Bodhisattva of Compassion: The Mystical Tradition of Kuan Yin (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

Originally published in 1977, I read the 1988 print. To begin with an advise: Take care of the covers. Either they are highly responsive to bleaching in sunlight or to yellowing under pressure. Whatever the case the covers of my book are very uneaven now in accordance to the other books standing next / resting on top of it. I am the absolute layperson when it comes to Buddhism and this review should be taken accordingly... Read Full Review

This is a wonderful book. It's become my favorite "bedtime stories" book. What I especially like is that the engrossing tales of personal experiences with Kuan Yin (as well as some with Tara) create for readers our own "virtual" experience of a Bodhisattva being as a reality; I feel I'm actually meeting Her, and I fall asleep in a very pleasant mood. I love many Buddhist books, but "Bodhisattva of Compassion: The Mystical... Read Full Review

If the rest of us "foreign devils", as Blofeld's friends refer to him, manage to inbibe even half the wisdom offered in this book, we'll be better off. His gentle, academically bumbling, tireless search for the origin and nature of Kuan Yin is something many of we rational Westerners can appreciate. I especially enjoyed the point that lesser path and greater path Buddhism are equal; one is not more "real" than the other. Kuan... Read Full Review

This is perhaps my favorite book by John Blofeld. The stories of Kuan Yin are well told, diverse and moving. He strikes an excellent balance between philosophy, history, story telling, Kuan Yin meditation techniques, and personal devotion. There are a few pages of b/w photos, of Kuan Yin, Tara and Avalokiteshvara, the pictures vary in quality. However, many of them I have never seen before and a few definitely inspire... Read Full Review

This is the classic Kwan Yin book in English.Very interesting historical information. When the author peeks out from behind his scholarly facade, the book really shines.