This is the first book to systematically describe the formation and historical changes of the Monpa people's area (Monyul) through its nature, society, culture, religion, agriculture and historically deep ties with Bhutan, Tibet and the Tibetan Buddhist faith. The state of Arunachal Pradesh is located in the northeastern part of India, surrounded by the borders of Assam, Bhutan, and Tibet (China). There has been a long history of conflict over the sovereignty of this area between India and China. Foreigners were prohibited from entering the state until the 1990s and the area has been veiled in secrecy until recently. Thus, there are not many academically researched works on the region. This book serves as an essential guide for anyone who would like to learn about a unique geographical area of Monpa.

Foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This beautiful book invites readers to experience the cultural-spiritual traditions of Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim, and Ladakh. The wisdom of the ancient teachings is transmitted in simple yet expressive language that is accessible to today's readers. Complementing and subtly echoing the teachings, Marcia Keegan's sensitive photos capture the unique qualities of these traditional Buddhist lands and cultures.

Now available for the first time-more than 50 years after it was written-is the memoir of Michael Dillon/Lobzang Jivaka (1915-62), the British doctor and Buddhist monastic novice chiefly known to scholars of sex, gender, and sexuality for his pioneering transition from female to male between 1939 and 1949, and for his groundbreaking 1946 book Self: A Study in Ethics and Endocrinology. Here at last is Dillon/Jivaka's extraordinary life story told in his own words. Out of the Ordinary captures Dillon/Jivaka's various journeys-to Oxford, into medicine, across the world by ship-within the major narratives of his gender and religious journeys. Moving chronologically, Dillon/Jivaka begins with his childhood in Folkestone, England, where he was raised by his spinster aunts, and tells of his days at Oxford immersed in theology, classics, and rowing. He recounts his hormonal transition while working as an auto mechanic and fire watcher during World War II and his surgical transition under Sir Harold Gillies while Dillon himself attended medical school. He details his worldwide travel as a ship's surgeon in the British Merchant Navy with extensive commentary on his interactions with colonial and postcolonial subjects, followed by his "outing" by the British press while he was serving aboard The City of Bath. Out of the Ordinary is not only a salient record of an early sex transition but also a unique account of religious conversion in the mid-twentieth century. Dillon/Jivaka chronicles his gradual shift from Anglican Christianity to the esoteric spiritual systems of George Gurdjieff and Peter Ouspensky to Theravada and finally Mahayana Buddhism. He concludes his memoir with the contested circumstances of his Buddhist monastic ordination in India and Tibet. Ultimately, while Dillon/Jivaka died before becoming a monk, his novice ordination was significant: It made him the first white European man to be ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Out of the Ordinary is a landmark publication that sets free a distinct voice from the history of the transgender movement.

After his enlightenment, the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths--the foundation and essence of all forms of Buddhism. The first truth diagnoses the nature of our existential illnesses and neuroses. The second explores their causes and conditions for arising. The third shows that the causes of our problems can be removed and that we can be free of suffering. The fourth includes the many paths Buddhism offers to realize that goal. The Buddha has shown that the spiritual path is pragmatic and works directly with everyday experience in order to fundamentally transform the practitioner. This presentation is a succinct and a very clear introduction to the Buddha's core teaching.

Now available for the first time-more than 50 years after it was written-is the memoir of Michael Dillon/Lobzang Jivaka (1915-62), the British doctor and Buddhist monastic novice chiefly known to scholars of sex, gender, and sexuality for his pioneering transition from female to male between 1939 and 1949, and for his groundbreaking 1946 book Self: A Study in Ethics and Endocrinology. Here at last is Dillon/Jivaka's extraordinary life story told in his own words. Out of the Ordinary captures Dillon/Jivaka's various journeys-to Oxford, into medicine, across the world by ship-within the major narratives of his gender and religious journeys. Moving chronologically, Dillon/Jivaka begins with his childhood in Folkestone, England, where he was raised by his spinster aunts, and tells of his days at Oxford immersed in theology, classics, and rowing. He recounts his hormonal transition while working as an auto mechanic and fire watcher during World War II and his surgical transition under Sir Harold Gillies while Dillon himself attended medical school. He details his worldwide travel as a ship's surgeon in the British Merchant Navy with extensive commentary on his interactions with colonial and postcolonial subjects, followed by his "outing" by the British press while he was serving aboard The City of Bath. Out of the Ordinary is not only a salient record of an early sex transition but also a unique account of religious conversion in the mid-twentieth century. Dillon/Jivaka chronicles his gradual shift from Anglican Christianity to the esoteric spiritual systems of George Gurdjieff and Peter Ouspensky to Theravada and finally Mahayana Buddhism. He concludes his memoir with the contested circumstances of his Buddhist monastic ordination in India and Tibet. Ultimately, while Dillon/Jivaka died before becoming a monk, his novice ordination was significant: It made him the first white European man to be ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Out of the Ordinary is a landmark publication that sets free a distinct voice from the history of the transgender movement.

