book I will be keeping. Somehow just having it on my shelf is meaningful, but I couldn't explain why.

[Chris Lemig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful translation and inspiring story of the life of the Indian consort of Padmasambhava.

[K.S.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, charming, auspicious!