We are delighted to share with you the wonderful feedback from readers who have been sending tributes, observations and thanks to the author, editors and others who have contributed to the production of Big Love. Please enjoy our readers' comments below. Click here to find links to book reviews on other websites such as Amazon.
Of course, Lama Yeshe in those fifteen years [of teaching Westerners] accomplished everything that is still alive today and you can read it in the book called Big Love. So it’s funny but it took longer to write the book than the actual fifteen years. If you want to really know about Lama Yeshe’s life and his hard work, then I would recommend you read that book. It’s very thick and intense, but it’s really amazing, amazing to see who Lama Yeshe was. And I said who he was, but I also want to say who he is, because right now Lama Yeshe is still alive in many people.… I am really grateful to Lama Yeshe and also, I am very inspired by Lama Yeshe. And if I can at least maybe do one percent of what he accomplished, then for me that would be more than enough in my lifetime.
– Tenzin Ösel Hita [Read more and watch the video here]
What a pleasure! What a joy to have Lama’s story told by those who were there, and who love him so deeply. Few spiritual teachers have combined Lama’s light touch, skill, joy and profundity. His generous heart continues to move mountains.
– Richard Gere
The two volumes of Lama Yeshe's biography got to us yesterday. We thank you very, very much for sending this monumental work. It covers the period of time when Tibetan Buddhist teachers attracted people from all over the world. Of course, Lama Yeshe was one of the most prominent teachers of this revival. Our congratulations and gratitude to all involved in this mammoth publication.
– H.E. Loden Sherab Dagyab Kyabgoen Rinpoche
This book reminds me of the early times, the mid-70s. In those times Kopan was not very materially advanced but there was great inner richness in the students, in their dedication, and in their devotion to the lineage. Now all of us are getting old! Somehow this book really connects the early 1970’s and the 21st century, and shows us how, due to this dedication and devotion to the spiritual path, to the lineage, to Lama Yeshe and to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, one is able to look beyond the material world to something powerful and profound. This book is a great cause for all of us to rejoice in everything we have done, and in the accomplishments of our own paths, and this lineage, and to dedicate. I think it's really wonderful.
– Yangsi Rinpoche, Maitripa College
The photos are BEAUTIFUL! Turning a page, and seeing Lama, melts the heart! And their placement! At end of the first volume, you can hear him say, "Now let's have tea, dear." Big fun; big joy! You did a big good! Thanks!
– Professor Jan Willis
Lekso, Lekso, well done. Big Love just arrived and it’s fantastic. So many color pics! It really tells the story of the early days and how Lama worked so hard to tame our minds, feisty disciples that we were, and to maintain the Buddhadharma in exile. Thank you so much for your hard work on these two volumes. They’re a treasure.
– Ven. Thubten Chodron, Sravasti Abbey
What do I think of Big Love? Well, what I think is that you [Adele]—and Peter! And Nick! And Connie! Everyone! —have done a stupendous job. The writing does sing: all that reading bore fruit! The editing, the structure, the continuity: beautiful. I love the back matter: all the details. The photos, the paper, the binding, the slip case: all gorgeous.
– Ven. Robina Courtin
Thank you so much for Big Love, which arrived yesterday. It is a truly beautiful expression of the big love of Lama Yeshe’s students for him and of his big love for all beings.
– Dr. B. Alan Wallace, founder and director of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies and of the Center for Contemplative Research in Crestone, Colorado
Thank you so much for sending me a copy of the magnificent biography of Lama Yeshe. It is a wonderful accomplishment and a fitting tribute to Lama’s extraordinary life. It has been well worth waiting for. Adele Hulse has found a pitch-perfect voice and just the right pace in which to tell the story. As a writer, I was very impressed with how she had condensed such a huge amount of material into highly readable prose. The layout and design of the books are impeccable, and each photograph serves to illuminate the text rather than merely illustrate it. I couldn’t put it down, as the cliché goes, and finished reading it last night. [Read Stephen's entire letter here]
– Stephen Batchelor
[Big Love] is a wonderful book, and most appropriate as the celebration of a special man who embodied a kindness and altruism that was directed towards those of us not from his culture or of his own ethnicity, as much as it was towards the kids he tried to help up in the mountains. Lucky indeed we were to have met him.
– Dr. Gareth Sparham
This is an important work for many reasons, not least because of its contribution to the history of the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. An amazing chronicle of the life of one of the most influential lamas of the 20th century.
– Dr. José Cabezón, President, America Academy of Religion, Dalai Lama Professor of Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies and Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara
Big Love has served as my bedtime reading over the past year, at just a few pages every night. I began it around Losar last year [2022], and finished it on Losar this year (which seemed appropriate)…. It's a truly extraordinary achievement, which brings Lama and his mandala alive in countless ways. I love the trove of photos; I love the unobtrusive but helpful footnotes; and I love the way in which teachings from Lama (and others) are interspersed throughout the volumes. Above all, though, I appreciate two things: (a) the skillful way in which people's written and spoken recollections were woven into a continuous biographical narrative and (b) the willingness on the part of the editor(s) to present Lama—and his interactions with others—in a way that shows both his complexity and the complexity of the times and places through which he moved. Despite the love and reverence with which the book was written, this is certainly not a standard namtar—but, then, Lama was not a standard teacher. Maybe this is the sort of namtar we need in our place and time, just as Lama was the kind of teacher so many of us needed when we met him.
– Roger R. Jackson, Professor of Asian Studies and Religion, Emeritus, Carleton College
Just want to pass on my thanks, especially to Adele whom I’ve never met, that I’m just loving Big Love. I’m savouring it slowly early in the mornings. What wonderful storytelling and I’m feeling Lama’s presence again on each page. I attended the course in Diamond Valley in 1974.... It feels wonderful to be connected to others who had the good fortune to meet Lama Yeshe.
– Jon Mason
The Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive in Boston has outdone themselves with their newest publication, Big Love: The Life and teachings of Lama Yeshe. This amazing work, written by Adele Hulse under the editorial eagle eye of my old friend Dr. Nicholas Ribush, comes in a boxed set of two cloth covered volumes that are beautifully printed on art paper, with hundreds of photographs documenting the landmark events that were pivotal in the unfolding of the mandala of the FPMT Dharma centers around the world. Big Love tells the story of the life, work and teachings of that great teacher. Adele Hulse put many years into research and writing, and Dr. Nick similarly spent many years collecting photographs of Lama in the various phases of his miraculous "turning of the wheel of Dharma." Lama Yeshe was instrumental in bringing the Dalai Lama School of Tibetan Buddhism to the West, and in many ways also was instrumental in the international popularity that the Dalai Lama himself later achieved. One might even say that Lama Yeshe has done for Tibetan Buddhism in the West what Padmasambhava did for Indian Buddhism in Tibet. The publication is an indispensable addition to any substantial library of Tibetan Buddhism. And for many Western Buddhists who were participants in the work of transmission of Dharma to the West during the twenty years or so that Lama Yeshe taught around the world, Big Love is a veritable mine of precious treasures. On a personal note, I am honored to be able to count myself as one of the thousands of Westerners who were deeply inspired by Lama. I had the great pleasure of meeting with him on numerous occasions and attending his teachings. Looking over the photos in the book, I personally spotted over a hundred of my old vajra brothers and sisters. Indeed, Lama was a gift to the world who just keeps on giving, a wish-fulling tree that continues to fulfill the wishes of thousands of enlightenment trainees around the world.