T. Lobsang Rampa was preordained to be a Tibetan priest, a sign from the stars that could not be ignored. When he left his wealthy home to enter the monastery, his heart was filled with trepidation, with only a slight knowledge of the rigorous spiritual training and physical ordeal that awaited him . . . .
This is his story, a hauntingly beautiful and deeply inspiring journey of awakening within Chakpori Lamasery, the temple of Tibetan medicine. It is a moving tale of passage through the mystic arts of astral projection, crystal gazing, aura deciphering, meditation, and more, a spiritual guide of enlightenment and discovery through the opening of the all-powerful, the all-knowing . . . .
"Fascinates the reader!" -- Miami Herald

RAMPA LOVED HIS CATS MORE THAN ANYTHING. . .THEY WERE SO CLOSE HE SAID HE COULD COMMUNICATE WITH THEM

HERE IS THE STUNNING TRUTH ABOUT T. LOBSANG RAMPA - THE DECLARATION OF HIS WIFE, MAMA SAN RA'AB RAMPA "Lobsang Rampa knows the truth. He knows what he believes in and he is the person he claims to be. When the changeover occurred we had a very beautiful tabby cat with a silver coat and his attitude was surprising. Our tabby cat had extraordinary reactions towards the one I could call the New One. He showed an unusual respect towards him and anyone who saw him would have been most impressed by the wisdom of one of these supposedly 'dump animals.... "As far as I know there is only one way to evaluate the declarations of my husband. It consists of reading all his books from the beginning to end. That's where the truth is. I am a registered nurse and as such have a lot of experience concerning the observations of people, their attitudes, reactions or changes. . . Therefore, I declare that everything Rampa has said is true, as far as I know. One of the most unpleasant things is the fierce hatred felt by some of the press. Yet those who react so harshly have declared publicly that they have read none of the books. . .

"When the THIRD EYE was published I made a declaration to the press. It was completely distorted. The press twisted my words and succeeded in making me claim that Rampa was in impostor. It is false, I have never thought nor claimed that he was an impostor. . .On the contrary. I assert, as I've always said that his books are true. . . I am my husband's wife, and when a woman is married to a man, she understands him, his moods, his peculiarities. If suddenly, everything changes in him, if it becomes evident to the woman that she lives with another man, a really different man, we have to accept the reality of the way it is. It can't be proved. . . I was in this situation. I saw a change occurring. I observed how the transmigration happened. However, I continue to live with him. But everything is different. We live rather like brother and sister, both making the best of the difficult situation we are in. But as I've witnessed all these things, as I've experienced it, there remains no doubt it is the truth. . ."

NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NORTH AMERICA!"There are," says Rampa, "certain places in the Earth where it is possible for the Initiate to travel down into the center of the Earth and meet representatives of that inner civilization, and among quite a number of people there is a definite knowledge that people from the inner world do come out to converse with those of the surface. Then there are the tunnels from Tibet to the inner world and tunnels from Brazil to the inner world...and one tunnel beneath the greater Pyramids."In addition to a belief in the Inner Earth reality, Rampa explores UFOs, Astral Projection, the Laws of Kharma, Hypnotism and tells readers how to cope with modern day life.Rampa always considered this among his most vital works and it was his wish to share Twilight with as large an audience as possible.

