Buddha's Not Smiling : Uncovering Corruption at the Heart of Tibetan Buddhism Today
by Erik D. Curren
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Book Summary Information
Author: Erik D. CurrenEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2006-02-22
ISBN: 0977225305
Number of pages: 348
Publisher: Alaya Press
Book Reviews of Buddha's Not Smiling : Uncovering Corruption at the Heart of Tibetan Buddhism Today
Book Review: A eye-opening account of the Karmapa controversy
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is a detailed account of the so-called "Karmapa controversy" where seemingly competing factions of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism each claimed to have found the reincarnation of one of Tibetan Buddhism's highest lamas - H.H. the Gyalwa Karmapa.
The book brings to light a sequence of events which to say the least makes for eye-opening reading. Some of the violent activities perpetrated under the leadership of supposedly high ranking and enlightened Tibetan lamas rank close to the level of atrocities. This can be hard to come to terms with given the rather wholesome view of Tibetan Buddhism prevalent in the West today.The author does a good job of pulling in parallels from the historical Tibet and the frequent strife between Buddhist sects and the political battles between individual lamas - facts that are not well known in the West and yet form an indisputable part of the interplay between politics and religion in Tibet.
The book is relatively well researched although hardly water-tight from a journalistic point of view. The author is a student of H.H. Kunzig Sharmapa - the protagonist of the story, who almost single-handedly waged a court battle against the advocates of the "other" Karmapa, Urgyen Trinlay. There is much circumstantial evidence to suggest that Urgyen Trinlay was indeed "found" and instituted as the Karmapa as a result of a political deal between a number of parties including the Chinese and H.H. the Dalai Lama. It is my belief, however, that H.H. the Dalai Lama probably was ill-advised rather than purposely tried to pull some sort of coup against the Kagyu lineage.
The most shocking part of the book is the account of the various attacks on H.H. the 16th Karmapa's monastary in Sikkim, Rumtek, where violence broke out several times. Despite some statements by the group of Tai Situpa to the contrary, it is very, very difficult to believe that the resident monks and lamas devoted to H.H. the 16th Karmapa should ever had precipitated any sort of violence against anyone.
Last but not least: as a Kagyu Buddhist devoted to H.H. Thaye Dorje I am very pleased about the many heartwarming stories about the young man whom I fervently believe is the true Karmapa, including details of H.H.'s childhood and how he was found by H.H. Sharmapa. There are also some interesting stories about H.H. the 16th Karmapa and his activity.
If you can get through this book and still be a devoted Kagyu Buddhist - congratulations, you're doing well! I think taking all this in critically is the key while keeping in mind what in the end the Dharma is all about. It is not about poitics and strife, although politics and greed can corrupt even in the highest religious circles. In any event the truth must be told, and although this book may not be the complete truth - probably the whole story will never see the full light of day - it may be a close approximation.
And while the hapless "H.H. Urgyen Trinlay" is stuck in cloister full of Grammy-award-winning singing monks, Thaye Dorje is travelling the world giving empowerments and lectures, and blessing all his students with his presence. I guess all I can say to that is - karmapa chenno.
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