AN INSPIRING AND ENCOURAGING LIFE-STORY OF A TIBETAN MONK AND HIS EXPERIENCES ON THE PATH OF LIBERATION

In this book Khenpo Geshe Gelek Jinpa, the Abbot of the Congregation Shenten Dargye Ling in France, tells with deep insight and openness, of his early years in eastern Tibet as a shepherd boy during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, and of his life-changing decision to become a monk after having met the great master and lineage holder of the Yungdrung Bön tradition, Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche.

He describes vividly the progress of his studies on the Bön philosophy and dzogchen meditation under the guidance of renown dzogchen masters, first in Tibet and India, and finally, in Nepal with his beloved master Yongdzin Rinpoche.

Khenpo Gelek also tells about his astonishing pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and adventures in Nepal while exploring ancient Bönpo sites and monasteries. In these travelogues he shares his vast knowledge on the history of the Bön tradition and the ancient kingdom of Zhang Zhung, the cradle of Yungdrung Bön.

After being awarded the Geshe degree in 2001, Khenpo Gelek Jinpa started to teach tummo and dzogchen meditation in the West, write books and study documentary filmmaking in Mexico. He shares his first encounters with the Western culture with a whiff of awe and humour.

Khenpo Gelek's narration gives witness to his deep devotion to and respect for his root master, Yongdzin Rinpoche, as well as to his spiritual practice on the path of liberation.

"I have experienced joys, successes, sorrows, failures, difficulties, and dangers. An important thing I have learned from all my experiences is that circumstances do not really matter: the state of happiness arises from the peaceful mind." Geshe Gelek Jinpa

CONTENTS

• Preface
• Prologue: Crossing the Himalayas
• I was Born in the Year of the Earth Monkey
• Becoming a Monk
• In Search of the Kingdom of Zhang Zhung
• Exploring the Hidden Treasures of Ancient Bönpo Heritage
• The Winds of Karma Blow to the West
• Epilogue: Tibet 2011

372 pages with 42 beautiful colour photos, soft cover

ISBN-13: 9789526514802

Publisher: BWTZZ Productions Oy. Printed in Germany, March 2023

READERS' COMMENTS

***

”This is an incredible story of a poor shepherd boy who escapes from Tibet by foot to become a scholar, teacher, author and documentary film maker. He has teached thousands of western people to find peace of mind. He lives in France.

This is not about religion. This is a increfible life story, and a book about the history of the Tibet, its culture and traditions.”

***

I like the conclusion: " An important thing I have learned from all my experiences is that circumstances do not really matter: the state of happiness arises from the peaceful mind."

***

"I had privilege to read the book just before it was printed. I highly recommend not only to Bön practitioners, but to everyone interested in Tibetan history, amazing biography, and a good, true story about an extraordinary life filled with adventures."

***

"It is a great book indeed!"

***

"Wonderful book! Really opened my eyes..."