Dangerous Friend: The Teacher-Student Relationship in Vajrayana Buddhism

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Lotus

needy

there have to be better books on the topic

Ground-breaking but flawed

An Excellent Book

Dangerous Friend: The Teacher-Student Relationship in Vajrayana Buddhism
Rig'Dzin Dorje
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1570628572
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Book Description

Although Tibetan Buddhism continues to grow in popularity, the crucial relationship between teacher and student remains largely misunderstood. Dangerous Friend offers an in-depth exploration of this mysterious and complex bond, a relationship of paramount importance in Tibetan Buddhist practice. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the student must have complete trust in the teacher (the "dangerous friend") if he or she is to achieve any understanding. It is the teacher's responsibility to uphold the integrity of the tradition, the basis of which is compassion for all beings, by transmitting it properly to an appropriate student. Likewise, it is the student's responsibility to meet the challenge of carrying on the lineage of teachings. By entering such a relationship, both teacher and student accept the burden of protecting those teachings by understanding them completely and correctly, by practicing them fully and faultlessly, and by transmitting them without omission. Dangerous Friend includes discussions of the following topics: Meeting and recognizing an appropriate teacher. Understanding the gravity of entering the teacher-student relationship. Shifting one's approach from spiritual materialism to genuine Buddhist practice. Accepting the challenge of being truly kind, honest, and courageous.

Customer Reviews:

Lotus.......2005-07-05

Anyone interested in the Aro gTer should ask to see the pictures of the interesting ceremony called "The Full Lotus". This should help the seeker to decide if this is the organisation for them.

needy.......2005-06-03

The author of this book is a member of a small Buddhist flavored cult called the Aro gTer. H.H.The Dalai Lama has refused to acknowledge the authenticity of this group, and has in fact, publically advised Dharma practioners to avoid them. They in turn state that as the H.H. is not a Nyingma practioner he has no say over them. This is too simplistic, since the Chinese invasion of Tibet all schools of the Tibetan Vajrayana acknowledge the authority of His Holiness. In any case the Aro's point is undermined by the fact that the head of the Nyingma, Mindrolling Rinpoche, has also declared the Aro to be inauthentic. As have all of the other Nyingma lineage holders. Why bother with a fake when we live in a time when the real thing is so readily available? In the Nyingma Tradition there is Namkhai Norbu, Tarthang Tulku, Sogyal Rinpoche, and numerous others. There is no reason to settle for a western imitation.

there have to be better books on the topic.......2004-10-13

Even though I'm enamored of the Nyingmapa school and highly idealize the student-teacher relationship traditional to several different religions, I found this book to be highly dissatisfying -- even maddening. I was expecting to read a nice devotional book from the Nyingmapa perspective that would make it easier for me to explain the student-teacher relationship as positive and essential for spiritual growth. Instead, the book's tone was so strident, confrontational, and (it seemed to me) uncompassionate that I found myself questioning whether Buddhism was the benevolent religion I had taken it to be, and whether perhaps the student-teacher relationship shouldn't be reformed!

The book is heated and polemical, pretty much baldly asserting that anyone who disagreed with its central argument did so because they had serious karmic problems that would land them in vajra hell. If it were possible to know that this was the case, it would be one thing -- but to assert that it's true across the board, that one is all but certain that the only reasons *anyone* would have to disagree with one are damning personal flaws instead of genuinely bad experiences or some kind of potentially-innocent misunderstanding -- that's too much to put the reader's plate. It's not credible, and it comes off as unnecessarily cruel and unreflective.

It would be exactly like a Christian fundamentalist saying that the only reason that anyone rejected Christianity was because of an obstinacious and sinful inclination to be their own God -- a great polemic, but is the actual state of affairs really so uniform and easily diagnosed? Are there no exceptions? Does no one ever have a positive (if misguided) reason for coming to independent conclusions?

It seemed to me as if the author is completely unaware that some students have been abused, or, if he is aware, that he's unwilling to accept any diagnosis of the situation which makes it anything other than the student's fault. This is not healthy in any tradition, and it's not compassionate. Cherish the traditional student-teacher relationship, but do so with compassion, and find a better guide in doing so.

Ground-breaking but flawed.......2003-09-13

While there are some touching personal accounts in this book, ostensibly about the teacher/student relationship in Vajrayana, most of the content of this book is spoiled by persistent bombastic hyperbole.

The vajra master is supposed to "override dualistic rationale", for instance! What the heck does that mean?

