Surfing the Himalayas: Conversations and Travels with Master Fwap

by Frederick Lenz

Book Overview

The incredible story of one snowboarder's quest for spiritual enlightenment in the Himalayan mountain range. Having snowboarded the tallest mountains in North America, young adventurer Frederick Lenz... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312141475
• ISBN13: 9780312141479
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Fun Intro to Tantric Buddhism

I think both this book and Snowboarding to Nirvana are fun introductions to Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, although overall I prefer Snowboarding, as I think it is a little better written. I have studied Buddhism both academically and personally and feel that some of the criticisms written about this book are from people that have only studied the traditional or orthodox forms of Buddhism. Tantric or Mahayana forms are esoteric and mystical, and that is what this book tries to introduce. It does throw in some New Age ideas, but I think this is mostly to make it more palatable in today's market. As for the particular quote that a couple of reviews criticized regarding the energy influence of the Himalayas on regaining enlightenment and the astrological power of the age 29, neither of these are foreign to Tantric traditions! Astrology is part of many branches and this does include the relevance of the Saturn return at 29. Also, the energy of different places, and the 'termas' planted in them, is an important part of the tradition as well, especially regarding sacred places such as Mt. Kailesh. So my advice it to read this book as a creative intro to Tantric Buddhism and then go and explore other sources as well.

Timeless, Ancient, Modern and Relevant

While this book is not exactly about the ins-and-outs of "surfing" per se, it is a intelligent and relevant view of ancient, ageless, eastern spiritual teachings brought to life when applied to our modern, western rat race that we call life. The author uses very ancient eastern spiritual teachings in a pragmatic, down to earth and humorous way to teach young American's,(western minds), how we might apply the best of the east to our busy western lifestyle. It combines the best of both worlds to lead the reader on a wild ride of humor,joy, truth and love. If you follow the recommendations outlined in the book, you will no doubt learn how to surf or do just about anything else you put your mind to. Highly recommend!

A great accomplishment indeed

I write as a Roman Catholic trained in philosophy and theology. I recommend this delightful read as a true spiritual journey. From the first pages, Dr. Lenz surfs the reader right into a wonderful spiritual ambience. Agree or not with every point in his doctrine, one cannot escape a heightened sense of the divine. That is a big gift to our secular culture. Dr. Lenz's work will undoubtedly help bridge a gap, and East will come closer to West and vice versa. That is true development of doctrine, a great accomplishment indeed. Marvin Bordelon President, American Conference on Religious Movements Washington, DC

A modern spritual classic about a timeless subject

As a Theology graduate, I am always on the look-out for contemporary works of literature that treat ancient subjects, in this case Buddhism. I can't believe I only just came across this brilliant little book!While its author describes it as a work of fiction, do not be deceived - this book is a condensed modern handbook of the first and much of the second cycle of the Buddha's teachings. What makes it so unique is the clarity and joyous ease with which the subject matter is transmitted to the reader. It is a wonderful story and a great read!I have felt energized and inspired ever since completing 'Surfing the Himalayas' in a way I haven't felt for years - maybe ever. This is a book I will read and reread many times. Having spent years digging through the ancient texts, it is such a joy to find a book that brings Buddhism into the twentieth century, in a context to which we can all immediately relate.

YaHoo---What An Adventure!!!!!

I NEVER read a book cover to cover, but I read this book OVER and OVER and OVER. It was such a great spiritual adventure. And the best thing was it didn't make spiritualism boring, you don't even know what you're getting until you're already into the book and then you just can't put it down. Dr. Lenz has a such a clear perspective of what "us" the people out in the world need. I hope everyone, especially young people, read this book and enjoy it as much as I did. And remember...it makes a great a GREAT gift!!..