I Wish I Had a Red Dress

Book Description

Joyce Mitchell was widowed far too young when he' beloved husband, Mitch, died in a tragic accident five years ago. Since then she's kept her hands full and her mind and heart occupied by running The Sewing Circus, an all-girl group she founded to provide badly needed services like day care and job counseling to young women, many of whom are single mothers. More important, The Circus is a place for lively, wide-ranging, heart-to-heart discussions that will help members grow into what Joyce likes to call "twenty-first-century free women."

All in all, Joyce has a full and rich life. She has her work, her family, her friends, and her town. But there are some nights when she crawls into bed alone and has to admit that something is missing. What she doesn't have is that red dress she keeps dreaming about or a social life that would accommodate it even if she braved the mail and bought one. To further complicate matters, she may not have The Sewing Circus much longer, as the state legislature has decided not to fund the group's vital but hard-todefine work with young women who are too often regarded as problems rather than possibilities.

Feeling defeated and pessimistic, Joyce reluctantly agrees to keep a date for dinner at the home of her best friend, Sister -- a reverend like no other-and finds not only a perfect meal but a tall, dark stranger named Nate Anderson. Nate has just joined the administration at the high school and his unexpected presence in Idlewild touches a chord in Joyce that she thought her heart had forgotten how to play. Nate feels the same immediate connection, but both have enough experience with broken hearts to take it real slow. Besides, they've got too much work to do to concentrate on falling in love....

But life moves at its own pace, and as Sister says, "if you want to make God laugh, make plans." Particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. Joyce decides the trick is to stay focused and to remember that nothing is as sexy as the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, especially if you tell it while you're wearing a perfect red dress....

Download Description

"PerfectBound e-book extra: A Reading Group Guide to I Wish I Had a Red Dress. From Oprah favorite Pearl Cleage comes a delightful new e-book edition of a beloved novel. Since Joyce Mitchell was widowed five years ago, she's kept herself occupied by running the Sewing Circus, an all-girl group she founded to provide badly needed services to young women at risk, many of whom are single mothers. But some nights, home alone, she has to admit that something is missing. And soon she may not even have the Sewing Circus to fill up her life, as the state legislature has decided not to fund the group. Feeling defeated and pessimistic, Joyce reluctantly agrees to dinner at the home of her best friend, Sister, and finds not only a perfect meal but a tall, dark stranger named Nate Anderson. His unexpected presence touches a chord in Joyce that she thought her heart had forgotten how to play. Suddenly, Joyce feels ready to grab a sexy red dress and the life that goes with it. if she can keep her girls safe from the forces -- useless boyfriends and government agencies alike -- arrayed against them."

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Good Book.......2007-05-01

I really enjoyed this book, I read it in one sitting. I believe it to be even better than What Seems Ordinary. Enjoyable, witty and very entertaining.

I Wish I Had A Red Dress.......2007-01-09

If this book was written by a caucasian it would be considered racist and separatist. I have an African American grandson and I hope he never reads books that encourage one race to view another with disgust. In the book the author refers to blacks who are going to see a movie for the sole reason it has a black director. I don't understand this line of thinking. If you had a book that referred to having an all white movie weekend-only white actresses, only white directors, I think the author would be called to task.
To say for example that Richard Gere is a perfect actor because he would never kiss a black woman. Yet it is ok if it is Denzel Washoington never kissing a white woman. A true example of a double standard here. I think this author can not get beyond her own racism to write the story. The story might have been good-Pamela Mutch Stevens

Nice Red Dress.......2007-01-06

This was a most enjoyable novel, I found it very interesting without drifting in to a great deal of self hate that quite a few authors indulge thier readers with. Pearl Cleage has a very useful and positive story to tell, she tells it well and it is very entertaining. She has again picked a subject area that is well away from mainstream and she makes it relevant to more than just a few folks. This is the second of her novels that I have read and I can say that she is one of my favorite authors.

Title is a misnomer. Spoonfeeder........2006-08-03

The title of this book makes you think you're about to read about a character that is attempting to feel a little more free - maybe adding some spice to the love life and other spicier thing - but that's really not the case. The character instead spends a lot of time trying to help troubled women in her community, which is quite noble - just not something somebody necessarily does with a red dress on.

