The Divine Madman: The Sublime Life and Songs of Drukpa Kunley

This translation of the biography of the divine madman Drukpa Kunley defies conventional review. On a conventional level it is ribald, and sassy, something of a combination of Henry Miller and Cervantes’ Don Quixote. At times you may find yourself chuckling, at other times astounded at what you are reading, even shocked. On a spiritual plain it is meant to show the crazy wisdom of an awakened being carrying out his bodhisattva vows. Like the fabled koans of zen, it strains our intellectual beliefs and our credulity, and by doing that perhaps brings us to question the entire spiritual path, just as the Buddha advised us to do.What are we to make of a lama who is said to be awakened, yet when not destroying demons, seems to spend a great deal of his time drinking and deflowering virgins? Likely we’ve heard of modern examples of that same behavior from some of our spiritual leaders. You’ll have to decide that one for yourself. Gave this a five star rating because no matter what you take from it, it will force you to think outside the box.

Was in Bhutan before the shutdown with a Bhutanese Rinoche (Buddhist teacher) The Divine Madman reference is seen throughout the country ...almost on every doorway! After visiting the main temple devoted to him, I realized I knew nothing about him. Rinpoche said this is the best book on the subject. Very interesting read...and although it stated in the beginning that there was nothing humorous in the book I have to admit I laughed out loud reading it picturing in my mind how that particular story unfolded to the people interacting with him. A VERY DIFFERENT dharma book which opened my eyes to a very different perspective on life, sex etc.

This is one of Keith's earlier translations and it is really good. It is about Drugpa Kunley who, like most true Buddhist Adepts, was very unpopular with the Buddhist Clergy. He was indeed a wild man with miraculous powers. Drugpa Kunley was a sexually precocious tantric master who regularly offended those who donned the robes but failed to wake up. Even so, he is the Patron Saint of Bhutan, which is the only country on Earth which measures success in terms of Gross National Happiness.

This book changed my mind about religion. When I saw another culture who was able to see the humor and the craziness in whatever you want to call God or the universe it made me interested in learning more, and I really like a lot of buddhist philosophy. Worth a read if the only thing you've ever experienced from organized religion was forced obedience to a self-interested bureaucracy.

This is not a book for beginers. But, if you have some experience in Vajrayana Buddhism, you will enjoy the stories.

If you are a Buddhist, I really cant say what value this might have. As simply something to read, it's quite funny (If you have a certain sense of humor) and full of interesting things to learn if you aren't familiar with the subject matter. I enjoyed it a great deal.

An extraordinary biography in the Crazy Wisdom tradition, this book is a must read for all those imprisoned by Judeo Christian views and values.

Funny guy

I am now on the second reading of this book. It has released me from the bonds of cultural and ingrained norms. It has filled me with laughter and chuckles galore, but at the same time it has shown me the illusory and magical workings of our Creation.Shock is the medicine, shaking the reader into awareness and assisting one on the path to enlightenment. And, yes, one will be shocked. It is in that shock that all preconceived ideas and judgements are eliminated.It needs to be read with an open mind and a readiness to accept a weird and wonderful cleansing humour.I would not recommend the book to someone who is rigid in discipline, religious beliefs or not prepared to relinquish their sexual 'hang ups'. It has the power to change one's perceptions.I loved it!

Perfect. As good as new. It took a little long to arrive but i was delighted with it. Highly recommended.