Alexandra David-Neel

Travel with an Intrepid Explorer into the Heart of TibetMy Journey to Lhasa is a riveting account of one woman's determination to achieve her goal in the face of numerous formidable obstacles. Written in 1927 by Alexandra David-Neel, a French-Belgian explorer and spiritualist, the book chronicles her arduous journey to the sequestered city of Lhasa, Tibet's religious and administrative capital. By 1923 David-Neel had already traveled extensively throughout Asia, and because of her keen interest in Buddhist philosophy and culture, she was determined to reach Lhasa. Disguising herself as a Tibetan pilgrim and traveling for months on foot, she endured freezing temperatures and blizzards, living in caves, monasteries, and nomad camps, always wary of being discovered by the authorities. Her journey was fraught with danger and obstacles, including harsh weather, treacherous terrain, and hostile encounters with bandits and officials who sought to prevent her from reaching her destination. David-Neel arrived in Lhasa in 1924, and there she spent several months living among the Tibetan people and studying Buddhism. She met with high-ranking lamas and gained unique insight into Tibetan culture and religion at a time when the country was largely closed off to the outside world. Her account is vivid and evocative, bringing to life the harsh beauty of the Tibetan landscape and the warmth and hospitality of its people. My Journey to Lhasa is not only a unique and captivating account of an extraordinary woman's willpower and resourcefulness; it serves today as a valuable historical and cultural document. This book is also available from Echo Point Books in paperback (ISBN 1648373275 ).

Travel with an Intrepid Explorer into the Heart of TibetMy Journey to Lhasa is a riveting account of one woman's determination to achieve her goal in the face of numerous formidable obstacles. Written in 1927 by Alexandra David-Neel, a French-Belgian explorer and spiritualist, the book chronicles her arduous journey to the sequestered city of Lhasa, Tibet's religious and administrative capital. By 1923 David-Neel had already traveled extensively throughout Asia, and because of her keen interest in Buddhist philosophy and culture, she was determined to reach Lhasa. Disguising herself as a Tibetan pilgrim and traveling for months on foot, she endured freezing temperatures and blizzards, living in caves, monasteries, and nomad camps, always wary of being discovered by the authorities. Her journey was fraught with danger and obstacles, including harsh weather, treacherous terrain, and hostile encounters with bandits and officials who sought to prevent her from reaching her destination. David-Neel arrived in Lhasa in 1924, and there she spent several months living among the Tibetan people and studying Buddhism. She met with high-ranking lamas and gained unique insight into Tibetan culture and religion at a time when the country was largely closed off to the outside world. Her account is vivid and evocative, bringing to life the harsh beauty of the Tibetan landscape and the warmth and hospitality of its people. My Journey to Lhasa is not only a unique and captivating account of an extraordinary woman's willpower and resourcefulness; it serves today as a valuable historical and cultural document. This book is also available from Echo Point Books in hardcover (ISBN 1648373712 ).

Travel with an Intrepid Explorer into the Heart of TibetMy Journey to Lhasa is a riveting account of one woman's determination to achieve her goal in the face of numerous formidable obstacles. Written in 1927 by Alexandra David-Neel, a French-Belgian explorer and spiritualist, the book chronicles her arduous journey to the sequestered city of Lhasa, Tibet's religious and administrative capital. By 1923 David-Neel had already traveled extensively throughout Asia, and because of her keen interest in Buddhist philosophy and culture, she was determined to reach Lhasa. Disguising herself as a Tibetan pilgrim and traveling for months on foot, she endured freezing temperatures and blizzards, living in caves, monasteries, and nomad camps, always wary of being discovered by the authorities. Her journey was fraught with danger and obstacles, including harsh weather, treacherous terrain, and hostile encounters with bandits and officials who sought to prevent her from reaching her destination. David-Neel arrived in Lhasa in 1924, and there she spent several months living among the Tibetan people and studying Buddhism. She met with high-ranking lamas and gained unique insight into Tibetan culture and religion at a time when the country was largely closed off to the outside world. Her account is vivid and evocative, bringing to life the harsh beauty of the Tibetan landscape and the warmth and hospitality of its people. My Journey to Lhasa is not only a unique and captivating account of an extraordinary woman's willpower and resourcefulness; it serves today as a valuable historical and cultural document. This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a paperback (ISBN 1648373275).