The reason the story must go this way is so that Ms. Cleage can take the time to spoonfeed the reader on how they should feel about the city of Idlewild, black culture, and black women. Some of the very uncreative dialogue among the characters is so overopinionated and irrelavant that I think even Ms. Cleage might have forgotten at times what her book is supposed to be about. The love exchange that happens (but never really goes far enough) is the highlight for me.

I must also add that the rushed ending also does the book little justice.

Appeared to be a Male Bashing Book. .......2006-07-08

I'm a fan of Pearl Cleage's work but I am not enjoying this book.

I'm 30 pages from the ending but couldn't wait to write a review. I agree that women should uplift one another but the main character Joyce seemed to be more about male bashing than uplifting women.

I'm so emotional over this book. I'm sure it will show in my writting. Bare with me. I found Joyce to be a bit contradicting.

For example; in one chapter she didn't want Nate to follow behind to her make sure she was safe. Nate decided to follow her anyway but got caught. (page 133-135) She seemed offended when she noticed that he had followed her anyway to make sure she was safe. In several chapters later; when a member of "The Circus" gets hurt because one of the bad-guys ran her off the road, she questions (page 289) what good are the so called good-guys if they can't protect woman. I immediately thought to myself, when one of the good guys wanted to protect her she scolded him like a child. But now that a woman was hurt, it's the males fault for not protecting them. MEN CAN'T WIN in this book.

Another example; When the members of "The Circus" watch the movie "Waiting To Exhale", Joyce points out that it's not only the mans fault for treating angela bassette (can't think of the name of the character she plays)terribly but it's also Angela Bassett's choice for staying, giving up her own career and dreams to pamper her marriage. Why doesn't she feel that way about the women in "The Circus". She blames every one except Sheila for choosing to stay in an abusive household full of abusive brothers.

Joyce claims to be a free woman. But a woman can't be free holding on to so much anger.

Ok, I'm done. Going to read the last 30 pages now. Maybe Joyce will change...I dont know. Right now I'm just so worked up over this book.

ONE BAD APPLE DOESN"T SPOIL THE BUNCH. Maybe Joyce hasn't realized that yet although she has 2 great men right there for her.

Book Description

The illegitimate daughter of a decadent Lord, the lovely Caroline Dutton has worked hard to become a successful London dressmaker and is content to answer to no man. That is until a devastatingly handsome Duke walks into her shop with the most outrageous demand.The new Duke of Ryland cursed his fate and his philandering great uncle. To collect his inheritance, he must turn the old Duke's three by-blow offspring into proper ladies and marry them off. Two are mere children, but Caroline Dutton is all woman-a headstrong beauty he can't help wanting to seduce.Now ensconced in Ryland's country estate, Caroline is being called a Lady and readied for the marriage mart during the next London season. Her dowry is large, her past overlooked, and her prospects bright.... except she is breathlessly, madly drawn to the one man who is sweeping her toward scandal-and the sweet satisfaction her heart demands.

Customer Reviews:

Well-written, interesting characters........2007-08-13

I liked this book-- well-written, fast-paced, good characters, good plot. It made me want to read other titles by the same author.

Mmm ... Good .......2006-09-22

Her Scandalous Marriage by Leslie Lafoy was a amusing and exciting novel. Both main characters came from humble beginnings and now are thrown into the society world as Duke and Daughter of a Duke. They are two strong loving characters who fight the world before them -- and find out what really counts in the end. This book has lots of humor, great love scenes and view into the society world.... If you enjoy this genre I would also check out The Lady Lies The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon

charming and fast moving narrative.......2006-08-12

This was a charming and fast moving start to what I hope will be a trilogy. I have one comment on the ignorant idea that ALL women in the 19th century were virgins until they were married. . . this heroine was from a different class position and not constantly guarded. Like many women throughout history she had premarital sex with someone she was committed to. . .This does not make her promiscuous.