– Glenn Mullin
Am a quarter way through Big Love. Can't put it down. You've all done a brilliant job. Congratulations. The detail, the care that's gone into the structure, writing, pictures, and presentation is superb. I love the way the stories are interwoven with Lama's teachings. Lama has emerged even more extraordinary than I ever imagined.
– Vicki Mackenzie
I am writing to you this evening to express my deepest thanks for the publication of Big Love. I would have written sooner, but I kept having to wipe away the tears from my eyes. I know now what it means when they say something is an auspicious event, because you have done justice to Lama Yeshe’s remarkable life, which is quite an achievement. I celebrate tonight, knowing full well that in times to come, all those who meet Lama through this book will be meeting his Great Love, and Wisdom. They will be connecting with the Mahayana Dharma, and incalculable benefit will surely come from that. A little into the second volume, I suddenly realized that I was holding a sacred object in my hands. It is the result of millions of virtues, those of Lama Yeshe’s, and his teachers; those of his students and benefactors, and the faith, and love and devotion of all those who worked over the years to bring this project to completion. My deepest thanks to Adele, to you, Nick, to Lama Zopa, to the editors, designers, and printers, and all those who have added to the creation of this sacred work.
– Jason Espada [Read Jason's poem here]
What a gift your two-volume encyclopedia of Lama Yeshe’s life is. What a labour of love! I knew Geshe Lundub Sopa well, not as a devotee, but as a friend. Through him and my relationship with Jeffrey Hopkins, I got to know the Dalai Lama, Ling Rinpoche, Geshe Rabten and Lama Yeshe. I am in my nineties now and doing the kind of summing up the end life asks. It’s such a joy to see all these old friends (your compilation of photos must have been a Herculean task) and to understand more about their lives in the context of Buddhism and the bringing of Buddhism to the West. In some sense, their story complements my own.
– Allyn Roberts [Read Allyn's entire letter here]
Lama Yeshe was my first Lama, long ago, and he changed my life. The true guru never dies and is always with us, and this testament to a sacred life well lived continues Lama’s altruistic work in inspiring, edifying, civilizing and instructing us all. This monumental biography of the first lama to teach Westerners Buddhadharma in Asia in English brings his truly huge love out on every page. I have been reading and rereading it for months, full of our laughing Lama’s noble bodhisattva heart and wise, delightful ways. The pictures and stories alone are a genuine contribution to the historic movement of Mahayana and Vajrayana Dharma from Tibet to the subcontinent, to the West and the rest of the world. I heartily recommend this book and this peaceful spiritual master, a realized lama born and made for our agitated times.
– Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World, founder of the Dzogchen Foundation and Dzogchen Retreats.
Also: Wowza! Big Love and lots of it, indeed! So much gratitude and appreciation for your great continuous noble efforts in bringing this remarkable and inspiring Lama classy life story to completion, and so buddhifully!! ... Emaho. Marvelous, heart-touching.
– Lama Surya Das
Thank you and congratulations! We received a copy of Big Love and are in love, swimming in an ocean of love, with the reading and learning about Lama Yeshe. The writing, layout and graphics are all exquisite—every aspect. Your care and attention to detail and accuracy are evident with every page. We are deeply grateful to you for your protective force-field and nurturing around this project of love. It will be a blessing of light and warmth to this world that is so desperately in need of love and wisdom. Love and blessings,
– Gary Freeman
A masterpiece! Nothing less would properly describe the research … the decades spanned … the global reach. In a state of utter awe and gratitude for the magnitude of the work done in preserving the story of such an immensely important life. There are no thanks that can do justice. And yet thank you I must, with all my heart. Chag tsal lo!
– Merry Colony
Thank you! Finally making my way through Big Love … just WOW. What an incredible job and what incredible stories … just WOW.
– Kendall Magnussen
Big Love arrived and it is so much more beautiful than I could have ever guessed! What an amazing effort! Gorgeous and inspiring—already digging into it.
– Ven. Yönten
I received a copy of Big Love the day before yesterday and have been reading and looking at the wonderful pictures. I wanted to just reach out to you directly and say thank you. The effort that went into this book is obvious, and it does indeed reinforce the reality of who Lama is. I’ll spend many hours reading and remembering. Everything about this is wonderful. One thing that for me personally became clear—I had a very private relationship with Lama and was pretty uninvolved with the organization that grew up around him. That organization—the FPMT—became so much larger than I ever imagined. The picture of Kopan back in the early seventies and the picture of it more recently brought this home for me. I saw Lama in this country at Lake Arrowhead and Yucca Valley, and Rinpoche many times everywhere, but my spiritual life has always been somewhat solitary. I still wonder what happened to some of the people who became monks, as it was a path I chose not to follow back in the seventies, although I aspired to—and tried to live—a spiritual life similar to what you all were doing. I especially felt a spiritual closeness to Marcel, although I hardly knew him. Back then I always regarded him as very serious meditator, kind of like this is how it is done. But mostly, I regarded Lama as my spiritual father, and have kept him with me over the years. I appreciate how the book makes Lama even more alive. Lama Zopa’s foreword was so matter of fact, just said it like it is and made the importance of Lama clear. Also, the many pictures of Zong Rinpoche were wonderful as well—it is clear as a bell for me, the day Zong Rinpoche came to Kopan and Lama led him into the gompa and sat at his feet on the bare floor. Best wishes and thank you to Adele Hulse and Jon Landaw too. You have all done a lot for the Buddhadharma in your lives.
– Michael Childs
Hello dear Nick, what an extraordinary feat you and your team have accomplished! Big Love is not only a testament to Lama’s life and teachings; but each individual story puts the context of his life into a historical perspective—both from a Western and Tibetan point of view. The stories also demonstrate the openness, devotion and respect that his students engendered for such a unique human being. The photos of Lama’s journeys worldwide are fantastic, bringing to life his animated and loving nature. It felt that each of his actions was always a teaching in some form or other. Perusing both volumes, beautifully presented, has brought up fond memories (and also botched up opportunities!); but the overriding feeling is awe and admiration for Lama Yeshe’s vast accomplishments in some fifteen years of relentless teaching to (as I recall Lama Zopa’s prayer) “teach the most ignorant on earth.” And I remember your response at one of the November courses: “And they ended up with us.”
