Author: Vicki MacKenzie
Subject: buddhism
My rating: 4*
About the book:
As it happens, I came across this title while reading the previous book ('It's up to you', see post below). I was interested in the story of this English woman who left London behind to spend 12 years in a cave in the Himalayas, and I have found the read inspiring. While the author's prose is quite simple but bland, the story is worth mentioning. Tenzin Palmo (aka Diane Perry) spent her time in the cave in complete isolation and her opinions on buddhism, Western culture and her own shortcomings reflect a sincere, deeper understanding. I only wished the author to be more creative with setting the story into the words.
From the book:
'Normally, we are so identified with out thoughts and emotions, that we are them. We are the happiness, we are the anger, we are the fear. We have to learn to step back and know our thoughts and emotions are just thoughts and emotions. They're just mental states. They're not solid, they're transparent.'
'There is a great little practice called the half-smile where you slightly lift the corners of your mouth and hold it for three breaths. If I do it six or more times a day within three days it makes a surprising difference to the body and mind' (note to myself: I have to try this!)
'"Being" is often better than "doing" and taking time out to be still and think is often a better investment for future productivity than cramming every waking moment with feverish activity'.
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