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Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling?: A Westerner's Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice
Ancient Wisdom for Today
If you think meditation is only for monks, think again. Today’s world seems to be growing more and more stressful by the minute—for all of us. So now, as a teacher of Tibetan Buddhist practice and a 21st-century woman, Lama Tsomo offers us time-tested tools for getting underneath our everyday worries and making our lives richer and more fulfilling. In Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? she acts as our lively, approachable guide to using the ancient traditions and practices of Tibetan Buddhism to find happiness and peace in this modern world.
Through step-by-step instructions, photographs, and helpful explanations, Lama Tsomo shows how we can start experiencing the many benefits of meditation for ourselves. She offers proven techniques for sharpening our focus, enhancing our relationships, and living each day more mindfully and joyfully. Laced with humor, compassion, and stories from Lama Tsomo’s own life, Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? meets us where we are and guides us onto, and along, the path to a deeper awareness of our world and ourselves. Lama Tsomo’s personal and spiritual journey to greater happiness can now be ours as well. As she invites in the Prologue, “Won’t you come along?�
The book features an introductory letter from H.H. Dalai Lama, portable meditation cards, "Science Tidbits", glossary of buddhist terms and lessons used in Namchak Foundation eCourses and retreats.
If you think meditation is only for monks, think again. Today’s world seems to be growing more and more stressful by the minute—for all of us. So now, as a teacher of Tibetan Buddhist practice and a 21st-century woman, Lama Tsomo offers us time-tested tools for getting underneath our everyday worries and making our lives richer and more fulfilling. In Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? she acts as our lively, approachable guide to using the ancient traditions and practices of Tibetan Buddhism to find happiness and peace in this modern world.
Through step-by-step instructions, photographs, and helpful explanations, Lama Tsomo shows how we can start experiencing the many benefits of meditation for ourselves. She offers proven techniques for sharpening our focus, enhancing our relationships, and living each day more mindfully and joyfully. Laced with humor, compassion, and stories from Lama Tsomo’s own life, Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? meets us where we are and guides us onto, and along, the path to a deeper awareness of our world and ourselves. Lama Tsomo’s personal and spiritual journey to greater happiness can now be ours as well. As she invites in the Prologue, “Won’t you come along?�
The book features an introductory letter from H.H. Dalai Lama, portable meditation cards, "Science Tidbits", glossary of buddhist terms and lessons used in Namchak Foundation eCourses and retreats.
276 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2016
25 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Lama Tsomo
9Ìýbooks22ÌýfollowersLama Tsomo (Lama Sangak Yeshe Tsomo) brings her unique perspective to Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? Born into a Midwestern Jewish household, she followed a path of spiritual inquiry that ultimately led to her ordination as one of the few American female lamas teaching Tibetan Buddhism.
She now speaks Tibetan fluently and has done extensive spiritual retreat both in the U.S. and abroad, deepening her understanding and mastery of Tibetan Buddhism under the tutelage of Tulku Sangak (sometimes spelled "Sang-Ngag") Rinpoche, a primary holder of the Namchak lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and spiritual head of the Namchak Foundation. Rinpoche has asked Lama Tsomo to oversee the planning and construction of the Namchak Retreat Ranch, and she does so through her service on the board of the Namchak Foundation, an educational resource for a national learning community.
Her teaching has inspired American and international students, who appreciate her warm intelligence and her informal, often humorous style.
Lama Tsomo is both the mother of three grown children and a grandmother. She shares her mountain home with her two dogs, whom she describes as her "constant, loving companions throughout the entire, years-long journey of writing this book."
Follow Lama Tsomo's blog:
She now speaks Tibetan fluently and has done extensive spiritual retreat both in the U.S. and abroad, deepening her understanding and mastery of Tibetan Buddhism under the tutelage of Tulku Sangak (sometimes spelled "Sang-Ngag") Rinpoche, a primary holder of the Namchak lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and spiritual head of the Namchak Foundation. Rinpoche has asked Lama Tsomo to oversee the planning and construction of the Namchak Retreat Ranch, and she does so through her service on the board of the Namchak Foundation, an educational resource for a national learning community.
Her teaching has inspired American and international students, who appreciate her warm intelligence and her informal, often humorous style.