– Roger Ash-Wheeler
Dear Adele, I feel I cannot thank you enough for devoting so much of your life to writing the life of Lama Yeshe. Big Love is a very moving and inspiring book to read, the path of the vision of Lama Yeshe and Rinpoche for the Dharma in the West. And how they and the students, devoted themselves to founding FPMT and I, along with so many others, have benefited. Lama was an incredible practitioner. I could just go on, however the yearly layout, teachings and personal stories all are so moving. And so many interviews, over so many years. And Lama’s health, how he taught, planned, traveled, lived life to benefit us. I treasure the books. Thank you again, Adele, you are remarkable.
– Ven. Rabdrol (Christine Beveridge)
I have got my copy of Big Love. It is fantastic, it is beyond words. Thank you to all for such hard work and dedication.
– Martine Darrou
My copy of Big Love arrived today. I have to tell you directly it is wonderful. The stories bring back sweet memories of Kopan and Lama Zopa for me. Lamrim in the shed, with burlap bags on the ground. I started in 1987 there so missed the great man in that form. He was on his tricycle at Kopan then. It also reminds me of the old Tushita and the pack of barky little dogs of Lama’s. Good times. With scorpions and giant spiders. The printing, binding, sewing and paper are also a pleasure. The type just large enough for my old eyes. Many thanks to you and the whole team.
Later: I would add, now that I am eagerly reading it: I am some ways through the first book and it is awe-inspiring. It gives me even more faith in the power of this lineage and the Buddha’s path. I am amazed by the detail of both Lama Yeshe’s life and practice, but also many of our beloved lamas through terrible hardship. It is the perfect perspective for me to hold in these times. A true teaching love story on the kindness of others.
– David Garbacz
Thank you so much for the extraordinary Big Love volumes. Lama Yeshe’s stupa is a daily reminder of his teachings. Big Love is a dream come true! I have started the journey. A fantastic undertaking. THANK YOU! I can’t express how fabulous this life of Lama Yeshe is! It is written so people can understand it. FABULOUS EDITING! I am so enjoying the first volume. Love the way it is edited. You have done GOOD. OUTSTANDING! Nick, it is a masterpiece. The pictures alone are so remarkable and are worth a million words.
Later: Big Love is like a bible, but better than a bible. The clean, clear writing makes it easy to comprehend yet captures all the wonderful elements of Buddhism. The photographs bring everything into perspective. You have created a once in a lifetime journey with so much meaning. Thank you for all you have accomplished in Big Love.
– Hawk Furman
I just wanted to let you know that I received Big Love today. It’s beautiful. Thank you!
– Steve Duba
Enraptured as I read through various parts of Big Love this morning, I am remembering more moments experienced with Lama. How deep this takes me back in to my love for the so precious connection and the wonderful ways Lama interacted with all he met.... We are so grateful, eternally grateful for our connection. Thank you dear Dr. Nick, Peter and Adele for pursuing this to completion over so many years.
– Sharon Gross [Read Enraptured, Sharon's reflections on Lama Yeshe.]
I just received my copy of Big Love! And, of course, I immediately sat down to start reading it. I may not do anything else for the next few days! However, before I get lost in that joyous task, I want to thank all of you most sincerely for your generosity of time and energy and money and your dedication to this project for three+ decades to bring to life the memories and teaching of a most remarkable human being. He had a profound impact on my life, as he did with many, many others, those who had the good fortune to meet him in person and those who have met him through his teachings and the memories of the students who knew him, and the unfailing dedication and effort of Rinpoche in perpetuating the Dharma.
Later: An incredible book.
– Cecily A. Drucker
Hi Dr. Nick, I have to call you like that after having received Big Love! Because this is how you were called at that time in Kopan 1975 and 1976! It is a beautiful book, the whole boxed set, the two hard-covered books, the pictures and the few passages I read so far. I just wanted to say thank you. Even for someone like me that had the privilege of being just a little around Lama for around one year, it brings back so many good memories! I can just imagine what it brings to you and the old and close Sangha. The impact of being in Kopan with the Lamas was strong and directed my life. All the best.
– Ronaldo
I received my set yesterday and could not put it down for hours! Congratulations to all who contributed to this "tour de force"!
– Kalleen Mortensen
Big Love arrived! A quick dip into some pages proved to be so informative and interesting. Thank you so much for your incredible perseverance to ensure the manifestation of this valuable document.
Later: I am just a quarter way through Big Love, Vol. 1. It has been immensely interesting and informative to read about the early students and their incredible experiences with Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. My immense gratitude to each one of them for their hardships and part in making FPMT happen. I have never met Lama Yeshe, but Big Love makes me feel I had. I laugh at his original methods to teach Dharma and stand in awe of his wisdom and care for all who met him.
– Oi Loon
I can totally understand how Big Love took so many years more than you had originally anticipated! Just imagining having to complete the single task of compiling the sea of photos and then selecting where—in the sea of pages—each one should go boggles the mind. It's so wonderful how many photos fill the book. And feeling the very fine quality of the paper between my fingers as I turn each page makes the experience of turning and finding what comes next even more delightful. There must be another, bigger, more encompassing word than congratulations to applaud the success of your endeavors! Big Love is a testament, too, to the very BIG love you had for Lama Yeshe. I am so happy for you. May any postpartum issues (!) be assuaged by knowing that the result of your enormous efforts and love will keep Lama's spirit and words alive in the minds of so many people for generations to come. Thank you! Much love,
– Therese Miller
Thank you all so much for the creation and distribution of this beautiful book.
Later: I am enjoying reading the book, and at times I have a hard time putting it down when I need to do other things. Even though I have yet to meet any of the people in the book, I feel connected to many of the people in the book. I live far away from a center, but I am hopeful that one day I will be able to have more direct and in-person contact with people associated with the book. I have not completed the book, but I am confident it is a book I will read over and over again. It is well written with many headings for easy referring back. Having notes on the same page is very helpful. The content is wonderful and helpful and valuable.
– Tenzin Saldron (Sharon Sickles)
Just to let you know the Big Love encyclopedias arrived yesterday. I'd better start reading them soon or I may not finish them this life. Even though I'd seen the photos of them with Rinpoche, somehow the scale didn't become apparent until I picked them up from courier drop-off. Incredible job by everyone at LYWA to get the project completed. Please specifically send my thanks to Adele and Nick.
– Brian Hart
The Big Love books arrived at the post office yesterday and today went to pick them up, and firstly thank you to all those who did all the hard work of getting these books published. It was a mammoth task and you have all done it justice. It is a beautiful production and will be treasured and passed on to the next generation of our family. Thank you, can’t wait to read it, have only flicked through so far but it brought a smile to my face! Tashi Delek shu!
– Terri Carfoot
Thanks immensely for the work that you, Adele and your team have put into this feast of treasures and details about Lama’s life. I feel I can wander in memories and inspiration for years to come.
