Cave in the Snow

Although I am usually most interested in books relating to Taoism and the martial arts, this book caught my attention. The story of a British woman spending 12 years in a small cave at 13,000 feet in Tibet meditating was one I had to read. Although some readers have said that the author's style turned them off, I must say I had no problem with it. It took me a day to read this book, and I will probably go back and read it again. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that thinks it may be interesting- a GREAT read.

This biography of the first western woman Tibetan Buddhist lama, child of the second half of the 20th Century & seeker of spiritual perfection is delightful, frank, detailed & absorbing. Born into war-torn London's East End this girl always felt out of place, survived some astonishingly dangerous childhood traumas & headed pell-mell into London's Swinging Sixties. All the while she's been searching, finding the rare Budhhist community, knowing yet not knowing what to do with her life. Finally she earns enough money for her passage to India & to the exiled Tibetan Buddhist communities in the fabled foothills of the Himalayas. There, when she isn't taken seriously as wanting to immerse herself in the religious life just as the monks do, her determination becomes unshakable & the ultimate feminist battle is engaged. Does the Soul have gender? This is a stunning book! Exciting & infuriating; transformational & down-to-earth. For the first time my Western mind has been able to grasp the concept of reincarnation.A superb gift for anyone who has ever contemplated a life of meditation & devotion; for anyone who thinks religion has no humor. This book will have your heart laughing & your spirit bursting open like a flower in sunshine. For my full review please see [my website]

Tenzin Palmo, this book's subject, is a character you will never forget. Full of faith, insight and strength, her dedication to persuing the Path has determined her life and continues to do so. The writer, Vicki Mackenzie, writes a gripping narrative about Tenzin Palmo's life from her beginnings in England (where her interest in the East bloomed) to her voyage to India, to living in a monastary, finding her guru and eventually going up to her cave, where she meditated for 12 years. The book reaches a peak in the chapters about Tenzin Palmo's cave retreat. The book changes directions upon Tenzin Palmo's emergence from the cave, becoming more reportorial and less biographical. Among the topics covered are Tenzin Palmo's efforts in founding a nunnery for her lineage (Kargyu) and to perpatuate the esoteric yogic practices of the Togdenmas, female yogis in this particular Tibetan line. Also interesting chapters on Buddhism in the West (particularly the U.S.) and the role of retreat. An amazing book for anyone who is deepening their spiritual practice, curious about or considering retreat, and highly valuable to women seekers! A wonderful book! Hurrah!

Despite Vicki Mackenzie's breathless tabloid style (which she comes by honestly, as a British tabloid journalist), this book works brilliantly ... and the reason is its subject, Tenzin Palmo, a British woman who became a Tibetan Buddhist nun. Her dry English wit and sterling character shine from every page. The first Western woman to engage in a 12-year meditation retreat in a cave in the Himalayas, Tenzin Palmo describes her spiritual life in a matter-of-fact way that is all the more inspiring for its simplicity and humour. Along the way she tackles the difficult question of women's role in Tibetan Buddhism - I was not surprised to learn that, rather than resting on her own accomplishments, Tenzin Palmo has devoted herself to helping her sister nuns in Asia. An engaging and wonderful book!

This is one of the most inspiring books I have read in years. Tenzin Palmo's life path is beautifully described and includes her personal as well as spiritual perspectives. This is the story of a woman of our times who continues to blaze a path without ego, and therefore with greater effect. I congratulate the author for her remarkable writing talent and the dedication she had to her subject. I hope she writes more.