Her Scandalous Marriage.......2006-07-23

Caroline Dutton is happily working in her dress shop when Drayton MacKenzie enters and tells her she has to close up shop and come live with him. Drayton explains that Caroline's father, Geoffrey, asked Drayton upon his deathbed to take care of Caroline and her two stepsisters and to make them into ladies suitable for good marriages. Caroline is an illegitimate child and she was ignored by her father all of her life. She does not want to leave her business, nor does she want money or marriage.

Drayton has his work cut out for him. Not only is Caroline fiercely independent, but she is gorgeous and he is very attracted to her. Caroline thinks Drayton is infuriating, condescending and easily the most handsome man she has ever met.

Drayton gathers Caroline's two younger sisters, Fiona and Simone. They are about as far from ladies as one could get. Drayton realizes that this is an even bigger undertaking than he thought.

Caroline and Drayton can't keep their hands off each other, but a marriage between them is not suitable. Drayton receives advice from his friends regarding his new duties as a duke, but on his own, Drayton must decide what to do about his growing feelings for Caroline. He soon discovers that the burden he was given turns out to be a blessing.

Her Scandalous Marriage is a romantic delight. Caroline and Drayton compliment each other so well. They are attractive, witty, kind, and very passionate. The enjoyment they found in each other's company is endearing. Fiona is adorable and Simone is outrageous. I eagerly look forward to reading their stories. Her Scandalous Marriage is a love story about two people who should not have fallen in love, but did. It is very romantic.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

He's supposed to marry her off but decides that he might need to keep her........2006-07-14

In order to access his great uncle's inheritance, Drayton MacKenzie has been given the task of finding the man's three illegitimate daughters. Finding them is easy; turning them into marriageable ladies of the English ton may be a bit more difficult.

Drayton MacKenzie never expected to become the new Duke of Ryland. He was content being in the army. When Drayton is notified of his great uncle's demise and his new status, he reluctantly begins his transformation from simple soldier to haughty duke. His transformation will be a piece of cake, right? Definitely, not. Drayton is thrown for a loop with what he is told he must do in order to gain monies needed to run the various dead duke's estates.

Caroline Dutton is satisfied with her life and her dress shop. She is dependent only on herself and Caroline likes it that way. She is content with her lot in life; that is, until a rude, opinionated duke walks into her shop and completely upsets the balance in her life as well as her hormones.

Per his late uncle's will, Drayton has been given the task of finding the old man's three children. He finds the oldest and when he comes in contact with Caroline, he is instantly attracted to her. The fact that she doesn't seem impressed with him intrigues Drayton all the more. It takes a lot of smooth talking, but Drayton finally convinces a reluctant Caroline to help him fulfill the terms of her father's will. Together they set out to find Caroline's other half sisters. Once that is accomplished, Drayton figures the rest will fall into place. He could not be more wrong; especially where Caroline is concerned. Drayton doesn't count on their mutual attraction to each other nor does he count on falling in love and wanting to keep her for himself.

HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Leslie LaFoy is a saucy, romantic tale of two outsiders trying to fit into English society. They don't count on falling in love with each other and that made HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE all the more endearing. I liked Caroline's vitality and her loyalty to family, even family she didn't know she had. I found myself grinning at the antics of the other two sisters as well as Drayton's reactions to the sisters themselves.

Overall, HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Leslie LaFoy is a delightful read that kept me entertained. Full of humor and love, it held my attention from first to last word. I can't wait to see if Ms. LaFoy gives the two sisters their own stories!

****Natasha Smith for Romance Junkies

Book Description

Kip has never known any life but his existence at the protected laboratory compound known as Starswarm Station. And for all that time he has heard the Voice: an artificial intelligence chip implanted in his skull. It guides him and helps protect him from the planet's many dangers, including roaming bands of hostile centaurs and "haters." But the startling discovery of who put the chip in his head - and why - leads Kip to revelations that could threaten the safety of the entire compound. Luckily, he has friends Marty and Lara to help. But are three kids enough to save an entire planet?

Customer Reviews:

Genius........2007-05-20

I think the Heinlein book others have referred to while discussing this book is actually, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress", not "Citizen of the Galaxy"... and there ARE many similarities to TMIAHM (One of Heinlein's BEST IMO).