– Dr. Peter (Karuna) Fenner
Just to let you know that Big Love arrived a few days ago. Nick and everyone must be very happy and proud of the result—it is fantastic.
– Ven. Thubten Dondrub
Dear, dear Adele, I’m wordless, but full of gratitude and admiration. You have done your turn beautifully, girlfriend, big love to you and the gang.
– Jennifer Abbott
It is very strange, but after I have read some of each day, I get to understand something in a deeper way. It even woke me up one night.
– Sandra Kinread
Thank you so much for the wonderful gift that was delivered this afternoon. What an amazing offering! I'm so looking forward to immersing myself in Lama's energy and wisdom—particularly at this time. MUCH love
Later: Dear Adele, Congratulations on your Magnum Opus. The timing is perfect, while we are slowly going mad in lockdown! I am loving it. (Arrived on doorstep last Saturday), and have immersed myself in reliving those days [while off work ]. You write very well, and you certainly brought Lama back. Well done, and thank you once again.
And: Am really enjoying living in the 70's again, and reliving Lama's energy, and remembering all the old gang.
– Diana van Die
Thank you, Adele Hulse. Everything about this book is Big Love—Lama Yeshe, your devotion to years of meticulously accurate research, the collection of photographs and your very readable style of writing. Best of all it is wonderful to meet Lama Yeshe and walk with you through his extraordinary life.
– Marie Cook, Tara Institute
Wonderful, wonderful books! So grateful to Adele for her dedication in writing a recount of Lama Yeshe’s incredible life that now can benefit so many others. Many, who perhaps like myself never had the chance to meet him. You took me there Adele. Thank you.
– Kimberly Salaj, Tara Institute
Reading it I feel like I am there. The hardships willingly endured by the lamas to keep a spiritual tradition alive as well as themselves, has affected me deeply. I have such gratitude to these teachers and the original students who, against all the odds, started up Dharma centers all over the world. I really feel like I am there when I’m reading it, it’s so alive. Just amazing. I wish it was even longer. Thank you, Adele.
– Sandra Kinread, Tara Institute
This delightful book is very aptly named. Not only is it absolutely HUGE, you can literally feel the love emanating from each page. I never met Lama Yeshe and have always had a somewhat wistful feeling of having missed out on the hippie scene and those early days with the lamas. The experience of reading this book makes you feel like you are actually there. Meticulously researched and with teachings of Lama Yeshe interspersed throughout this is very much a Dharma book while at the same time a compelling and entertaining read.
– Ingrid Uhlherr, Tara Institute
Amazing Adele, the book is just out of this world. I can’t believe it, what a mammoth achievement. I haven’t even started reading it yet, I just keep opening the book in wonder at random pages. I feel like I need to go on retreat and immerse myself in Big Love. You must have been living it for years. I hope it’s not too much of an anticlimax now. But congratulations again and I hope you’re acknowledged properly by everyone who sees or reads it.
Later: We are delighted with the book! It’s so well constructed and beautifully written, with amazing photographs on each couple of pages. I’m about 400 pages in and feel absolutely immersed in Lama’s love. I was so fortunate to know him and he made such an impression on so many lives. It’s better than I could have ever imagined.
And: I'm almost at the end of volume one of Big Love and I'm in raptures. It’s so well constructed and written, reading it is an absolute joy and the pages (and hours) skip by. I was reading until 2am a couple of nights ago. And I never expected photos on every page! It’s better than I could ever have imagined. And reading the back stories of old friends and people we knew at Kopan in the early days, just mesmerizing. I keep thinking of Lama and now I'm dreaming of him, and the memories keep coming, of the many weeks living at Mummy Max’s house and printing the Wish-fulfilling book, putting in a few hours at the Gestetner every day. And of time spent at Bea’s house with Lama, him cooking for us and all the little anecdotes. I wish I’d been a bit bolder (and older) and brave to carry through some of his suggestions. But I think Lama knew I had to wait my time and look after the children. And then I became director of Tara Institute when the time was right. Oh, I can’t imagine my life if we hadn't met and been at Kopan. With much love, and gratitude.
– Alison Ribush
Goodness! Wow and wonder! Sitting on the kitchen table. Is this what I think it is? Thank you. ( I am also concerned that I haven't paid nearly enough.)
Later: I am taking Vol. 1 to bed with me. I am one of the people whose life has been changed by Buddhism coming to the West. I changed. Receiving these volumes reawakened that knowledge today. With gratitude,
– Helen Ponder
It is beautiful! So clearly a work of love, with such quality. I intend to devour it slowly!
– Jeremy Tatman
Big Love is a most extraordinary tribute to the Dharma and to the beautiful and successful efforts of Lama Yeshe to expand the reach of the Dharma. Thank you for sending me the book. I shall cherish it. With love,
– Freddy (Frederick English)
In March 1980, Lama Yeshe had given me the spiritual name Yeshe Özer (Radiant Light of Exalted Wisdom). I was very happy with that name .... [Read Hermes' reflections on Lama Yeshe here]
– Hermes Brandt
Big Love. What a universal responsibility gift! Such simple, deep, kind and easy flowing energy to absorb into, while describing the incredibly complex journey of the FPMT in such intricate and insightful detail, giving us all the opportunity to reflect on the importance of seeds and roots so we remember, respect and have reverence for how the fruit came to be. Nothing wasted—every course excerpt, micro-story and sentence clearly carefully crafted, offering a chance in each moment of the Big Love experience to learn from the teachings and the paths traveled. So grateful the historical perspective of this unique and very special period has been captured with the entirely tangible touch, taste and feel that Big Love provides, so we will always have a point of reference we can trust for what it takes to truly change the world. With tremendous expression of appreciation and gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Yeshe, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, all the lineage teachers and the “old school” FPMT people who have done their trip in such a meaningful way to set the foundation and framework we can rely on to guide and help us improve the quality of our lives so we can try to be as valuable to others as you have been to us.
– Matt Henschel
Just picked up the two volumes of Big Love! Wow! How beautiful! How inspiring to begin reading and enjoying all of the stories and pictures as Lama's life journey unfolds. Thank you all for your perseverance and creativity to actually accomplish such an undertaking. I and other Sangha are deeply appreciative of those whose generosity is enabling us to experience this amazing perspective of a truly holy being revealing Buddhism in Lama's unique life. A legacy and beneficial achievement that will last forever. Peace and love in these challenging times.
– Ven. Lhundup Chonyi
I am very moved and grateful that we as IMI Sangha are offered a free copy of Big Love. While I never met Lama Yeshe, I have a strong sense that he drew me to FPMT, to my teachers who were students of his, and to the Dalai Lama.
Later: Received Big Love last night. Thank you so much. I'm almost breathless as I open it! It's beautiful, worthy of Lama Yeshe and LYWA and FPMT and Adele Hulse and all the energy that went into producing it.