The impression conveyed of the vajra master is some sort of cross between Don Juan (Carlos Castaneda's imaginary friend) and the "Master" in the Kung Fu television series. With a little encounter therapy thrown in for good measure (the author has a fondness for pseudo-psychologisms, such as the abundant use of the word "neurosis"; I suppose the author has read a lot of Trungpa Rinpoche).

Overall it adds up to a bit of a sensationalized and perhaps somewhat misleading characterization of the teacher/student relationship. Everything is just so dramatic. I think this could lead to unrealistic expectations in the real world of vajra-relationship with one's teacher.

On a positive note, there really isn't any other book quite like this at the moment. While there are several books already written on the Teacher in vajrayana, all of them so far are either translations of traditional texts or academic treatments of the subject. "Dangerous Friend" explores new ground through being written by a contemporary practitioner in contemporary language. Though I personally was turned off by the author's writing style, I think that others, especially those that are fond of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's books, will probably enjoy this book.

An Excellent Book.......2003-01-18

The author has done the world of Vajrayana Buddhism a true service by writing this book. I knew early on in the book that I was going to enjoy it immensely. The kind, respectful, gentle way the author speaks about his teachers, and how they in turn speak of their teachers, was really inspiring. To me, that type of relationship with one's teacher(s) is the distilled essence of the Vajrayana Path.

About his teachers, he says, "...the debt I owe them for the entire content and quality of the life I now lead. This is a debt which, in the nature of Vajrayana, cannot be less than total. It will always remain beyond the possibility of repayment. This is a typical Tantric paradox--a debt that buoys me up rather than weighing me down."

The author speaks of the Dalai Lama of Tibet telling us we can take up to 13 years to decide if a certain teacher is right for us. Rigdzin Dorje says a Teacher-Student relationship is not something to be entered into lightly. Once you do accept a teacher, the commitment should be complete.

When the activities of the teacher are inconsistent with your particular viewpoint, Dorje states, "However incomprehensibly the teacher may behave, always maintain pure perception, and recognize his way of doing things as skillful means. Pure vision means viewing the vajra master as continuously acting for the benefit of beings, and regarding all of his or her behavior as manifestations of unceasing enlightened activity. The vajra master represents the completion of the path in person."

Book Description

Little Pear is a young boy who lives in a small village in China. Although his story takes place long ago, Little Pear is much like any little boy today--always on the lookout for excitement and adventure!

Wherever Little Pear goes, there is fun to be had. His friends love to join his adventures--especially his best friend, Big Head.

Accompany Little Pear as he goes ice fishing, masquerades as a beggar boy, finds a tiger in his house, and--best of all--gets a brand-new little brother!

Customer Reviews:

sweet childhood stories.......2006-07-03

These little pear stories are just good clean fun. Not many books are written like this one these days.

Little Pear is a young chineese boy. In this chapter book he has many adventures. In these adventures he learns newthings such as ice fishing and baby sitting.

Loved Little Pear books when I was growing up!.......2006-06-09

I am so glad to find these books again. I used to check them out at our local library and they looked pretty old back then (I am almost 37!). I cannot wait to share them with my little girl, I hope she enjoys them as much as I did.

A wonderful book!.......2006-03-14

The Little Pear stories are fabulous. My four year old daughter loves them and we read them over and over. They are perfect for this age and older.

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19 girls and me
A Delightful Story About Friendship
19 Girls and Me + Me + My Daughter = FUN!
excellent picture book
Clever story - wonderful illustrations

19 Girls and Me
Darcy Pattison
Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0399243364

Book Description

John Hercules Po's kindergarten class is made up of 19 girls . . . and him. His older brother warns him not to let all those girls turn him into a sissy, but as John Hercules Po discovers, he needn't worry. As he and the girls let their imaginations run wild during recess, they end up digging all the way to The Great Wall of China, floating on the Amazon river, singing to the Man on the Moon, and racing a car 600 miles per hour.

So . . . 19 girls and 1 lone boy? Nope, even better—20 good friends.

By the acclaimed author of The Journey of Oliver K.Woodman and the illustrator of Bedtime! comes this delightful story that parents will adore just as much as their children.

Customer Reviews:

19 girls and me.......2007-06-08

This book was read to elementary students grades k-6, every one of the students loved this book and requested it be read again the very next week. We discussed the pictures (first gray and then color when playing and at the end), the connections with siblings and finally friendships. I highly recommend this book.