ANSWERS ARE FINALLY GIVEN THE TRUTH ABOUT RAMPA'S TRANSMIGRATION Those that disbelieve who T. Lobsang Rampa says he is will never be convinced otherwise. Those that believe need to be offered nothing additional in the way of evidence. In this wonderfully fulfilling work, the great mystic reveals the truth about transmigration and how he went for being an ordinary plumber (or did he?) to one of the most remarkable men in the world of mysticism: Says T. Lobsang Rampa about this puzzling phenomenon: "Transmigration is stated to be the movement of one soul from one body into another body. There are many, many recorded instances in the world's history in which the soul of a person has departed from a body but before death occurred to that body another body was taken over. It is as simple as that." Get ready to be propelled in an out of this world experience. Here are little known facts about reincarnation, including who you were and who you might be in the future. Understanding is the key to expanding your consciousness and opening your heart and mind to the universe. Rampa will guide you. JUST FOLLOW THE FLICKER OF THE CANDLELIGHT

THERE ARE THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO LEAD HUMANKIND IN A MORE SPIRITUAL DIRECTION, AND THEY ARE RESIDING ON THIS PLANET EVEN THOUGH MOST OF US DO NOT KNOWLEDGE THEIR EXISTENCE The Monks entered the subterranean abode to meet with the Masters of Universal Wisdom in the Halls of The Akashic Records. While deep inside the Earth, it was revealed to them fascinating accounts of ancient space visitors, lost civilizations, advanced gravity ships, and much more knowledge long forgotten by humankind. The Lama opened the again and said, "In a far-off country across the seas the general ability to see Nature Spirits has been lost. If one sees such a Spirit it is a matter for jest, the Seer is literally accused of 'seeing things.' Western people do not believe in things unless they can be torn to pieces or held in the hands, or put in a case. A Nature Spirit is termed a Fairy in the West --and Fairy Tales are not believed " This is one of Rampa's most exciting adventures and has been received with a great deal of pleasure by this multitude of readers all over the world. Behind the great Himalayan range, there lies all-seeing, all-knowing power and enlightenment. It is a way of life that may now be destroyed for all time, a spiritual culture with roots in the ancient world, the remote lamaseries of Tibet. It is here that T. Lobsang Rampa journeyed on the road to self-awareness, to these age-old repositories of wisdom -- where the Lamas learn the meaning of life and death, where the mysterious relationship between the mind and the brain is uncovered, where the secrets of hypnotism, telepathy, clairvoyance, and reincarnation are a part of daily life. Here too Rampa learned power -- but not for abuse or misuse. For the power of supreme enlightenment and universal knowledge is only offered to a chosen few, to those introduced to the strange and exciting world of . . . THE CAVE OF THE ANCIENTS

A SIMPLE HOW TO PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT BOOK PRESENTED IN AN ORGANIZED BOMBARDMENT OF SPIRITUAL TRUTH. . . EXPERTS PROCLAIM: MIND TO MIND COMMUNICATION IS NOW POSSIBLE AROUND THE WORLD AND ACROSS THE GALAXY. Shrouded in secrecy since ancient times, now it is possible for all sincere individuals to tap into that 80 percent unused portion of the human brain that will eventually enable humankind to cross the barriers of space and time, link up with our "cosmic cousins" and break down the walls of false illusion that exist between many races and groups on Earth. This vital workbook and study guide to expanding your clairvoyant and telepathic powers has been compiled by two of the foremost authorities on altered states of human awareness. TUELLA is widely recognized as the primary channel for the ASHTAR COMMAND, a galactic spiritual force that for decades has rendered valuable assistance in providing "shortcuts" guaranteed to bring about the removal of the wraps of secrecy and unnecessary ritual that have kept clairvoyant abilities out of the hands of the average person. T. LOBSANG RAMPA is one of the greatest teachers of metaphysics having studied many ancient scrolls hidden away in dusty monasteries and the deepest caves of his Tibetan homeland. He is the author of the highly acclaimed THE THIRD EYE. This is a concise an clearly illustrated presentation that will enable to sincere student to. . . * Construct a firm spiritual foundation for establishing contact with their centers of awareness; thus opening up telepathic contacts with those close to the heart, as well as angelic beings and higher life forms. * Use crystals and other easy to obtain apparatus to reinforce and heighten telepathic sending and receiving. * Clear the mind of all false and negative influences, thus leaving the mind open only to receive positive thoughts. * Wash away "bad luck" and spread wide the necessary nerve endings that will enable you to receive only the most beneficial of cosmic forces and spiritual rays. AN ENTIRELY NEW UNIVERSE AWAITS YOU ONCE YOU HAVE STUDIED THE MATERIAL IN THIS EASY TO FOLLOW HOW-TO MANUAL.