Lama Tsomo is both the mother of three grown children and a grandmother. She shares her mountain home with her two dogs, whom she describes as her "constant, loving companions throughout the entire, years-long journey of writing this book."
Follow Lama Tsomo's blog:
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 1, 2019
Lama Tsomo writes a very clear and practical guide to introductory practices of her lineage of Nyingma school of Vajrayana Buddhism. The discussion of the Dalai Lama is tangential despite the title--after all, while he is important to the modern Nyingma traditions in the diaspora, he is of a different school of Vajrayana Buddhism--but the practices are clearly laid out as is the rationale for doing them. However, it is a little disorganized--a little under half of the book is dedicated to the Lama Tsomo's meeting of her guru before the complete importance of this relationship is really discussed. There is a good and brief retelling of the story of Sakyamuni Buddha. There are practices. There are some question and answer, and some scientific factoids that are interpreted in a way conducive to the author's worldview in a way that reflects self-help. I admit I find the latter element one of the least convincing and slightly programmatic. Lama Tsomo does take a Ri-me approach to Buddhist literature, giving extensive recommendations with caveats about her limited experience or being outside of her general tradition. It is nicely illustrated. A little breezy and perhaps picks up a bit too much on the style of self-help literature.
April 15, 2023
I almost rated this book lower, but then realized that doing so would have been unfair. Let me explain:
I prefer to approach meditation from a secular standpoint, getting guidance/information from the likes of Sam Harris, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Rick Heller, Stephen Batchelor, and others who stay away from the supernatural aspects of Buddhism. Nevertheless, if you spend any time in the world of mindfulness and meditation, you inevitably are exposed to more traditional Buddhist practitioners and teachers. (Even the aforementioned "secular" practitioners/authors/teachers have spent considerable time with traditionalists.) As such, I picked up this book thinking that it would be interesting to learn more about Tibetan beliefs.
For the most part, the book is quite informative, giving a good overview of Tibetan Buddhism and its various meditation practices. If you're looking for that basic information in an introductory form, it's here. There are numerous points where the author contrasts Tibetan practices with Vipassana and Zen, for example, and these are particularly interesting. Personally, however, I was turned off by many references to mysticism and supernatural phenomena, which were not just mentioned in passing but stated as fact. Too much "woo-woo" for me. The author also spends a bit too much time discussing her personal journey, which is certainly unique in its outcome (she started as a middle-class Jewish girl and is now a Vajrayana Lama) but nevertheless was not all that interesting as a narrative. That said, she really does seem to have a good heart and a sincere belief that Buddhist practices can have a positive impact on the world.
Four stars here because the book largely succeeds in doing what the author set out to do -- explaining Tibetan beliefs and practices.
I prefer to approach meditation from a secular standpoint, getting guidance/information from the likes of Sam Harris, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Rick Heller, Stephen Batchelor, and others who stay away from the supernatural aspects of Buddhism. Nevertheless, if you spend any time in the world of mindfulness and meditation, you inevitably are exposed to more traditional Buddhist practitioners and teachers. (Even the aforementioned "secular" practitioners/authors/teachers have spent considerable time with traditionalists.) As such, I picked up this book thinking that it would be interesting to learn more about Tibetan beliefs.
For the most part, the book is quite informative, giving a good overview of Tibetan Buddhism and its various meditation practices. If you're looking for that basic information in an introductory form, it's here. There are numerous points where the author contrasts Tibetan practices with Vipassana and Zen, for example, and these are particularly interesting. Personally, however, I was turned off by many references to mysticism and supernatural phenomena, which were not just mentioned in passing but stated as fact. Too much "woo-woo" for me. The author also spends a bit too much time discussing her personal journey, which is certainly unique in its outcome (she started as a middle-class Jewish girl and is now a Vajrayana Lama) but nevertheless was not all that interesting as a narrative. That said, she really does seem to have a good heart and a sincere belief that Buddhist practices can have a positive impact on the world.
Four stars here because the book largely succeeds in doing what the author set out to do -- explaining Tibetan beliefs and practices.