A Delightful Story About Friendship.......2007-01-01

19 Girls and Me is a story of a kindergartener named John Hercules Po who finds himself in a class of nineteen girls. He is the only boy. His brother worries that he will become "sissified" from playing with all of those girls. In the end, everybody realizes that playing together can be a lot of fun.

19 Girls and Me is a delightful story that shows kids that it is okay for girls and boys to play together. Girls won't become tomboys just because they are playing with boys, and boys won't become sissies just because they are playing with girls. Everyone can get along and have a good time.

My five-year-old daughter likes this story. She also enjoys looking at all of the details in Steven Salerno's playful illustrations.

19 Girls and Me + Me + My Daughter = FUN!.......2006-12-19

I love this book for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that my daughter, in first grade, totally digs the story of John Hercules Po and his adventures with his 19 friends in Mrs. Ray's Kindergarten--19 friends who just happen to be GIRLS! The repetition is fun, and the imaginative adventures that the kids think up delight both of us! I've already taken the book to school twice and read it in a few different classes, and the kids eyes are big--and their smiles are bigger--as I regale them with the developing friendship between John Hercules Po and his 19 new friends! The book imparts an excellent message without clobbering the reader over the head with it--nicely done! Salerno's illustrations add to the fun!

excellent picture book.......2006-10-31

19 Girls and Me is a story for both girls and boys. Kids will enjoy reading about the wonderful adventures John Hercules Po and his new friends have at recess each day. In addition to a great story, there are glimpses into places around the world that may teach kids a thing or two. This is a book that kids will enjoy again and again.

Clever story - wonderful illustrations.......2006-09-30

John Hercules Po - can his name get any better? John Hercules has a great imagination and takes his all-female classmates on wonderful adventures during recess. But playing with girls can elicit name-calling from brothers. This is a very enjoyable ride of a picture book with a satisfying ending and illustrations that lushly depict the imaginary world while the real world of school remains dull and drab. Great for entering kindergarteners, early grades and a definite read over and over book!

We Two Know the Script; We Have Become Good Friends

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We Two Know the Script; We Have Become Good Friends
William W. Chiang
Manufacturer: University Press of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 076180014X

Book Description

Before the 1960's a group of women in southern Hunan, China, often gathered to do embroidery while listening to one of their members chant from a booklet or a piece of paper, a folktale, an autobiography, or a marriage congratulation text written in an elegantly slanted script. The men could not read the script and belittled it.An attempt to understand the script used by the women, called the Women's Script, and the practice of its literacy is the focus of this book. The study itself includes the author's collection of 142 documents and thirteen months of fieldwork, from interview data to reinterpretations of existing literature. In addition to technical and literary studies of the scripts, the book focuses on both cultural patterns and social factors. Chiang suggests that the women's liteacy relates to a possible cultural complex found in South China, while proposing that gender actually determines the function and nature of the script. Because this book describes a rare situation in which script use is differentiated by gender, it will appeal to those interested in women's studies, China, sociolinguistics and writing systems.

Chinese Negotiating Behavior: Pursuing Interests Through "Old Friends

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Chinese Negotiating Behavior: Pursuing Interests Through "Old Friends
Richard H. Solomon
Manufacturer: Inst. of Peace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1878379860

Book Description

This study of Chinese negotiating behavior explores the ways senior officials of the PRCMao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, and othersmanaged high-level political negotiations with their new American "old friends." It follows the negotiating process step by step, and concludes with guidelines for dealing with Chinese officials.

Customer Reviews:

When Levi and Chen meet.......2007-01-10

The author describes why and how a group of Jews moved from the Levant to China and settled in Kaifeng, the ancient capital of the Chinese empire. He follows their struggle to remain as a group within a kind and welcoming society, prominent families and individual in the last 1000 years. A fascinating and unknown historical account that is only lately has come to the public's knowledge.

Delightful and fascinating.......2005-10-13

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It came yesterday and I was up late last night finishing it. It is a mixture of history and legend about how a community of persecuted Jews in Turkey, more than a millennia ago packed up and moved to Kaifeng, China, the ancient capital in Henan province, because it had a reputation for being very tolerant. Amazingly, this community manages to survive in isolation up until the early 20th century even though they take on Chinese names, win converts, and eventually become ethnically Chinese.