– Ven. Tenzin Pelyang
I’ve been reading Big Love, the biography of Lama Yeshe, my principal spiritual guide. I have been deeply moved by it—the last part is particularly difficult to read. I am just overwhelmed by the constellation of human stars who shine so brightly in this story, and whom I have the enormous good fortune to know.
– Tubten Pende
Years ago, I read through 1,000 pages of the manuscript of Big Love, to make corrections before it was printed. I was overwhelmed by the activities of Lama during the last year of his life.
– Thubten Pemo
Lama Yeshe was the powerful glue of our dependently originated good fortune. He made it possible for us to have meaningful lives.
– Fabrizio Pallotti
I have just begun Vol. 2. While I did not know Lama I have become so inspired by this book and my practice has truly deepened.
– WC Judge
I met Lama Yeshe briefly in Bodhgaya, in the days when I was not going to be a Buddhist. HAHAHA, he knew then my life would change.
– Ven. Chonyi Taylor
Just beginning to read, a few pages in. I know I am in the company of a treasure.
– Mark Winwood
Like so many, knowing and being guided by Lama completely transformed my life. I am reading Big Love now, very slowly, because there's so much to contemplate and be grateful for in the countless ways Lama taught and woke us up. It's been amazing to watch how his vast vision for Universal Education has spread and taken root over the years. Big Love is yet another manifestation of Lama's profound love and skillful means. Huge thanks to Nick and Adele, and all those who made Big Love possible.
– Robyn Brentano
It's such a wonder. Thank you so much. At the beginning when I ordered it, I had in mind, “Right now I don't have time for biographies, but when I am older, sick and incapable of study or proper practice, I will read it.” But I understand that this book could help me even now, though I am not so sick or old yet. What an incredible reality of miracles, so to say. How many people involved for their everlasting luck. The best books one can imagine about life, about interconnection, about Dharma, about liberation, about the guru. The luck right now is mine also.
– Cristiana Cimapa Tsomo
During the past few weeks, I've been thoroughly caught up in the story told in Big Love. Although I began reading it after I first acquired my copy, I set it down since I wanted to focus on it and had too many other books I was reading. Now reading a few pages is my reward for accomplishing a chore and a night-time sugar-free dessert! It's so very interesting to hear how Lama Yeshe operated with his students and imagine the wisdom fire brewing in Rinpoche as he seemed to stay out of the spotlight. As I turn the pages, I keep saying "I had no idea, I had no idea ...." I hope the audience for this story isn't just those who were involved in the early dawning of Buddhism in the West. When my daughter returns at Christmas, I will nudge her to start reading it and will be interested in how she views it, being the peripheral Buddhist that she is. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Later: People don't know what they are missing by not reading Big Love. It is like my Dharma chocolate—the reward at the end of the day for completing my commitments and other responsibilities.
– Debra Thornburg
Dear Adele, An enormous thank you for the job you did on Big Love. While acknowledging the essential help of the computer expert, you distilled a clear, completely captivating, and inspiring story from an unimaginable mass of spoken, written, and visual material. Patrick White’s Riders in the Chariot is very special for me so I can imagine how his books freed your language to sing. His language is right there at the forefront while it creates a world. However, you have achieved a different and extraordinary feat. You have stayed out of the way yourself. There is nothing between the reader and the material, it is completely transparent. Thank you infinitely. You are also a terrific reader!
– Julie Kuperus
I can't thank you enough for Big Love. I've been absorbed in Volume 1 for the last three days, and am completely knocked out by it: the seemingly effortless flow of the prose as you tell the story, Adele; the beautiful design (by Gopa&Ted—the best!); the gorgeous, high-quality boxed set with glossy paper throughout for the cornucopia of completely fascinating (and well-captioned) photos; the italic passages giving background or presenting some of Lama and Rinpoche's teachings at the time; the myriad threads of interconnection across space and time—the list goes on and on. The wish you express in your Dedication is, I find, completely fulfilled: that the reader (whether or not they met Lama Yeshe in person) is easily able to come with you and meet him in your pages—along with so many other fascinating and colorful people and places, evoked and described so pellucidly that it is hard to stop reading. Thank you so much for creating this amazing and illuminating masterpiece of lovelovelove.
– Victoria Scott
I was feeling overwhelmed with gratitude to those of you that put together the book Big Love so wanted to drop you a note, please convey my thanks to the authors when you get a chance. Big Love has become part of my daily reading, each morning I wake up and before doing any “heavy” lamrim reading or doing meditations I read Big Love. It’s filled a void that I didn’t know existed… the connection with my Guru. Even though I’ve been following FPMT teachings for 5+ years and have a strong emotional connection with many of the wonderful teachers I’ve been exposed to at Tushita Delhi, Dharamshala and centers in the US, I never felt that emotional connection with Lama Yeshe. Reading this book makes me feel a true connection with him. Reading the other books and teachings he has written and LYWA published has become more meaningful. Thank you again to the whole team that put this book together! Blessings to all of you and keep up the awesome work. Now I just wish I could find some retreats to attend, something I’ve missed doing since moving to Texas and the world changing with COVID. But hey, when the time is right the universe will make that available through the kindness of people like you all … just like it brought me Big Love. Thank you.
– Anant Gairola
We received a copy of the magnificent Big Love. I've been looking through it and so many strong memories come back, particularly of the 1974 course I did. Thank you so much, it's so beautifully put together.
– JK
I got the book, many thanks. It is sitting on my altar. I burst into tears just by looking at it, all the memories of Lama and how much I miss him came flooding back.
– JW
I’m writing to thank you immensely for the copy of Big Love that turned up here at Kopan and ended up in my hands. It even softened this hard heart, so imagine what will happen when I’ve finished reading it! Congratulations.
– TN
What a total masterpiece Big Love is. Thank you so very much for sending me a copy...I was touched, delighted and just amazed. This is how someone's full, accomplishing life should be recorded. Big Love is a full, beautiful chronicle of Lama's extraordinary life. His teachings are still with us today and also so stunningly included, many of them, in the book(s). What a wonderful thing! It's a whole, whole gorgeous achievement.
– JM
A very big thank you for this precious book…. May the visions of Lama Yeshe continue to spread across the world.
– R.
Thank you so much. Big Love is such a jewel...everyone is happy. What a marvel... and the photos make memories pop up so easily. And the index is pantastic (as Lama would say), one can find everyone so easily. Thank you and and all who contributed so much.
– S.
A few days ago, Big Love made it to our place in Bern, Switzerland. Amazing work! Amazing care, devotion and endurance to really make it happen. Thanks to all involved! Wonderful work.
– F.
Congratulations to Adele-la. I am sure this contribution of your hard work will be written in golden letters in Buddhist history of the world. Thank you and tashi delek.
– T.
Thank you so much for your generosity, for all the work of so many people, for the photos. I am deeply impressed and touched! This is a BIG step for our lineage!
– S.
