Tendrel: A Memoir of New York and the Buddhist Himalayas - 7094

Harold Talbott’s memoir, alive with fascinating anecdotes and illustrations, reads like an enthralling novel.~from the Foreword by Tulku Thondup, author of The Power of Dzogchen and other works.Tendrel is the story of a gifted young man from a highly respected American family who undertakes a remarkable journey to become one of the first Western practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. His journey takes him from a sophisticated life in New York City, through precocious studies at St Paul’s School and Harvard, to his discovery of his homosexuality, and eventually to finding fulfillment through his Buddhist practice.In 1967, Talbott travels with the Benedictine theologian Dom Aelred Graham to Asia to meet with leaders from non-Christian religions. This year-long adventure leads to Thomas Merton’s invitation to be his guide in the Indian Himalayas. Talbott introduces Merton to the Dalai Lama, a spiritual encounter that inspires future generations. Merton wrote about these encounters in his groundbreaking book, The Asian Journals. On Merton’s advice, Talbott finds a Tibetan yogi with whom he begins the practice and study of Dzogchen, the highest path of Vajrayana Buddhism. He discovers his life’s work: the exploration of the nature of the mind—and the spread of the Dharma through writing. Excerpts from rare teachings given to Talbott in private are included as appendices in this inspiring book.At Talbott’s side we meet a panoply of people including Truman Capote, Noel Coward, George Balanchine, and great masters including such notable Tibetan lamas as Dudjom Rinpoche and Chatral Rinpoche, whom Thomas Merton called “the greatest man I have ever met.” These people and many others are part of Tendrel’s melody.Further Praise for Tendrel"Harold Talbott’s uncanny childhood fascination with Tibet led him to become a pioneer among Western Tibetan Buddhist practitioners. His memoir is a moving and precious testimony about a lifetime of dedication to the spiritual quest." ~Matthieu Ricard, author of Happiness: A Guide to Life’s Most Important Skill and many more. “Merton’s descriptions of his young, eccentric and brilliant guide – published in the Asian Journals – turned Harold into a guide for a generation of American seekers. Talbott was a true trailblazer, an American original, whose huge contribution to the spiritual landscape of a nature remains inestimable.” ~Helen Tworkov, Founder of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review“Harold Talbott’s life is one of spiritual seeking, a pilgrimage of prayer. From this arose generosity of heart, extraordinary compassion, and an immense gift for friendship that many treasure, as they will this, his story told in his own inimitable way.” ~Bonnie Thurston New Testament scholar, poet, and author.“Harold Talbott played a big part in my life when I was growing up....So, if anyone thinks I have done something to preserve the Dharma, they should know that Harold played a role in it.”~Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, author, filmmaker, and teacher.
ASIN: 1733581219
VSKU: DBV.1733581219.VG
Condition: Very Good
Author/Artist:Talbott, Harold
Binding: Paperback