"What decided me to go to Lhasa was, above all, the absurd prohibition which closes Thibet." One of the great adventure classics, published in 1927, and considered one of the best adventure books of the last 100 years by Outside magazine, My Journey to Lhasa recounts Alexandra David-Neel's 1924 journey through unknown territory to the forbidden city of Lhasa. Disguised as a Tibetan pilgrim traveling with her adopted son, a native Tibetan, David-Neel made a treacherous midwinter trek over the mountains to Lhasa, encountering bands of robbers, corrupt military agents, bouts of starvation, and wild animals. The first Western woman to be received by any Dalai Lama, the author "involves us intensely in a world that no longer exists -- that of free Tibet. . . . Fervent and admirably unsentimental." -- The New York Times Book Review

Nestled amid the high peaks and eternal snows of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges, Tibet is home to a centuries-old Buddhist tradition, rich in mystic rites and rituals aimed at helping adherents achieve spiritual bliss. In this fascinating volume, a noted authority delves into the nature and sources of Tibetan mysticism, providing readers with a wealth of information regarding Lamaic rites of initiation and the teachings given to initiates, both during and after the initiation ceremonies. The author first defines Tibetan mysticism and examines the role of the spiritual guide and the choice of a master. This is followed by a discussion of the nature of the esoteric doctrines and traditional oral instruction. Madame David-Neel then recounts in detail the various kinds of initiations and their aims, including initiations with and without "activity," the "Mani" initiation, and the different meanings of Aum mani padme hum Also covered are the magic rites known as dubthabs, the "gymnastics" of respiration, daily spiritual exercises, the contemplation of sun and sky, the dalai lamas, different kinds of morality, and many other topics. Alexandra David-Neel was a historian of religion and a resident of Tibet for 14 years. As a practicing Buddhist, she participated in many of the spiritual rites and practices described in this book, which gives her account a special immediacy and authenticity. Lucid, objective, and highly readable, Initiations and Initiates in Tibet is a treasury of fact and lore offering valuable insights and information to students of religion and Tibetan Buddhism in particular.

Alexandra David-Neel was the first female explorer of Tibet. Alexandra David-Neel was a Belgian-French explorer, spiritualist, Buddhist, anarchist and writer, most known for her visit to Lhasa, Tibet, when it was still forbidden to foreigners. David-Neel wrote over 30 books about Eastern religion, philosophy, and her travels. Her teachings influenced beat writers Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, philosopher Alan Watts, and esotericist Benjamin Creme. Seeker, adventurer, pilgrim, and scholar, David-Neel was the first European woman to explore the once-forbidden city of Lhasa. This memoir offers an objective account of the supernatural events she witnessed among the mystics and hermits of Tibet - including levitation, telepathy, and the ability to walk on water. Includes all the photographs from the original edition.

This is an account of the Madhyamika (Middle Way) school of Buddhism, a method of mediation and enlightenment that was developed by the great Indian teacher Nagarjuna. In a collaboration between the Frenchwoman Alexandra David-Neel and her friend, the Tibetan lama Aphur Yongden, these teaching are presented clearly and elegantly, intended for the layman who seeks a way to practice and experience the realization of oneness with all existence."...this is the most direct, no-nonsense, and down-to-earth explanation of Mahayana Buddhism that has been written. Specifically, it is a wonderfully lucid account of the Middle Way method of enlightenment worked out by the great Indian sage Nagarjuna." -Alan Watts, The Book

A unique account of Tibetan Magic by the first western woman to visit Lhasa. David-Neel reveals secret psychic methods (many of which she mastered), to induce thought-transfer, control pain, increase endurance, and to generate heat in the depth of winter. A must-read for anyone interested in Magic, the Occult, and the mystical traditions of Tibet.