For many years I was wondering what was taking Big Love so long and now I know. The design and art direction are breathtaking. Words lead us through pictures, across maps, around footnotes. It lives and breathes. Not a text but a journey: an actual, walkable path. What an amazing experience you have given us! Great gratitude and big love to you all.
- F.
I'm finding Big Love amazing and compelling, although sadly had to ban it from a recent mini-retreat because it meant I never got to sessions on time, or to bed at a sensible hour. It's an incredible act of homage to Lama, as well as a record for posterity.
- A.
Thank you so, so much, totally amazing, mind-blowing efforts and results. Please rejoice more than extensively in this life work.
– A.
My favorite bedtime reading! Every single night I absorb only a few pages and frankly, that’s because I don’t want it to end! It’s the journey I never went on and I’m so grateful I get to experience it secondhand in this lifetime. It is filling my mind, my heart and my soul with inspiration and gratitude. Much love and big thanks to you all.
– N.
What an extraordinary book, it is fascinating and enthralling, the photos are just captivating, and the extracts of the teaching the lamas gave so succinct and insightful. I have learnt so much, and I am only on page 308 of Volume 1. It is also very revealing with the experiences of interactions with Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa, and the occasional comment from the lamas. Zopa Rinpoche, as he was then, responding to Massimo on page 213 saying “I have realized these teachings,” and the comment Rinpoche has never been heard to repeat anything like it ever again. And Jon Landaw’s observations on page 285 about Lama Yeshe and His Holiness that “it was as if their true essence, their essential being, was formless and their physical body was just an afterthought, something they manifested for our sake. They often appeared to be more fluid than solid.” These insights are just gems of Dharma to continue teaching the reader and training our mind all these decades on.
– C., Langri Tangpa Centre
I've been wanting to reach out and express my deepest gratitude to you [Nick] and the LYWA team and Adele for this precious masterpiece of Big Love. I got it a couple of weeks ago. I don't think I've ever wanted to thank people this much for a text before, this is really an extraordinary offering you all put together so beautifully. Thank you, I'm so very grateful.
– J.
It's quite amazing! I've been way too busy to spend much time with it but it is quite the labor of love and I for one am so appreciative of all the time, effort, and expense taken to make such a loving tribute to Lama Yeshe. I will look forward to immersing myself in it when the time allows.
– D.
It is a truly incredible achievement.
– G.
My books arrived this morning and when I opened the parcel, I was moved to tears by the absolute beauty of what you’ve produced. Books are such treasures and the two volumes of Big Love are just so lovely it makes my heart sing. And that’s the outside! I know I’m going to learn a lot from these. Thank you so much for all your hard work to make this happen. I am truly grateful. With gratitude,
– V.
Such a good job, thanks a lot. How lucky we were and we still are, having met Lama. And for those who didn’t, Adele's and your work will do the job.
– E.
... your beautiful gift to the world! Thank you so much.
– S.
Absolutely loving your book, Adele. Haven't "devoured" a book since first entering the Dharma. I have cried and laughed. I feel like I am with Lama Yeshe, and surrounded by the buddhas. Thank you sooooo much.
– S.
Beautifully written and skillfully constructed, so the reader never feels buried in detail. And it conveys such a lovely up-close feel of Lama without ever being cloying. A wonderful achievement.
– A.
The book is phenomenal! But stirring up many memories, feelings and emotions and learning a lot I didn't know before. Huge congrats!
– C.
Imagine my delight to receive a copy of Big Love today. My thanks to you all and to Adele. So much work and love has gone into this, it is just wonderful. I have been unwell in recent years and hoped that I would live long enough to see the completion of the Great Stupa and this publication. So I am overjoyed that I have lived long enough to see both. Winter is on its way here and with the COVID-19 restrictions, what better way to spend time than in a chair in front of the heater reading Big Love. As one who never met Lama but benefited enormously from his work I look forward to diving into these books. Once again my grateful thanks to all of you.
Later: I have nearly finished Vol. 1 and am even more impressed and in awe of the quality of the work.
– H.
Thanks so much I feel like the holy grail has arrived. It's beautifully done, packaged, and I believe they will be with me always. Thank you so much.
– N.
The book is amazing—very wonderfully bound and presented—it's an heirloom. Thank you so much for the years of dedicated work and patience. The stories are great to dip into.
– P.
I’m thrilled to report that we received our copies of Big Love. What a wonderful, sumptuous production. Huge congratulations and gratitude to all who are/were involved in the process! Needless to say, it has been very well received. – R., Atisha Centre
A fine job. Truly epic. Worth the wait. I hope I live long enough to read it from covers to covers.
– T.
I got a copy of Big Love yesterday and have been eagerly reading since then. What a BIG LOVE effort it is. Quite remarkable! Just the quality of the two volumes themselves (the paper, the layout, the amazing photos). But also the writing (Adele's tireless work over some years) and all the photos and all the background research and all the extra resources. WOW! What else can one say. I can really feel the great love you all have for Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa too, and all the other teachers connected to their offerings in the world. I’m only just entering the full story (and already fully immersed), but for sure it will need a good review for Amazon and other places. I’ll get on to that in a while when I’ve fully digested this new iteration of Lama Yeshe’s boundless love and energy. Congratulations—a tour de force!
– T.
How lovely to receive the beautiful double volume of Big Love yesterday! I had to hug like it was Lama, first off and was inspired to read the moving forward by His Holiness and wonderful description of Lama Zopa Rinpoche investigating Lama Yeshe and Gen Jampa Wangdu. Adele, it is a joy to see your incredible effort and skill in gathering and compiling and persevering, finally in tangible form. Congratulations! Your talks on the book and printed extracts were great. What a stoic effort! To finally have the hard copy brings me a great feeling of hope, love and also sincere appreciation you, Adele, and the team. Lama was right to choose you Adele, to write for him—who else would have stuck with it through thick and thin as you have done. Well done Adele, Nick and Peter for your vision, perseverance and commitment to seeing the job through. I feel Lama Yeshe is with us and very, very happy.... May Big Love help the Dharma to flourish all over the world for a very long time and totally fulfill Lama Yeshe’s wishes in no time at all. I rejoice and thank you!
– T.
Wow! Nick, you are giving birth in your garage—this is miraculous—and I really mean it! I held and had a chance to behold the volumes you brought over, and I knew instantly that they encapsulate a career of work for you—and so much more. Many congratulations on the release of this wonderful work into the broader world. You must be so very happy and proud. As I opened the first volume—felt the pages, the binding, the end papers, noticed the typography, the weight, and smelled the fresh ink—I felt so happy for you and your team. Clearly you’ve invested yourselves deeply in this work. I started thumbing through the pages at first, and after some scanning, I felt that scanning wasn’t what this work was about. I look forward to sitting with these volumes and giving them my full attention. Thank you for this remarkable gift. My heart is full for you and your collaborators. Congratulations on this significant accomplishment, and may it go out into the world and bear fruit. With utmost appreciation, gratitude, and a full heart.