Unfortunately, there is no photo of this book. The illustrations are wonderful. It is a large thin book divided into 20 enhanced historical stories, fairly easy reading about 140 pages. My only complaints/suggestions are that there are no maps detailing the exodus from Turkey and their routes and stops along the Silk Roads. I lived in China for a year and am a bit more familiar with some of the things brought up in the story than the average American; however, I think Xu Xin and Betty Friend should have elaborated on some cultural and historical aspects, maybe provide some worldwide time tables. Also I and my Chinese friends would have enjoyed seeing the actual Chinese characters for many of the Chinese terms. To those unfamiliar, Chinese is a tonal language with a zillion homonyms. Story 14 was a bit confusing and the authors mix the pinyin, alphabetical system, with the older Wade-Giles system when naming some provinces.I would like to get in touch with Xu Xin but unfortunately, there is no website or e-mail provided.

Legends Of Chinese Jews of Kaifeng.......2002-11-27

This is the ONLY book I have read that paints a lucid picture of this part of Jewish history which is of interest to so few people.
The Journeys of the 12th century traders from Persia, many years before Marco Polo "discovered" China is a fascinating story beautifully told by Professor Xu Xin.

Authentic representation........1998-07-23

I am a docent at the Skirball Museum, Los Angeles where one of the remaining "Tiq's" of the synagogue in Kaifeng is displayed. We have had many lectures by visitors who are both residents of Kaifeng and experts in the history of the Jewish Community there.

The book paints an excellent picture of the history of a people, cut off from outside world contacts for 500+ years but still able to maintain their strict Jewish values.

One story that is not told is that, when the word got back to Europe, many years later, that the Missionary Matteo Ricci had found Jews in China Oliver Cromwell, the pretender to the throne of England, allowed the Jews to resettle in that country after being exiled in 1290CE. The re-addmission was done without an Act of Parliament. Cromwell was aware fof the prophesy in the bible which states that the messiah cannot come/return ubtil the Jews are scattered to all the countries of the earth.

The Kaifeng community had a Rabbi until 18! 50CE and the names given to them by the emperor are still used, very few are aware of their Jewish Heritage.

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Little Friends: Children's Film and Media Culture in China (Asia/Pacific/Perspectives)
Stephanie Hemelryk Donald
Manufacturer: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0742525414

Book Description

Contributing to the growing debates on children and media worldwide, Little Friends explores the pervasive presence of film culture in the lives of children in China. The book also introduces the work of the little-known Children's Film Studio and t

Drawn by a China Moon: Lottie Moon (Trailblazer Books #34)

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Good historical fiction for young readers.
Very good historical content!
Highly recommended, wholesome, entertaining, informative.

Drawn by a China Moon: Lottie Moon (Trailblazer Books #34)
Dave and Neta Jackson
Manufacturer: Bethany House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764222678
Release Date: 2000-09-01

Book Description

Mollie's friend Ida sends the most interesting letters from China, including tales of Lottie Moon, a groundbreaking female missionary. When Ida contracts a deadly illness Mollie is resolved to help her pen pal. Ages 8-12.

Customer Reviews:

Good historical fiction for young readers........2004-11-08

Thirteen year olds Mollie Jones and Ida Baker have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Growing up in the same small Virginia town, the girls shared secrets and dreams, had sleepovers, and made plans for the future together. But all that changes in the fall of 1893, when Ida's parents decide to become missionaries, and Ida must sail with them to far-off China. Over the next few years, Ida's and Mollie's lives take vastly different paths. Ida is terribly lonely in China and struggles to adjust to her new life. Just when she finally begins to feel at home, her life is further disrupted as war and rebellion erupt in China and she develops asthma. Meanwhile, Mollie's life continues as she always thought it would, but as she hears of Ida's struggles, she longs to do something to help her friend.

This was a good historical novel for young readers that brought to life this period in history and the struggles of a young girl as she adjusts to life in a foreign land. I enjoyed the unique historical setting, and Mollie and Ida were likeable characters. I recommend this book to young readers with an interest in this historical period or setting.

Very good historical content!.......2001-08-02

Inspired by Lottie Moon Ida and her family move to the "heathen" China to become missionaries. Ida and her best friend Molly are very sad that they have to leave eachother and decide to be soul sisters and write to eachother every week.

Ida has many experiences in China. But with the more experiences the more she realizes China needs doctors and nurses horribly. She decides she wants to be a missionary nurse in China. However Ida contridicts asthma and the doctors tell her she will never be able to become a nurse. Molly upon hearing this news makes a life changing decision that will change her life forever! I won't tell you so read the book! As a Chinese-American I find the contents of the story to be very realistic. I recommend this book to everybody because it has great historical content. If you like this book you should also try reading the Dear America Series!