MANY of us grew up on Heinlein,. There's "young Heinlein" (directed mostly at kids, about kids).. and there's the "Older Heinlein" that is more adult oriented.

However, the genius in Pournelle's work is that he knows "people".

MANY of us that actually grew up to be Professional Engineers (and such) remember "Young Heinlein" and we went back to re-read those books as adults at some point, and then we are kind of disappointed at how "young an audience" those books were actually written for. Pournelle has taken a "Young Heinlein TYPE" of story, and written it for Adults. NO ONE likes thinking about their favorite TYPES of stories being "For kids"... Pournelle has bridged the gap.. many have tried to do it over the years (probably without knowing themselves what they were trying to do), but Pournelle has actually DONE IT (and probably KNOWS he did it).

***** Kudos Pournelle!!!! I'd give it 5 stars, except it's not "the book I judge all others by" (Richard K. Morgan's "Takeshi Kovacs" series)... however, I've already sold 8 more friends on buying it to read (or listen to)... It's that good.

There's just no GOOD way to explain the essence of the story itself except to say, "it's the Heinlein-type book you THOUGHT you were going back to re-read as an adult". *****

Reviewed by Trip Williams for Huntress Reviews.

great fun, good values.......2007-01-20

Inspiring, realistic (mostly), and engaging. What more could I ask from a book?

If it looks like a Heinlein, walks like a Heinlein, ..........2004-06-17

It has been a while since I read this book for the 3rd time but I still remember it well. I know that www.jerrypournelle.com has commented on it a few times that he was intending to write a Heinlein juvenile book. Well, he suceeded !

Great read, great concept and excellent flow. The first time that I read the book I could not put it down until I finished it at 4 am (much to my wife's displeasure !).

Heinlein Lives!.......2004-02-06

In his foreword, Jerry Pournelle pays homage to the late great Robert Heinlein and the "juvenile" science fiction books that hooked so many into the genre. I certainly remember them with fond affection before Heinlein turned his talent along other paths, and re-read them to this day.

Starswarm is indeed a book very much in the style of those books, complete with the adolescent protagonist, his loyal friends, adults of superior intelligence, ethics and ability, and of course a swag of strange creatures and a talking computer.

There are echoes of "Citizen of the Galaxy" here, as well as from any number of other Heinlein juveniles, but the plot is Pournelle's own, underscored with more computer knowledge than Heinlein ever had, and it is as compulsive a read as any of Pournelle's other books.

I enjoyed it immensely, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes these "coming of age in the space age" novels.

Jupiter series continues.......2003-04-09

If you like this book (and you probably do!), the next book in the Jupiter series is entitled *Outward Bound*, by James P. Hogan. *Outward Bound* is the sixth book in the series and is another coming-of-age novel like the previous volumes. In *Outward Bound,* the protagonist, a tough, teenage thug-in-training, who is leader of his own little criminal gang, finally gets caught by the authorities in a declining future Earth society and sent, as his last chance (instead of juvenile prison), to a boot-camp and training center of sorts where the purpose behind it is at first cloaked in mystery by its sponsors until, by the end of the novel, he finds himself learning about honor, selflessness and love even as he ends up in space about to be a colonist joining a secretive group of utopians who live in the outer reaches of the solar system. A thoroughly enjoyable read, I found (I've already read it several times).

Average customer rating:

Alien Starswarm (#1)
Robert Sheckley
Manufacturer: randy l byrd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1563170116

Product Description

small format minibook paperback. 4.5" x3" 1990 number 1 on spine brand new hole punch in rear wrapper. science fiction novel by robert sheckley. rare collectible book.

Average customer rating:

Colorful short stories of characters in the far future
Review of original 1964 Signet edition.

Starswarm
Brian Wilson Aldiss
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0671559990

Customer Reviews:

Colorful short stories of characters in the far future.......1998-09-21

This wide-ranging survey of Humanity spread throughout the galaxy in the far future tells stories of characters in ordinary (in their time) and extraordinary situations - a nagging wife, preparing for battle, etc. I especially enjoyed the wild yarn of Smith's Burst - it seems fresh and different even decades after it was written. Emphasis is on characters and how they intereact with the worlds formed by their uncountable ancestors. Much material to inspire the artist, not so much for the hard SF fan. One of my favorites, I wish I hadn't loaned it out...