May 5, 2019
The first half of the book is spent with the author describing how she met her guru/lama, and the basics of Buddhist belief before diving in the second half into the specific Tibetan practices she wants to share. The tone is relaxed, personable, with occasional moments of humor. These are the very beginning of a beginner's practice skills.
Every few chapters, the author adds in a 'science tidbit' that leans toward a metaphysical spin. Also, interspersed through the chapters is a question, and answer portion taken from the Lama, and a student. Included in the back is a collection of "practice cards", six full-color cards with reminders of the practices mentioned in the book. They are great for having a handy short-cut without having to open the book. One card has White Tara on one side, and Vajradhara on the other. The website for this lineage also has these same exercises of Tonglen, Shamata, and channel clearing.
Four appendixes offering, how to start a study group, glossary, recommended reading, and credits, and permissions.
While the author does recommend books, and authors outside of her tradition, she is honest that if she isn't directly familiar, she is less confident suggesting it. I appreciate that. Also, she makes it rather clear that the practices are variations found in her lineage; thus, one's experience will vary with other groups.
This is intended to be the first book of a series.
Every few chapters, the author adds in a 'science tidbit' that leans toward a metaphysical spin. Also, interspersed through the chapters is a question, and answer portion taken from the Lama, and a student. Included in the back is a collection of "practice cards", six full-color cards with reminders of the practices mentioned in the book. They are great for having a handy short-cut without having to open the book. One card has White Tara on one side, and Vajradhara on the other. The website for this lineage also has these same exercises of Tonglen, Shamata, and channel clearing.
Four appendixes offering, how to start a study group, glossary, recommended reading, and credits, and permissions.
While the author does recommend books, and authors outside of her tradition, she is honest that if she isn't directly familiar, she is less confident suggesting it. I appreciate that. Also, she makes it rather clear that the practices are variations found in her lineage; thus, one's experience will vary with other groups.
This is intended to be the first book of a series.
April 17, 2019
This is probably the clearest and most concise introduction to the practices of Tibetan Buddhism. A lot of the time books about Tibetan Buddhism tend to lose themselves in mysticism or lose conceptual clarity, but Lama Tsomo makes none of these mistakes and I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciate this. It has just enough theory for total beginners to understand what's it all about and clear and concise instructions for basic practices such as shamata and tonglen, along with helpful tips how to structure your own practice.
This book is part I of III and I am looking forward to the other two.
This book is part I of III and I am looking forward to the other two.
January 24, 2018
"Do I have something better to do?" the author asked herself as she began her journey into Tibetan Buddhism. The still jewish author, now a lama (teacher), gives an introduction to meditation with a step-to-step instruction on how to practice, and explains fundamental concepts of Tibetan Buddhism in a unique way.
September 2, 2021
It's a really useful introduction to the complete basics of Tibetan Buddhism. The second half is an introduction to the beginning practices, which was useful but probably not best understood in audio version.
March 31, 2018
I have not yet finished this book, but am truly inspired and thrilled by Tsomo’s story, and the information in this book. It is a must read.
July 5, 2017
The title of the book is deceptive. I picked the book thinking that it is about Dalai Lama only to realize that there is only a paragraph or two about him. I didnt read the book in full but just in bits and pieces that too only because it is a well packaged book with an interesting book mark, thick paper, cards and pictures. I have read many spiritual books but this one failed to impress me. I quite liked the the narration of the story of Gautam Buddha. Otherwise this book is all over the place, authors own journey, her lama, United States, psychological theories, meditation and Q & A. My review could be biased as the book did not serve the purpose, I was looking forward to reading about Dalai Lama. Maybe I will give it one more try after a few months.
December 23, 2016
How can the Dalai Lama always be smiling and full of love and forgiveness given what has happened during his lifetime to the Tibetan people? In Lama Tsomo's encyclopedic introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, she answers this question in depth, having followed the same ancient traditions to find a new way of living for herself.
I now understand why and how the Dalai Lama, and the monks and people who were lucky enough to flee Tibet when the Chinese took over, did not suffer PTSD despite the horrors experienced, and were able to feel compassion for their persecutors.