– C.
Just opened the package. It was beautifully wrapped. I will open it carefully in the morning. This is a gift of joy in this madness. Feels like I am welcoming Lama into my home. Thank you! And Big Love.
Later: Stage Two and removed the wrap. Waited few hours. And removed the precious text oh so carefully. Removed them from the casing. My wife admired the texture of the text. And so I began perusing. And the first page the text opened to was your ordination certificate. I really feel you sent Lama Yeshe to me. Thanks.
– A.
I've been waiting for the right moment to open this unbelievable treasure. The time is now. Tremendous thanks to Adele, Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive, Peter, Nicole, Nick, and ALL those involved with this. I almost can't believe it's in my hands.
– C.
This morning, we released Big Love from quarantine. It is magnificent! I went through the first volume, reading some, scanning some, looking at every photo and caption. Fascinated by the book and look forward to hearing more about this story. Congratulations and admiration to all who created this tome.
– B.
The Big Love book set you sent arrived the other day. Thank you so much. It is really well put together and really interesting, the writing and the photos. Thank you again.
– B.
We received our copy of the spectacularly beautiful Big Love. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful job! Everything about the box set is absolutely beautiful! And, I have only just picked it up. I can't wait to start reading it. I'm sure it is a huge relief and brings much satisfaction to see this out in the world. Congratulations! Let me join the chorus of thanks, that I imagine is singing around the world, for your and the rest of the teams inspiring work! Warmly,
– D.
The new book is gorgeous, amazing—production values and design, all top-notch. And so many great photos so well-reproduced.... Such a treasure and such a valuable record of the life and times of a modern true bodhisattva. We are indebted to you and Adele and to everyone, so many people, whose efforts made it happen. What an accomplishment. You must be so pleased.
– D.
Although I've only just begun the reading, it feels like I'm going on a magical journey. Truly appreciate your years of dedication to making Big Love happen. With big love,
– D.
I got mine last week and even though I was quite busy, when it arrived I couldn’t resist stopping to open the package and then look through the two volumes. It is absolutely amazing!
– E.
Amazing and beautiful, and thank you.
– J.
We just received Big Love and we send Big Love to you and everyone who worked on this incredible life and teaching of Lama Yeshe. The photos and story of Lama are very interesting for all to read, but for those fortunate ones, who had the special karma to have met Lama, all I can say is wow! With folded hands, much gratitude!
Also: The photos in these two books are beyond words. Soooo appreciative.
– J.
The dedication to Lama's biography is so moving: "... If you never met Lama, then come with us—walk up the hill to Kopan and meet Lama Yeshe, as thousands did, without knowing anything of Buddhism or Tibet. That came later." Thank you, thank you.
– K.
Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. Thank you so much. Impeccable body of work. I rejoice. The Big Love books are beautifully done; the paper stock, colored photos, binding, looking over the pages, wow.
– M.
I received the two-volume set of Big Love: The Life and Teachings of Lama Yeshe. I am looking forward to meeting Lama Yeshe through the pages of these books. The production of the books, from the packaging, to the page layouts with many invaluable photos, right down to the "weight" of the set. It is substantial and top-notch. Congratulations to you [Nick], Peter and Adele. I am honored to be doing my part to contribute to Lama's legacy.
– N.
Yesterday I received a package containing the two-volume Big Love: The Life and Teachings of Lama Yeshe. What a pleasant surprise! ... I highly appreciate the meritorious work of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.There is no doubt that the sublime teachings embedded in these volumes will definitely help alleviate the sufferings of innumerable sentient beings, in general, and will become an elixir for those particularly affected by the psychological trauma and physical discomfort in this challenging and uncertain time of COVID-19. Thank you so much once again and stay safe.
– P.
Big Love arrived in my apartment. Amazing. I sat down, to look at a few photos in Volume 1. When I stood up, it was two o'clock in the morning. My tea was still on the kitchen counter with some food that I started to eat. So far, the book is very professional and well-done. Thank you to everyone.
– T.
Thank you for all the hard work and visionary effort to make this happen. The flip thru is spectacular.
– T.
Adele and others have made this such interesting, happy and holy. PERFECT, like Lama Yeshe himself. I can't put down!
– Anon.
Fabulous. I've never read a book like it, but I'm still on the first book. My gratitude to Adele and everyone else who made this as happy and holy as Lama himself, knows no bounds. The photos and maps alone, are incredible. I'm not one to rave over much, but wow!
– Anon.
Such beautiful books! I'm sure the contents of the books will be such a blessing to my dim and dull mind. Am really grateful to have them although I am not sure what karma I have created to receive such a treasure.
– A.
I have received the twin pack of Big Love this morning. Wow! Huge books. Thank you so much and the wonderful people working behind. Skies of merits for the team.
– S.
What an accomplishment—such an incredible amount of work in editing and putting that together. Wonderful to see all the photos of the people I knew so well in those days gone by—and looking the way that I remember them as looking.
– A.
Thank you so much for everything. Oh, and please express my gratitude to everyone that has made the project possible.
– P.
Much gratitude forwarded to every Dharma-doer making bigger the greatest teachings of wisdom and method transforming our unlimited mind's potential. I see Big Love now everywhere when I read. The courses started again immediately upon opening Big Love; I smile a lot reading and my Guru, Lama Yeshe, feels stronger inside my perfect human form. Qualities of my inner wisdom wake up clean-clear understanding, the kindness of my teacher giving the gift of freedom from attachment. The limitless power of love from Lama Yeshe steps on. Very grateful.
– D.
We are reading Big Love and learning so much about Buddhism from the beginning. We want this donation to help you to continue publishing all of the many writings of Lama Yeshe and Lama Rinpoche and others.
[Note: Generous donation to LYWA gratefully received, with thanks to this kind donor.]
– C.
We just finished the first book! I have been reading it nearly every night for the past couple weeks with [my husband] and [daughter], now eight, and cannot express how much we have been enjoying and appreciating all of your wonderful efforts. Thank you to everyone who made this possible—to know Lama more intimately, to witness the kindness of our great masters and to grasp the enormity of their efforts—and to learn more about all these amazing people I grew up with as a child, so many familiar names, and what they were able to accomplish. Thank you.
– D.
The book is such a treasure. So happy to have it in our home! Lots of love.
– M.
My mom bought me a copy as a gift and it just arrived. Can't wait to read it!
– J.
It's an amazing dedication to Lama Yeshe and somehow those books "glow" with love. Thank you sincerely.
– P.
Received those amazing texts, thanks so much to Adele, Nick and the entire team that made this possible. What a special tribute to our founder, a living buddha. Thank you.
– W.