Review of original 1964 Signet edition........1997-05-11

Starswarm is not one of Aldiss' better works. If you have enjoyed his other works and like reading far-future speculation, this is a book for you

Average customer rating:

Starswarm
Brian ALDISS
Manufacturer: Signet D2411
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000OPAIJE

Average customer rating:

Starswarm
Brian Aldiss
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ELW4YA

Product Description

EXCITING CHRONICLE NOVEL OF THE FAR DISTANT FUTURE WHEN THE DESCENDANTS OF MAN HAVE SWEPT ACROSS TEN THOUSAND WORLDS

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Starswarm
Brian W Aldiss
Manufacturer: SIGNET BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TXHB5U

Average customer rating:

Starswarm
Jerry Pournelle
Manufacturer: ST MARTINS PRESS *
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000SF6BDW

Average customer rating:

Starswarm
Brian Aldiss
Manufacturer: Signet D2411
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000OP8U0I

Average customer rating:

Starswarm

Manufacturer: New American Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HU0X9Q

Average customer rating:

Starswarm

Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HUEKUO

Average customer rating:

Great Instruction.

Very Best Of Its Kind

For me, one of the better Dzogchen texts...

Fantastic Text with flawed commentary

Ian Myles Slater on: Identifying the Text

Self-Liberation: Seeing with Naked Awareness
John Myrdhin Reynolds
Manufacturer: Snow Lion Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Tibetan | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Other Eastern Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Golden Letters

The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of the Dzogchen Semde

Naked Awareness: Practical Instructions on the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen

You Are the Eyes of the World, New Edition

The Practice of Dzogchen

ASIN: 1559391448

Book Description

Self-Liberation presents the essence of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, regarded in Tibet as the highest and most esoteric teaching of the Buddha.

Customer Reviews:

Great Instruction........2006-12-21

There are multiple viewpoints about the utility of including the Evans-Wetz controversy. However, reader, please be aware that this is actually an Apendix and not the main part of the book. Therefore, the author/scholar has no obligation to the reader, imo, as to whether to include or not. As an aside, I found the appendix quite interesting.

As to the main part of the book; ASTOUNDING. Some of the best, most lucid, crystal clear instruction on the topic.

Very Best Of Its Kind.......2006-04-18

Of all the myriad Dzogchen texts I've read, this is the very best. It is clear, the translation is understandable (he doesn't use weird made-up circumloqutions for terms like rigpa, yeshe, rigpai tsal, etc, like some translators do), and really and truly Self-Liberation is a text which is introduces the reader to the nature of mind every time it is read.

I haven't seen John since way back 1981, when at Lama Gonpo's I loaned him a text of the Hevajra Tantra before he left for India to receive the empowerments. He's gone on to bigger and better things since then, but this early translation of his will never be bettered.

For me, one of the better Dzogchen texts..........2005-02-04

John Reynolds (aka Vajranatha) exposed me to Dzogchen thru this book. He associated himself with Namkai Norbu (who wrote the foreword) and had the assistance for this translation on others who know Dzogchen, including Lama Tharchin who I had the great fortune to hear speak once.

If Dzogchen can be applied successfully, then it must be through reading books like this one that one "reaches" that understanding.

When I was new to Dzogchen, Vayranathra's commentary was helpful. It remains so, but to a lesser degree today, but that may be due to overfamiliarity with it on my part. The appendix, which discusses how Evan-Wentz and Jung viewed Dzogchen, was never very helpful to me and I am not clear that it would benefit anyone but scholars. My assumption is to ignore Evan-Wentz translation and go with Vayrarathra's, since it was the first I encountered, it was supported by some Dzogchen teachers, and it excited me about Dzogchen.