Lama Tsomo offers a guide to Tibetan Buddhism with steps to build a meditation practice that will lead you to the same inner peace as the Dalai Lama. She starts with an interesting account of her own spiritual exploration, while going through two failed marriages and having three children. After a 25-year spiritual quest, she found the teacher who would offer a course of study for her spiritual enlightenment whom she trusted when she met Tulku Sangak Rinpoche.
Despite the fact that she feels any serious student of Tibetan Buddhism needs to study with qualified masters (retreats or total immersion worked best for her), she does provide sufficient background in the Buddha's teachings along with techniques which can be tried on one's own. These techniques are designed to help remove ego identification to allow our true nature of compassionate awareness to shine forth. It will take a lot of time and effort, but as the author asks, "Do I have something better to do?"
Lama Tsomo recounts scientific evidence that the meditation practices of Tibetan Buddhism can help one replace knee-jerk reactions to people and situations with more balance, constructive responses, and improve one's focus, memory and mood. Instead of clinging to one's small, separate self, even in times of misery, the seeker of enlightenment learns to see themselves as one with the vast ocean, the one great mind, and be motivated to help others with love and compassion.
The book includes an envelope of practice cards that you can use to build a daily practice and see if you are called to immerse yourself further in Tibetan Buddhism. If so, she offers numerous resources, including books, other media and websites.
This book is not one I could read straight through, but rather dip into and contemplate what I was learning a little at a time. While a glossy paperback with beautiful color photographs, at its heart, it is a serious textbook for those who want a guide to practicing Tibetan Buddhism. It can be a bit overwhelming as a first introduction to Buddhism (even with the glossary), but for the serious student, this could be an invaluable guide on their path.
I now understand why and how the Dalai Lama, and the monks and people who were lucky enough to flee Tibet when the Chinese took over, did not suffer PTSD despite the horrors experienced, and were able to feel compassion for their persecutors.
Lama Tsomo offers a guide to Tibetan Buddhism with steps to build a meditation practice that will lead you to the same inner peace as the Dalai Lama. She starts with an interesting account of her own spiritual exploration, while going through two failed marriages and having three children. After a 25-year spiritual quest, she found the teacher who would offer a course of study for her spiritual enlightenment whom she trusted when she met Tulku Sangak Rinpoche.
Despite the fact that she feels any serious student of Tibetan Buddhism needs to study with qualified masters (retreats or total immersion worked best for her), she does provide sufficient background in the Buddha's teachings along with techniques which can be tried on one's own. These techniques are designed to help remove ego identification to allow our true nature of compassionate awareness to shine forth. It will take a lot of time and effort, but as the author asks, "Do I have something better to do?"
Lama Tsomo recounts scientific evidence that the meditation practices of Tibetan Buddhism can help one replace knee-jerk reactions to people and situations with more balance, constructive responses, and improve one's focus, memory and mood. Instead of clinging to one's small, separate self, even in times of misery, the seeker of enlightenment learns to see themselves as one with the vast ocean, the one great mind, and be motivated to help others with love and compassion.
The book includes an envelope of practice cards that you can use to build a daily practice and see if you are called to immerse yourself further in Tibetan Buddhism. If so, she offers numerous resources, including books, other media and websites.
This book is not one I could read straight through, but rather dip into and contemplate what I was learning a little at a time. While a glossy paperback with beautiful color photographs, at its heart, it is a serious textbook for those who want a guide to practicing Tibetan Buddhism. It can be a bit overwhelming as a first introduction to Buddhism (even with the glossary), but for the serious student, this could be an invaluable guide on their path.
April 20, 2016
Why is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? A Westerner's Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice applies the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism to modern life through a series of step-by-step instructions and explanations and comes with portable meditation cards, a handy glossary of terms, and foundation lessons from the Namchak Foundation eCourses.
One doesn't expect to find science 'tidbits' peppered into a spiritual treatise, but they are wonderfully present here. Rupert Sheldrake's research into morphic resonance is among the works supporting these Buddhist practices and discoveries.
There are many candid discussions about this process, such as why people get 'stuck' in processing lives and choosing paths, how to block hindering karmic channels, or how to sustain an uninterrupted session of Tranquil Abiding - all aided by color photos throughout.
