Chatral Rinpoche : Compassionate Action

Chatral Rinpoche, the quintessential "hidden yogi," has been a legend in the Himalayan region for the past seventy years. Although he has never traveled to the West, his amazing story and teachings have gradually been infiltrating the Western Buddhist consciousness since Father Thomas Merton first met him in 1968 and famously remarked that he was "the greatest man I ever met."

This is the first English-language book of this living legend, and includes his biography and autobiography, six of his essays, five prayers he composed, an exclusive interview, and sixteen pages of photos from throughout his life.

"Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche...is renowned throughout the Tibetan community...a legendary adept, who--like the great sages and hermits of the past--has spent much of his life in retreat, practicing meditation and granting teachings only sparingly to a few committed disciples. It is truly wonderful therefore that we now have this precious collection of his teachings and advice capably translated into English, enabling many more people to benefit from his boundless wisdom and compassion."--Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.

"Compassionate Action is a jewel. Chatral Rinpoche's teachings are clear, compassionate, and uncompromising. Compassionate Action is essential reading for Tibetan Buddhists, and indeed for Buddhists of all schools."--Norm Phelps, author of The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights

"Compassionate Action is a 'must-read' for anyone seeking to learn from this quintessential wise and holy man.... Highly recommended."--Wisconsin Bookwatch

"This little book is an inspiration of immense value to all serious practitioners of the Buddhadharma."--The Mirror

"...provides wonderful insight into the diversity of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition."--The Feminist Review

"In his Asian Journal, Thomas Merton described Tibetan Buddhist lama Chatral Rinpoche as a 'very impressive person...so obviously a great man'.... Now 93, Chatral Rinpoche is often described as the greatest living dzogchen master. Much of his life has been spent in retreat; his public teachings are rare. Yet he has gained fame on the strength and integrity of those teachings and the example of his life. It certainly is not a fame gained from writing books because, until now, there never has been one, although he has been mentioned in many.... Compassionate Action...is the first book that collects a few of Rinpoche's translated teachings and writings.... Chapters explore aspects of the spiritual life for which Rinpoche...has become known, including his eloquent and clear teaching on vegetarianism.... Chatral Rinpoche doesn't mince words, but that directness is imbued with the deep compassion and wisdom that inspired Merton nearly 40 years ago."--Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Chatral Rinpoche, a yogi in his 90s, is one of the greatest meditation masters and most compassionate bodhisattvas in the history of Tibetan Buddhism; he is one of the most revered spiritual figures in South Asia.

Zach Larson is an independent scholar and researcher who works as the publications director for a nonprofit organization in New York City.

SNOW LION
04/04/2007
PAGES: 112
SIZE: 5.5 X 8.5
ISBN: 9781559392716