Since that time, having read "You aee the Eyes of the World" from Longchenpa, Self-Liberation is no longer my "favorite" Dzogchen text but it continues to seem to be one of the three most important I know of, these two and the other one being the Bon text "Heart Drops of the Dharmakaya". I confess that my practical understanding of these texts remains small after about 10 years of studying Dzogchen on and off, but it does seem to me to remain one of the more important possible ways of facing the world constructively.

Vajranathana has continued his studies of Dzogchen (both in Tibetan Buddhism and Bon) and remained closely associated with
Namkai Norbu. My impression is that he is one of the most, if not the most, reputable scholar/translator of Dzogchen. His other translations include "The Golden Letters" and "The Cycle of Day and Night". I'd suggest reading "You are the eyes of the world" postponing the introduction and commentary but rather reading first the main text of "Self-liberation through seeing with naked awareness", also postponing its commentary and seeing what effect they have on you. If they make sense, you may be on your way to being benefited by Dzogchen in a way you could never have anticipated either yourself or by what modern day writers try to tell you. My bias is to trust the modern translators and ancient text writers for the time being and see where that leads me, because the translators may be constrained by the ancient texts and the ancient text writers may be had less to gain in worldly ways then some modern teachers.

Well, that's just my two cents on how I have approached Dzogchen. It isn't certain to me yet that anyone at any time has really applied these teachings constructively: it may be a well-meaning comfort system and it may be a long-lived deception. That it means something to indicate I am conscious in a way that seems incredibly creative, without boundaries, and with staggering presence I won't argue with, but that may be natural aspects of what we find as our consciousness and being in the world, it doesn't mean that anyone is a master of it or that it is some great perfection that already exists but for which I should pay people to confirm. Be wary and enjoy this creative ride and be glad, as "Self-Liberation through seeing with naked awareness" points out that your present thoughts will liberate of their own accord and not clutter your mind for too long.

Fantastic Text with flawed commentary.......2005-01-22

This book is a commentary on the titled Terma text. The text is terrific (worth 5 stars), reminiscent of Norbu's "The Supreme Source" or Longchenpa's "Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena." While addressing Dzogchen's Trekchö view, it includes very interesting & refreshing statements. It uses "empty" differently than other books & Mr. Reynolds commentary--not signifying dependent-arising (or interdependent) but actual emptiness (page 13, stanza 8): "Since it is empty and not created anywhere whatsoever, it is the Dharmakaya" and (page 14, stanza 10) "It is certain that the nature of the mind is empty and without any foundation whatsoever. Your own mind is insubstantial like the empty sky...It is certain that self-originated primal awareness has been clear (and luminous) from the very beginning."

Per most Tibetan to English translations, it seems literal vs. figurative (i.e. concerned with an "accurate" translation rather than with reader understanding). Mr. Reynolds states (page 115) "what is important at this primary level is to discover what the masters of the Dzogchen tradition actually say about their own tradition." I disagree. The most important thing is for the reader to UNDERSTAND Dzogchen and be enabled to practice it. For example, "nature of the mind" and "mind" are intermixed in a confusing manner. The author's explanation of his choice (pages 47-8, stanza 6) is unconvincing vs. his alternative, "Mind Itself," Padmasambhava's term "intrinsic awareness," or the commonly used "ground of being." Per other texts, "meditate" is translated as meditate upon (transitive), so Mr. Reynolds uses "contemplate" in stanza 8. That's fine, but in English "meditate" is a dual verb, it can be either transitive or intransitive (check your dictionary). Indeed, Padmasambhava states (page 13, stanza 8) "you are meditating without finding anything there to meditate on" (inferring intransitive meditation).

In his commentary, appendix, and notes, Mr. Reynolds provides concise and precise explications of standard Dzogchen, Vajrayana, and Buddhist doctrines-though scattered in location and more like Apologetic vs. explanation-largely to justify extensive criticism of Evans-Wentz' (E-W) prior translation, in "The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation" with Jung's Introduction. Some criticisms are well-founded. Mr. Reynolds greatly details Evans-Wentz' life, Vedanta, & Theosophy. He seems to take a Sensate view (Myers-Briggs Type "S": preference for details, low level of abstraction, past vs. future). Strangely, several of Mr. Reynolds' criticisms appear to conflict with the Terma! The text is VERY interesting in that (page 12, stanza 6) Padmasambhava provides many synonyms for intrinsic awareness such as--the Self, the Mind, Alaya, etc. Yet, Mr. Reynolds criticizes E-W for using virtually the same terms.