There's also an unexpected thread of humor that runs through many discussions ("Now you're ready to "assume the position". No, not THAT position!").
More so than almost any other book covering Tibetan Buddhist wisdom and its applications, these are just a few of the methods utilized by Lama Tsomo to make a potentially technical or confusing discussion lively and accessible to her audience. When combined with her powerful, exact messages, which take ethereal philosophy and spirituality and translate them to accessible, compelling, and actionable ideas, readers are in for a real treat.
This book is simply exquisite. It's packed with colorful visual insights, meditative connections, and strategies for mindfulness and change; all wound into a format that is bright, joyful, and hard to put down. It promises to reach readers with a verve and usefulness that exceeds most other discussions of Tibetan Buddhist practices directed to Western audiences, and should be on the shelves of any new age or spirituality collection.
One doesn't expect to find science 'tidbits' peppered into a spiritual treatise, but they are wonderfully present here. Rupert Sheldrake's research into morphic resonance is among the works supporting these Buddhist practices and discoveries.
There are many candid discussions about this process, such as why people get 'stuck' in processing lives and choosing paths, how to block hindering karmic channels, or how to sustain an uninterrupted session of Tranquil Abiding - all aided by color photos throughout.
There's also an unexpected thread of humor that runs through many discussions ("Now you're ready to "assume the position". No, not THAT position!").
More so than almost any other book covering Tibetan Buddhist wisdom and its applications, these are just a few of the methods utilized by Lama Tsomo to make a potentially technical or confusing discussion lively and accessible to her audience. When combined with her powerful, exact messages, which take ethereal philosophy and spirituality and translate them to accessible, compelling, and actionable ideas, readers are in for a real treat.
This book is simply exquisite. It's packed with colorful visual insights, meditative connections, and strategies for mindfulness and change; all wound into a format that is bright, joyful, and hard to put down. It promises to reach readers with a verve and usefulness that exceeds most other discussions of Tibetan Buddhist practices directed to Western audiences, and should be on the shelves of any new age or spirituality collection.
March 30, 2016
Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite
Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling is an enlightening and beautiful book that includes a memoir of sorts by author Lama Tsomo, thoughts on spiritual paths, and instruction on how to be happier and live a peaceful lifestyle. The book begins with the author’s own journey, her struggles, and how she became involved in Buddhist practices. That would be enough to tell a moving tale of life and choices, but she goes further and includes instruction on how this was accomplished. Through daily meditation, positive thinking, unique techniques, and the teachings of Rinpoche, she was able to live a happier, more peaceful life. Included in the book are meditation techniques, The Tibetan Nose Blow (it is not as weird as it sounds), and the practice of Tonglen, which teaches compassion and eases suffering. The book also includes tips for fitting meditation into our busy daily lives.
It’s interesting that I read this book when I did, because I just, by happenstance, began the study of Buddhist religions and Buddhist history. Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling really helped me as the reader learn more about these old techniques and Buddhist teachings, such as meditation, dharma, karma, the Five Poisons, and the Three Jewels. In addition, author Lama Tsomo includes color illustrations, charts and guides, science tidbits, and a Question and Answer section. All of these additions were done with passion for the subject and even touches of humor. The author’s personality and her beliefs really came through, making this a delight to read and educational as well. I would recommend the book to those who want to learn more about Buddhism, meditation, or just how to live a more peaceful lifestyle.
Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling is an enlightening and beautiful book that includes a memoir of sorts by author Lama Tsomo, thoughts on spiritual paths, and instruction on how to be happier and live a peaceful lifestyle. The book begins with the author’s own journey, her struggles, and how she became involved in Buddhist practices. That would be enough to tell a moving tale of life and choices, but she goes further and includes instruction on how this was accomplished. Through daily meditation, positive thinking, unique techniques, and the teachings of Rinpoche, she was able to live a happier, more peaceful life. Included in the book are meditation techniques, The Tibetan Nose Blow (it is not as weird as it sounds), and the practice of Tonglen, which teaches compassion and eases suffering. The book also includes tips for fitting meditation into our busy daily lives.