AGELESS WISDOM FROM THE LAMA Inside the cave, the young monk bowed respectfully. "I have come to you for instruction, Venerable One," he said to the old hermit in a low voice. In response, the hermit instructed the monk in true cosmic laws and in the universal order that governs nature and humankind. He told of deep, dark secrets which had been passed on to him by a mysterious "Higher Order" who have protected and guided humans since the dawn of creation. The old hermit told of a trip inside a "great metallic body" (a UFO perhaps) and of the visit to a vast cavern where he was surrounded by various beings: "Here were small men and women, seemingly perfect in every detail and of god-like mien, radiating an aura of purity and calm. Others were also man-like but with a curious, quite bird-like head complete with scales or feathers and with hands which, although human in shape, still had astounding scales and claws. Also there were the giants, immense creatures who loomed like statues, and over-shadowed their more diminutive companions." Though blind, the old hermit was handed an amazing "sight box" which enabled him to view scenes that had been hidden from humankind for centuries to protect them from unnecessary self-abuse and harm.

THERE ARE MANY CHAPTERS IN EACH OF OUR LIVES Some of these chapters are good, many of them filled with love and joy . . . Others are inflicted with pain and sometimes deep suffering. We must experience all these Chapters of Life before we can move forward on the karmic wheel. . . In this volume we will learn about: A coming new world leader. . . The many mansions and dimensions of the universe. . . A world we all must visit . . . How to close and open a chapter in your life. . .Finding out if Astral is for YOU? . . .Its all here in the CHAPTERS OF LIFE. Rampa's teachings have circled the earth and are just as popular today as they were in decades past. His stories are of a spiritual nature, but they transcend all religion as what he has to say has great meaning for all of us. This is one of his most personal works -- a book that has been written JUST FOR YOU. So take it in hand and explore the world of the unknown -- and let all become know to you in both your heart and your mind

NEWS FLASH SECRET LONG LOST MANUSCRIPT FOUND FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY RAMPA'S FASCINATING NARRATIVES HAVE BROUGHT GREAT JOY AND ENLIGHTENMENT TO MILLIONS WORLDWIDE Always at the center of controversy, T. Lobsang Rampa initially came to the attention of the public in the 1950's. THE THIRD EYE received wide acclaim by a public that was just beginning to awaken to diverse forms of spirituality. WHAT MADE RAMPA DIFFERENT from other "teachers," is he did not push any of his experiences down the throats of others, but in a simple, humble fashion, told of a more peaceful, serene life style which had come to him after years of hardship in his homeland. Tibet had been invaded by the Chinese communists, and many monks and adepts had to flee for their lives. But Rampa was able to survive due to his deep understanding and application of cosmic laws he had learned from several sources, including masters of the planet Venus, as well as beings from the Inner Earth. What makes Rampa's books so unique is that they are NOT transferred through channeling, but by way of self experience in the REAL WORLD. The many topics in his works has included: O The Death Process On The "Other Side." O The Earth's Far Past. O Contact With Space People. O The Human Aura. O Telepathy And Clairvoyance. O Astral Travel And Life Forms on Other Dimensions. O The Aksahic Records. RAMPA HAS LEFT THE PHYSICAL PLANE, yet his teachings continue to attract new followers every day. any do not realize that Rampa's books were written over several decades and that he has transcended from the physical plane. Unfortunately, even though he authored 30 books, the majority were never published in the U.S. Recently a manuscript was uncovered detailing Rampa's travels to Agharta, the capitol of the Inner Earth. Along with this length -- previously unpublished -- work the published has collected excerpts from his prior works that have not been issued before, making this a true collectors edition you will want to own.

25 years with T. Lobsang Rampa -- from the viewpoint of his blind Siamese cat. This book is not fiction but was transmitted to the author by mental telepathy!"A positively delightful story from a master yarn-spinner" -- William Kern

Compiled from numerous Tibetan biographies, this comprehensive and inspiring rendition highlights the extraordinary details of Gampopa's meditative experiences and presents direct insights into the practice and realization of Mahamudra. Includes a history of the Kagyu and an essay on Mahamudra.