But, Mr. Reynolds rightly criticizes some E-W excesses (e.g. implying that Rigpa as "the dew drop slips into the Shining Sea", poetic but not entirely accurate) and claims E-W inserts Hindu, Vedanta, and Theosophist views into Dzogchen (ignoring the possible influences of Western mysticism). But most Westerner readers must translate Eastern terms into understandable language-not just English, and analogy facilitates communication. Any differences (e.g. between Cosmic Consciousness and Rigpa, page 103) would need explication, but differences among Brahman (Upanishads), ground of being (Dzogchen), and Ein Sof (Kabbalah) seem elusive. IMHO, Mr. Reynolds overrates such differences due to his low level of abstraction viewpoint. He writes as an historian, not a scientist. He seems unable to comprehend that there are differing perspectives-like the colors coming from a prism or facets of a diamond (Vajra). A true master can step out of his/her culture to see the pristine truth sans bias. I'd recommend reading "Mind at Ease" a Mahamudra text by the English-speaking Tibetan Traleg Kyabgon.

Mr. Reynolds points out several real errors in Jung's Introduction (e.g. the asserted lack of Buddhist critical psychology & philosophy--page 148, note 53), but his grasp of Jungian psychology is deficient: he misinterprets Jung's mapping of Buddhist deities/Samboghakaya onto the unconscious when Jung clearly refers to their peaceful/wrathful duality (e.g. Manjushri/Yamantaka) vs. Mr. Reynolds realm-gods. Mr. Reynolds misunderstands active imagination and the difference between psychotherapy & individuation. Contemporary Tibetan masters (e.g. Thrangu Rinpoche, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche) admit such deities can be/are mental. Mr. Reynolds seems oblivious to the mythological, allegorical, symbolical, and sometimes anachronistic aspects of Tibetan Buddhism which are normal components of religions--Mt. Meru is not the center of 4 continents (page 106), whether the Buddha knew it or not (who knows?). Also, Mr. Reynolds strongly objects to Jung's "a slavish initiation of Buddhist practices by Westerners is bound to be fruitless, if not dangerous" which seems self-evident to me. What's oddest about this book is what's missing:
-- the differences between Christian Bhakti Yoga (of devotion) vs. Dzogchen Jnana Yoga (of wisdom)
--the connection between the "other shore" (pages 145-6, note 47) with the standard Buddhist simile of the Yanas as boats across the sea of Samsara, not to mention Jung's night-sea journey.
--the differences between Gelugpa (to which Mr. Reynolds seems to refer) and Kagyu Mahamudra.
--that the Buddha's era has been reevaluated into the 5th century BCE instead of the 6th or 7th
--the similarities of some of E-W's statements to Vipashyana meditation
--that E-W/Jung's use of "Alaya" could refer to Absolute Alaya (as in the Terma)-page 113.
--that symbols are psychological in both East and West-page 146.
--the openness of Vajrayana (e.g. the Lojong mind training a la Pema Chödrön's many books/tapes)
--the Maitri and compassion at the heart of Mahayana Buddhism-including Dzogchen
--the awesome mind-expanding view of Dzogchen vs. (page 113)-seeing the forest vs. the bark of a tree
--the simple beauty of Mr. Reynolds prior (wonderful) book, "The Golden Letters"

Ian Myles Slater on: Identifying the Text.......2003-10-10

Prospective readers of this work may wish to know that it has a descriptive subtitle -- "An Introduction to the Nature of One's Own Mind from *The Profound Teaching of Self-Liberation in the Primordial State of the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities* A terma text of Guru Padmasambhava expounding the view of Dzogchen, rediscovered by Rigdzin Karma Lingpa." In other words, it offers itself as a "postponed revelation," a terma (treasure) re-discovered and offered to the world centuries after its composition. As such it is part of a large class of Tibetan Buddhist works.

