Wrestling the Dragon - Gaby Naher

I picked up this book at a book sale in the city on one of my rare trips last year (I can say that now). There is a massive warehouse at the Olympic site in Homebush and there was tables upon tables of books, CDs, DVDs and some clothes. I just wandered around picking up books that I thought would be interesting. I was in heaven with all the books, 10 books for $20 BARGAIN! I wish I had more money, I could have easily spent $100 just on books!!

This book is written by an Australian (not the reason I picked it up). She had heard about the XVIIth Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje and all the controversy surrounding him and wrote a book. She ventured to India where the Karmapa fled to from Tibet so she could learn more about the young man,

The book has an account of her travels and meetings with various Rinpoches, monks, associates of the Dalai Lama and even the Karmapa himself. Also the book tells of the lineage of the Karmapa and the struggles of Tibet under the Chinese during the Cultural Revolution.

I found it was a very interesting read. If anyone wants to learn more about Tibet, Buddhism, Karmapas and the XVIIth Karmapa, then read this. But it helps to have an unbiased view on Tibet and Buddhism. As I don't follow religion or have religion as part of my life (this does not mean I am against religion, it just means I feel I have no need for it) I could read this with an open mind and not pass judgement, and as I know bugger all about Tibet and their situation and the Cultural Revolution I could make up my own mind about it and not have anyone elses views clouding my mind. I am, however, very interested in Buddhism and agree with a lot of what it's about and if I feel I need religion in my life, this would be my choice. However, this does not mean that I am against other religions. Religion should be chosen because of what it can do for you and what you can get from it that leaves you satisfied.

I greatly recommend this book!!