A Tulku's Journey from Tibet to Canada: Autobiography of a Buddhist Teacher

Born into a respected and deeply religious family in eastern Tibet in 1948, Zasep Tulku Rinpoche exemplifies a life devoted to Dharma. Recognized as a Tulku at an early age, he was expected to live a monastic life of study and prayer. The Chinese Communist invasion of 1959 changed those expectations. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, with family and thousands of others, fled from Tibet. After spending three years as refugees in Nepal, Zasep Tulku Rinpoche's family migrated to India. There, from 1963 to 1974, Zasep Tulku Rinpoche resumed his intensive studies of Buddhist philosophy and practice. He then spent eighteen months practising Vipassana meditation as a forest monk in Thailand. In 1976, he was invited to Australia where he spent three years translating for Geshe Thubten Loden. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche immigrated to Canada in 1980. Homeless no more, he has worked tirelessly for over 35 years to spread the precious teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in a way that suits the minds of Westerners. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche's love of the land and traditions of Tibet, his life-long devotion to the Dharma and his Gurus, and his affection for the West shine through in the words of this fascinating story. Review from Buddha Weekly Magazine: "Zasep Tulku Rinpoche's A Tulku's Journey from Tibet to Canada is equal parts autobiography, spiritual epic journey, gripping adventure narrative, inspiring Buddhist life example, and a travelogue spanning nine countries. Of course, this is a must read for Zasep Rinpoche's students, or anyone contemplating asking to become his student. It is also a "should read" for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism. It's a good read for anyone who enjoys biographies since it contains all the elements of a great spiritual bio: adventure, a fascinating life, spiritual insights, and a glimpse into the lives of a once-hidden people in the land of snows. Rinpoche truly brings Tibet alive in an intimate and honest way. While his love of teachers, Buddhism, Tibet and his people is palpable and constant, he doesn't portray Tibet as a "Shangri-La", and he doesn't hesitate to describe both the good and bad." Read more