Lady of the Lotus-Born: The Life and Enlightenment of Yeshe Tsogyal Paperback – Special Edition, February 12, 2002

This translation of Yeshe Tsogyal's story is so well done! I'm not going to review the actual content -- suffice to say that this is a biography of an important figure to Vajrayana Buddhism (and to female practitioners especially, in my opinion). I am addressing the virtues of the translation itself. It's elegant and the painstaking care to stay true and accurate to the original is obvious. You can tell that the translators conferred with qualified teachers for clarification on the esoteric points, and, as a student, I especially appreciated the appendix, where many clarifying notes and an extensive glossary could be found. The great care and effort poured into this translation doesn't get in the way of the language, however; it remains clear and poetic. The translation avoids awkwardness and inconsistency. If you read Vajrayana texts or books by HH the Dalai Lama, you will slip into this wonderful story without a problem, as the language will be familiar.

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Lady of The Lotus-Born offers some insight into possibilities for the life of Padmasambhava, but since very little is known about him and there is so much mythology surrounding his lifetime, it is difficult to determine how much of this tale is fiction/myth or fact. And although I am a long-time student of Vajrayana Buddhism, I eventually lost interest in the book, despite it's occasional depth of wisdom and illuminating thoughts. It contains revealed information. It is not a historical document. However, it provides some insight into the way in which Tibetans lived in the eighth century and the nature of relationships with gurus and others and for this alone the book has value.

This is a nam-thar, which means "Complete Liberation". Nam-thars are hagiographys and they do not necessarily describe historical facts. These kind of texts are stories of miraculous events, presenting buddhist tantric teachings in a metaphorical way, framed in time and places diffrent from ours.Having clarifyed this let me tell you that these kind of text are not easy or interesting reading at all. Altough I found this one a little more understandable than the Mandarava`s, even so, this story is overloaded with very extravagant and fantasious deeds, it becomes dull and boring. For me, the only interesting part is the introduction since is intended for prepare the reader for the very strange things that he is going to read.After de hagiography, from page 160 until the end, there are songs of praise, aspirition prayers and "prophecys" (absolutly boring and tiring), all spoken by Lady Tsogyal to hers devoted disciples before her physical departure.Unfortunately I have found almost any useful teachings in these kind of texts, so if you are thinking on purchase one of this, think carefully if it is suitable for you.

Every woman should know about Yeshe Tsogyal. Here the Padmakara Translation Group has translated from Yeshe Tsogyal's own words, her story. Others here have gone into more detail about what this story of Yeshe Tsogyal is about. I will not here. I will simply say that this translation is a must read for all interested in historical women and Buddhism.

This is a much easier translation to read than "Sky Dancer" in terms of readability. I enjoyed it very much.

"Lady of a Lotus Born" is a wonderful life story that inspires vajrayana practitioners to endeavor in their practice with magnificent literature and stories that will reach deep inside your heart. Whether you are a long-time practitioner or just curious to know about Buddhism, this book will definitely open your mind and heart.

Great book that tells, in detail, the story of Yeshe Tsogal and the compassion she had for mankind even in the event of great trauma and hardship. Shows her strength and dignity and how she pulled through these times. Contains beautiful verses in between the storyline as well.

The quality of the book was much better than the description of it. It is almost new and as usual the service was excellent.

This is a very special book, with a mass of information and will take some reading. But for anyone who is studying Tara it is a must.

Not an easy read. I never got through it. I understand the background and concepts but it is just a very foreign archaic approach.

I thoroughly like this translation.