It’s interesting that I read this book when I did, because I just, by happenstance, began the study of Buddhist religions and Buddhist history. Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling really helped me as the reader learn more about these old techniques and Buddhist teachings, such as meditation, dharma, karma, the Five Poisons, and the Three Jewels. In addition, author Lama Tsomo includes color illustrations, charts and guides, science tidbits, and a Question and Answer section. All of these additions were done with passion for the subject and even touches of humor. The author’s personality and her beliefs really came through, making this a delight to read and educational as well. I would recommend the book to those who want to learn more about Buddhism, meditation, or just how to live a more peaceful lifestyle.
April 11, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lama Tsomo’s Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? Prior to reading, I had quite a few preconceptions about what Tibetan Buddhism was about—which is to say, I had no idea that more than anything it’s a grounded set of practices for living a better life.
While the book contains some very specific advice for getting started using the meditation techniques of Tibetan Buddhism, it first chronicles the author’s journey and overall experience with Tibetan Buddhism. The book’s subtitle is “A Westerner’s Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice�, and the book lives up to this billing. Lama Tsomo, prior to being an ordained Lama in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition lived as a regular American.
Lama Tsomo comes off as a very grounded narrator: she’s funny, and in what I originally found to be very unexpected for a Buddhist Lama, she’s really not precious about Tibetan Buddhism. The philosophy for using the meditation techniques described in the book is almost entirely utilitarian: use these techniques because they’ll help you be happier and more calm.
I’ve gotten started practicing some of the techniques outlined, and I have to say I’ve found them to be very calming.
Highly recommended to anyone looking to get started with meditation.
While the book contains some very specific advice for getting started using the meditation techniques of Tibetan Buddhism, it first chronicles the author’s journey and overall experience with Tibetan Buddhism. The book’s subtitle is “A Westerner’s Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice�, and the book lives up to this billing. Lama Tsomo, prior to being an ordained Lama in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition lived as a regular American.
Lama Tsomo comes off as a very grounded narrator: she’s funny, and in what I originally found to be very unexpected for a Buddhist Lama, she’s really not precious about Tibetan Buddhism. The philosophy for using the meditation techniques described in the book is almost entirely utilitarian: use these techniques because they’ll help you be happier and more calm.
I’ve gotten started practicing some of the techniques outlined, and I have to say I’ve found them to be very calming.
Highly recommended to anyone looking to get started with meditation.
February 6, 2017
I agreed to read Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling?: A Westerner's Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice by Lama Tsomo and give a fair and impartial review in exchange for a free book because Buddhism is a spiritual practice that I haven't spent much time exploring. I was intrigued. Lama Tsomo writes in an accessible and enjoyable voice. She blends humor with the serious while describing her journey to Buddhism. Alas, Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? didn't convert me to Buddhism or even tempt me to give it a try, but I enjoyed reading her descriptions of the meditation practices and the benefits she sees in them. The book is packed with beautiful and inspiring photos. It comes with cards to help those who want to try the practices described within the book. I did, however, find the numerous references to their website and classes distracting. Overall, Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? is an interesting introduction to Tibetan Buddhist Practice through the journey of an American becoming a Buddhist.
April 30, 2016
Great book. Well written. This is the first book in a three-book series. Who is Lama Tsomo? Her education/training in Tibetan Buddhist practice and the Tibetan language are listed in this book. I wanted a beginners book on Tibetan Buddhism. Appendix A, B, and C are helpful also. Lama Tsomo even included a bookmark and 6 practice cards.
December 27, 2016
If you're reading this to find out Why the Dalai Lama is Smiling, you're not going to find out why. This book is basically a touch on some Buddhist practices and meditation. The author says this is a book one of three. The other two may touch on the smiling part. This book is worth the read and I'm eagerly awaiting the other two books.
August 28, 2023
A great beginner’s book with a casual and relaxed tone, making it an easy read. Tsomo includes interesting personal stories which helps to demystify the religion and explain its teachings. The fundamentals are explained at the level of a complete beginner - not bombarding the reader with too much information, and always explaining any terminology used.
Want to read
June 14, 2016Won as a GoodReads giveaway, looking forward to receiving a copy of the book to read and review.
April 19, 2018
I took a retreat from Lama Tsomo when she was writing this book. It is a nice recap of the lessons learned that weekend.
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