{"product_id":"9781611802085","title":"Gypsy Gossip and Other Advice","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThinley Norbu addresses questions of interest to Western and Eastern students of Tibetan Buddhism, ranging from matters of everyday practice to esoteric philosophy.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYoung practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism from Asian and Western cultures have similar questions and concerns, such as the conflicts between traditional values and the influence of modern materialism. In four thoughtful commentaries (described below), Thinley Norbu addresses contrasting cultural perspectives on topics ranging from everyday practice to esoteric Buddhist philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGypsy Gossip:\u003c\/b\u003e How should Westerners understand the rituals of Tibetan Buddhism, the teachings of karma and rebirth, monastic discipline, devotion to the guru, and the importance of keeping vows? Do Vajrayana practitioners need a consort? What is the Buddhist stand on male supremacy? These are just a few of the wide-ranging questions of Western students that are answered here by Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche in an atmosphere of spiritual friendship. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBuddhism in the West:\u003c\/b\u003e In this never-before-published interview conducted by Melvin McLeod, editor of \u003ci\u003eShambhala Sun\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eBuddhadharma\u003c\/i\u003e magazines, Rinpoche gives an extensive commentary on how cultural differences have affected the adoption of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. For example, Western children are raised to develop a strong sense of selfhood instead of humility, to be preoccupied with materialistic ideas about what is apparent to the five senses, and to embrace eternalist religion. Because of misapplied ideals of egalitarianism and individual freedom, many Western Buddhists are skeptical of traditional doctrines like karma and rebirth, devotion to the guru, and the importance of lineage. Rinpoche explains that Buddhism can flourish in the West through a greater development of faith and belief. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA Message for Young Bhutanese: \u003c\/b\u003eRinpoche had a close personal connection with the kingdom of Bhutan. In this message he urges young Buddhists to preserve their spiritual heritage and carry its blessings onward amid the modern influences of materialism. He warns against introducing foreign nihilistic beliefs into Bhutan and creating sectarian conflicts between its indigenous lineages. These words of advice were written for an organization called the Young Bhutanese Buddhist Association.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn Introduction to Dharma Dance Offerings: \u003c\/b\u003eThe Dharma dances of Tibet, which manifest the enlightened activities of peaceful and wrathful deities, are contrasted with ordinary dancing that expresses the passions of material reality and lacks the positive influence of wisdom. Thinley Norbu Rinpoche was himself an accomplished practitioner and teacher of sacred dance. This commentary was written in connection with several teaching films directed by Rinpoche, in which Dharma dances are performed by some of his young students.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shambhala","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47031620403440,"sku":"9781611802085","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781611802085_p0.jpg?v=1763842908","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781611802085","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}