The Dance of 17 Lives

The Dance of 17 Lives is a recent book by UK journalist and author Mick Brown. It is the extraordinary story of an exiled Tibetan teenager, the Karmapa, who has been hailed as one of the greatest spiritual leaders now living. [1]

Considerable controversy surrounded the enthronement of the 17th Karmapa, and what led to political machinations and intrigue of massive proportions, was that there was not just one contender for the throne of the 16th, but two. Both contenders were represented by rival factions who were out to get their candidate recognised as the 'true' incarnation of the 16th Karmapa. The 'alternative' to Orgyen Trinlay Dorje was Thaye Dorje, who was supported by the authoritative voice of Shamar Rinpoche. [2]

While this book may not appeal to scholars of Tibetan Buddhism or Tibetan culture, its value lies in demythologising this culture for a general readership. Brown demonstrates how spiritual and secular power are intimately related in the world of Tibetan Buddhism, with many monks and lamas jostling for the power that comes with spiritual authority. [3]

See also

• Karmapa controversy
• Mick Brown (journalist)
• Tibetan Buddhism

External Links

Mick Brown and the Karmapa Conflict