The Tibetan Art of Living : Wise Body, Mind, Life

"How interesting to read these reviews and observe that all those teachers who are familiar with the authenticity of Christopher Hansard's background & lineage approve. Yet those from the West question. When will they learn and how can we teach them to understand?"
~ Written on 2005-07-19

"I generally tend to think that much more is possible then we are willing to believe. So the story of this guy's life may have very well happened like that even though it does smack of charlatanism.

As for the general message of the book I must admit it isnt the clearest document written on Tibetan Buddhism I've ever read. At times its down right jumbled and boarders on New Age-ism, other times it is able to produce a small gem."
~ Written on 2004-11-15

"I first would reiterate that the sections on Bön Medicine (and Tibetan Medicine in general) are sound indeed. There is much of value for the Western reader, and the book can indeed imbue balance and better health to the beginning or intermediate reader.


That said, I am not of the Dur Bön (Old Bon) tradition, but rather of the Yungdrung Bön (Eternal Bön) tradition. From various accounts I have read of the dynamic in Tibet between Bön and Buddhism, inclusing those of Per Kvaerne, the accounts in this book could not be more wrong. There is a definite conflict, and, at the present time, I would regard Mr. Hansard's account as incorrect.


Also, outside of reviews of this book, I have not been able to independently verify the existence of Hansard's lama, Ürgyen Namchuk. Are we to accept the story that Ürgyen Namchuk was sent to New Zealand, found Hansard on the beach at the age of four, and apparently had no other students than Hansard? Something seems wrong here. Was the teacher an invention of convenience? I would certainly invite a rejoinder from Mr. Hansard, and references to show Lama Ürgyen was real.


And as to the reviewer who likened this book to Bill Moyers' book (which I admittedly haven't read): Moyers says and writes much that is of value, but it must always be kept in mide that Moyers was/is "Old School" Central Intelligence Agency! Of this there is no doubt. Do the research."
~ Written on 2004-08-21

"As a professor of Tibetan culture I can say that this book is genuine and excellent. KB CHAffin's review is interesting and I will inform the family of Mr Hansard's teacher about Mr Chaffin's words. Mr Hansard is a teacher and physician of Tibetan medicine of high calibre as many othodox doctors, East and West can attest to. The Tibetan Art of Living and Mr Hansards new book, The Tibetan Art of Positive Thinking are powerful translations of Tibetan culture to West that brings
much needed clarity and wisdom."
~ Written on 2003-07-17

"Having taught Bon to many people in the East and West, this book shown to me by a student is a revelation of clarity.This young man has obvioysly been taught by learned people and his spiritual realisation is obvious. The west is fortunate to have such a treasure, I look closely to what the future may bring for him and his work. Dorjong Rimpoche, Tajit Bon Retreat, The Kingdom of Mustang"
~ Written on 2003-06-16