The text had previously been translated into English at the instigation of W.Y. Evans-Wentz, who published that version in "The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation" which appeared in 1954 as the last of four volumes in the pioneering "Oxford Tibetan Series," which had begun in 1927 with another terma text, the "Tibetan Book of the Dead."

The "Self-Liberation" treatise there followed an abridged translation of one of the traditional biographies of Padmasambhava, the legendary "Apostle to the Tibetans," and one of their patron Bodhisattvas, who is regarded as the real author of this and other works. These texts were surrounded by commentaries by Evans-Wentz and C.G. Jung. The latter is probably important for students of Jung. Evans-Wentz's contributions generally reflect a lack of information about esoteric Buddhism, and a tendency to substitute material from Hindu and Theosophical sources.

Having compared the present translation (pages 9-28) with that offered by Evans-Wentz, I can say that it appears to be superior in clarity. Given the present, far more advanced state of Tibetan studies, it is certainly more likely to be accurate than the ad-hoc attempt provided by Evans-Wentz's translators. Additional features include the Tibetan text in transliteration, a glossary of Tibetan Buddhist terms, and an extended commentary. This is undoubtedly an advance on Evans-Wentz, although its devotional tone may seem cloying to some readers (including this one)

There are also extended discussions of the Evans-Wentz and Jung interpretations. The dismissal of Jung is particularly interesting; although I don't much care for Jung myself, I felt that he was not being given sufficient credit for trying to take Asian traditions as seriously as he took those closer to home. (Of course, given Jung's reductionist approach to religion, this may amount to 0 = 0.)

Naked Awareness: Practical Instructions on the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen

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1st part of a definitive text
An important, insightful contribution to Buddhist Studies.

Naked Awareness: Practical Instructions on the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen
Karma Chagme
Manufacturer: Snow Lion Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1559391464

Book Description

This is a 17th-century presentation of the union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen by Karma Chagme, one of the greatest partiarchs of Tibetan Buddism.

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1st part of a definitive text.......2004-11-05

This book is the initial portion of Gyatrul Rinpoche's commentary on a portion of Karma Chagme's 17th century text, "The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen." The 2nd volume is called, "A Spacious Path to Freedom." A related text (all 3 are translated by B. Alan Wallace) is entitled, "Natural Liberation" and is attributed to Padmasambhava. However, even the 3 together do not completely communicate the original text. Chokyi Rinpoche also wrote a small commentary on the original text entitled: "The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen." All 4 of these books are well worth reading. They are among the clearest and pithiest of currently available English translations of Mahamudra and Dzogchen texts and help one to not only understand their relationships, but more importantly to understand the underlying truths within them. Mahamudra is contended to be the highest teaching within the Kagyu tradition (among the 4 Tibetan Buddhist traditions). Dzogchen is similarly regarded for the Nyingma tradition. Thus, the original work can be said to address the very highest Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhist) teachings. It is obvious (even in translation) that Karma Chagme was a great, enlightened master. This may very well be the best of the 4 volumes cited above. It contains a wealth of material including Trekcho and Togal--the 2 primary Dzogchen practices. It is highly recommended.

An important, insightful contribution to Buddhist Studies........2000-06-04

Karma Chagme's Naked Awareness reviews the spiritual beliefs of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, considering the two phases of Dzoghchen practice and perspectives on consciousness and philosophy.

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Colleagues in Solitude
PANDIT SHRIRAM SHARMA ACHARYA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UATI58

Product Description

This booklet provides a deep and insightful spiritual research into and a true diagnosis of the basic causes of the malady, humanity is suffering from and it also provides the unfailing remedy therefor., this booklet will be equally inspiring, uplifting and illuminating for the environmentalist, the nature loves and the spiritual seeker. it gives glimpse into the deepest recesses of the seer soul of a multi splendorous Mystic Guide par excellenceof our age, who heard sermons in the stones and celestial songs of harmony, unity and love in the Himalayan wilderness- in its brooks and streams, its flora ad fauna, its icy winds and in the heart of the simple folks and could concretely exprience his oneness with all creation ; Vasudevah Sarvam Iti.

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