First published in France in 1929, Magic and Mystery in Tibet tells the story of the author's experiences in Tibet, among lamas and magicians. Alexandra David-Neel's memoir offers an objective account of the supernatural events she witnessed during the 1920s among the mystics and hermits of Tibet--including levitation, telepathy, and the ability to walk on water She tells of great sages and sorcerers that she met; of the system of monastic education; the great teachers and their disciples; Tibetan folklore about these spiritual athletes; reincarnation and memory from previous lives; elaborate magical rites to obtain enlightenment; the horrible necromantic magic of the pre-Buddhist Bonpa shamas; mental visualization exercises to create disembodied thought forms (tulpas); visions; phenomena of physical yoga, control of the body heat mechanism; breathing exercises; sending "messages on the wind"; and much similar material. An unusual aspect of her book is that she herself experienced many of the phenomena she describes, yet she describes them with precision and in a matter-of-fact manner, permitting the reader to draw his own conclusions about validity, interpretation in terms of psychology, and value. Particularly interesting for the modern experiencer are her detailed instructions for tumo (the yoga of heat control) and creation of thought projections. This deluxe edition has all of the original photographs plus additional photos and maps, as well several introductions. Chapters include: Tibet and the Lamas; A Guest of the Lamas; A Famous Tibetan Monastery; Dealing with Ghosts and Demons, Disciples of Yore and their Contemporary Emulators; Psychic Sports; Mystic Theories and Spiritual Training; Psychic Phenomena in Tibet--How Tibetans Explain Them; more.

The Superhuman Life of Gesar of Ling is a book written by Alexandra David-Neel, a French-Belgian explorer, spiritualist, and writer. The book tells the story of Gesar of Ling, a legendary figure in Tibetan culture who is believed to be a warrior-king and a manifestation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. David-Neel's book provides a detailed account of Gesar's life, from his birth to his ultimate ascension to a higher realm. The author draws on a variety of sources, including Tibetan folk tales, religious texts, and her own personal experiences and encounters with Tibetan culture. The book is divided into several sections, each of which explores a different aspect of Gesar's life and teachings. These sections cover topics such as Gesar's birth and early life, his military conquests and battles, his spiritual teachings and practices, and his eventual departure from the world. Throughout the book, David-Neel emphasizes the superhuman qualities of Gesar, portraying him as a powerful and charismatic figure who possessed extraordinary abilities and wisdom. She also explores the cultural and religious significance of Gesar, highlighting his role as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the Tibetan people. Overall, The Superhuman Life of Gesar of Ling is a fascinating and insightful exploration of one of Tibet's most beloved and revered figures. It offers readers a unique perspective on Tibetan culture and spirituality, as well as a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of Gesar of Ling. This is a new release of the original 1934 edition. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Magic And Mystery In Tibet is a fascinating book that explores the mystical and spiritual practices of Tibet. Written by David Neel and Alexandra, the book takes readers on a journey through the ancient Tibetan culture, examining the powerful rituals and beliefs that have shaped the lives of its people for centuries. Throughout the book, readers will encounter a range of fascinating topics, including the practices of Tibetan shamans, the use of divination and astrology, and the role of sacred objects and rituals in daily life. The authors also delve into the history of Tibetan Buddhism, exploring the teachings of great masters like Padmasambhava, Milarepa, and Tsongkhapa. One of the most compelling aspects of Magic And Mystery In Tibet is its vivid descriptions of the landscape and people of Tibet. From the majestic Himalayan mountains to the bustling markets of Lhasa, the authors paint a vivid picture of this unique and fascinating region. Overall, Magic And Mystery In Tibet is an engaging and insightful book that offers readers a glimpse into the rich and complex culture of Tibet. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a scholar of religion, or simply curious about this fascinating part of the world, this book is sure to captivate and inspire. This is a new release of the original 1932 edition. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.