Highly recommended, wholesome, entertaining, informative........2000-09-19

Drawn By A Moon (2267-8, $5.99) introduces Mollie, who is fascinating by a letter she receives from a friend who has moved to China describing life in that far away place, as well as the remarkable work of the groundbreaking nineteenth-century missionary Lottie Moon. When her friend contracts a deadly disease, Mollie resolves to help her, even if the consequences change her life forever! Highly recommended, wholesome, entertaining, and informative, both historical novels are engagingly written to present their stories from the perspective of children just like the readers.

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Chinese Mid-Moon Festival Story
a book for older children
For Children Of All Ages
For Children Of All Ages

Ling Cho and his Three Friends
V. J. Pacilio
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0374345457

Book Description

A tale of wisdom, ebulliently illustrated

Long concerned for the three poor neighboring farmers who refuse to accept charity, the prosperous Ling Cho decides to ask their help in selling some of his wheat. They gladly agree and depart for the marketplace with one wagonload each. When the time comes for them to bring Ling Cho his portion of their earnings, none of the farmers has anything for him but a story. Ling Cho listens to each neighbor's excuse and then demonstrates wisdom in his response that will remain with readers long after the book is closed. His message: that true friends allow themselves to be helped. Carefully rhymed couplets and golden, animated paintings make this story both funny and deeply meaningful.

Customer Reviews:

Chinese Mid-Moon Festival Story.......2006-11-10

This is a book to be read before or the night of the Mid Moon or Moon festival for any child with Chinese heritage. When most books about the Mid Moon festival speak of the Moon Maiden and her rabbit, this book is different because it focuses on the farmers, their harvest and the how everyone gathers to celebrate their harvest on the night of the moon festival.

This is a book about 4 farming friends who all gather together to celebrate the Mid-Moon Festival. Ling Cho's farm always produces much more crops than his friends and he knows if he gives them money, none of his friends would take the money because of their pride. One year, Ling Cho has a bumper crop and decides to ask his friends to do him a favor by each taking an ox-drawn wagon full of grain to their province to sell. With the idea that when they come back to celebrate the next years Mid Moon Festival they would return a portion of money back to Ling Cho. When the next moon festival arrives so to does Ling Cho's friends, each with no money to give to Ling Cho and stories of why they have no money to give him.

I will stop here so not to spoil the ending which has a wonderful ending. Like one of the other reviewers I do believe that this book would be better for older children, maybe 2nd or 3rd graders to get the " so called "
moral of the story. The drawings are really nice and this is a nice book to have to read before or during the Moon Festival. a very nice addition to anyone's home library.

a book for older children.......2005-11-28

This is most definitely not a book for the 4 to 8 crowd. In fact, I would go so far as to say this long hard-to-follow fable can only really work in middle school. And middle school children don't usually study fables, so there you go. However, if you are studying philosophy, religion, or the teachings of wise men in a unit about how to act rightly in life, Ling Cho and His Three Friends would work well.

In short, this is a book with limited usefulness. And, although it has beautiful illustrations, I would say it is neither a must-read, nor a must-own.

For Children Of All Ages.......2000-04-01

I love this book. My children love reading this book and my grandchildren love having this book read to them. The sounds of the words are musical, the story is beautiful and it teaches important lessons about friendship and honesty. The illustrations are lovely. I give this book as a baby gift and as birthday presents to my 50 year old friends as well.

For Children Of All Ages.......2000-04-01

Hudson Taylor: Friend of China (Heroes for Young Readers) (Heroes for Young Readers)

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Hudson Taylor: Friend of China (Heroes for Young Readers) (Heroes for Young Readers)
Renee Meloche
Manufacturer: YWAM Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1576582345

Product Description

Others laughed at the idea of blond, blue-eyed Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) becoming a missionary to China. He was so pale, the Chinese would think he was a ghost! But Hudson knew that God had called him, and he believed that God would help him. His faith led to the founding of the China Inland Mission and firmly established the gospel in the hearts of Chinese people.

Children, parents, and teachers love the adventurous Christian Heroes Then & Now biographies and unit study curriculum guides. Now Heroes for Young Readers introduces younger children to the lives of Christian heroes!

Whether reading for themselves or being read to, children love the captivating rhyming poems and unforgettable color illustrations of the Heroes for Young Readers series.

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