I am up to the final chapter in Volume One. In poetry they speak of onomatopoeias, a word that means exactly what it sounds like. Add to that the Buddhist notion of the "power of the object" as presented the teachings on karma, and you get the amazing sense that somehow Lama Yeshe is very much "alive" and present in these books and still working his magic. One need only to rethink the lines under the photo at the end of Volume Two and "See you in space" can be very easily interpreted as "[I] See you [from] space!" This Is truly a great gift to all of us, thank you for helping to make that possible.
– P.
I should be studying for my B.Ed. finals and doing assignments but reading Big Love and the words of Kyabje Lama Yeshe. I want to highlight every line he spoke.
– D.
The books arrived yesterday and I am absolutely delighted. The stories of Lama’s life interspersed with his teachings are providing great inspiration. I was extremely blessed to have met Lama and I know many of the people in the stories so it is especially meaningful. Please pass my deep thanks to Dr. Nick and the rest of the team at Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.
– A.
I finished reading Big Love a few weeks back! It was that gripping. I have much more understanding of the incredible role of Lama Yeshe bringing Buddhadharma to the Western students. Well, maybe the Western students are already enlightened but playing their roles to bring Buddhadharma to the rest of the world? Anyway, it is a vibrant and most enthralling record of Lama Yeshe’s life and works as well as a very inspiring lesson to me on guru devotion. Adele and the team have really done a great job.
– O.
What a magnificent “memory lane” journey reading Big Love. Deeply touched over and over again by Lama Yeshe’s mandala, and eternally grateful for having been there and been part of it early on. The book connects so many threads, personal accounts and the mushrooming of the Western Dharma community. The lessons reverberate, timeless and “clean clear.” A phenomenal phenomenon. Heartfelt thanks to Adele, Peter and Nicole, and Nick and Co for creating this treasure.
– I.
...thank you for your labor of love and the deep work you [Nick], Adele and many others provided to create the beautiful Big Love. We have been reading it aloud to one another since receiving it, and reliving so many joyful memories and moments related to our amazing guru and our Dharma pals.
– S.
Since I got Big Love, I consider it as a jewel, I never imagined it could be so perfect, so great! I laugh, I cry, I'm amazed, I'm full of gratefulness for all of you who worked so hard making Lama's dreams true. I still have 3/4 of the second book to read, but like with a polar sometimes I can't stop reading it and sometimes I wish I would never go to the end. It will be next to me till my death, even though I can't carry it everywhere of course. Immense thanks to Nick and Adele and [team].
– M.
Just finished Big Love and had to say a big thank you for all the tears and laughs and insights. Congratulations to all involved. Shall really miss its daily dose now.
– S.
Big Love is fantastic—I found it hard to put down. It sings, it absolutely sings, like you talked about.... Thank you so much Adele for enriching our lives so much by writing this book.
– P.
I have just finished Big Love. It is wonderful!
– JO
I’ve been savoring Big Love, keeping it handy and reading [my husband] parts while exclaiming over details (he’ll start it soonish). Such an amazing book! Obviously great care was taken in its production—the format, cover, paper quality and photos make it a joy to hold and behold. But it’s the content, of course, that warms us most. Just viewing the variety of people and the ways they benefited from being with Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche is very uplifting, and of course fills us with awe and gratitude for their lives. Bodhicitta incarnate! Aren’t we fortunate!
– PP
I have finally sat down to read Big Love and it's a sheer delight to read about those early days—what amazing times. As I look back on those days it is increasingly clear to me that Lama knew exactly how things would develop, but what great fortune to be included in his “aura.” I think of him every day.
– PC
I would like to thank you very much for this book. I do not know who, but someone donated these books to the monks and nuns of IMI who wanted it. I've just started to read it this winter as an inspiration for my retreat. And I am amazed and, well, words can't express it. I decided to study Dharma only after I saw a few Lama Yeshe videos on YouTube a long time ago. Somehow I felt even then that I need to know what this guy is saying, and I wanted to meet him. Later on I found out that he died before my birth. Ever since I have had the feeling that I know Lama Yeshe from somewhere. Reading this book was like living and studying with him at the same time. Also reading about his students, many of whom I met in different FPMT centers and deem as my friends, was very eye-opening. I appreciate them now even more. I was wondering will I find myself in previous life as his student in this book, but that didn't happen. Or maybe I was a worm in one of his dogs, who knows? I can truly say that he was the reason I am now in Nalanda ordained for four years, doing my second Basic Program, and planning for the Master Program. I was hoping that meeting Ösel Hita would be a similar experience, but after meeting him a few times, not much happened. It seems this time he is in low mode. But when he gives a talk I can feel Lama Yeshe stepping out. I was so inspired by the book that I would like to buy two sets for my friends in Croatia. One would go to my friend, a teacher of Shechen Croatia (who gave me many books about Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche), and another to another friend, who is non-Buddhist but very open-minded young psychologist, who is slowly getting there. My friend the teacher has big respect for Lama Zopa, but I would like that he gets some experience of Lama Yeshe as well, and reads the Lama Zopa biography from this book as well.
– TJ
I have to hand it to you and the team of people who put together Big Love. I'm halfway through the second volume and I'm just completely amazed that you guys remember all these details and stories about the Lamas. I've literally teared up at points and laughed out loud at other points. You must have put a lot of work and effort into this endeavor. It’s amazing how much times have changed. I was born in 1975 and at that time you all were establishing centers throughout the world. Makes me wish I was born a bit earlier so I could have met Lama Yeshe.
– AH
Big Love arrived. 💖 Wow! We have the two volumes open on our living room table and my family and I have been reading the amazing stories Adele collected and so beautifully written and edited. Laughing, crying, so moved while reading, this is a masterpiece of love, wisdom and insight into our very special Buddha, Lama Yeshe. I am so grateful to receive this.
– BD
I kept wanting to sit down and write to you right after we got that amazing book. I was kind of stunned by that book. It's like Lama Yeshe was right here ... Love to you and thank you again for amazing packaging and a beautiful book. What a treasure.
– KG
I was given a copy of Big Love as a Christmas gift and had great pleasure in reading a fairly large element of both volumes over the seasonal break…. I must congratulate you [Adele], Nick and others on a very impressive presentation of Lama Yeshe's life, which I found totally absorbing and informative. For the period of my direct connection with Lama, from the start of his first visit to the UK in 1975 through to the middle of 1982, it was a lovely walk down "memory lane" and I have felt very enriched by and appreciative of your and others' fine accomplishment.
– HC
Book reviews
Lions' Roar: Read a review by Andrea Miller, from the May 2020 issue of Lion's Roar magazine.
Amazon: Read Amazon's customer reviews.
Goodreads:
This weighty, two volume tome was years in the making and is a wonder to behold. Unlike some bios of great monks, this is accessible and readable, not just as an extensively researched record of the Lama's fascinating life, but doubles as a source of Dharma, authentic teachings of the Buddha. The love and care that went into Big Love is evident. This old English teacher found no typo, not a one, and the hundreds of photos brought me great joy. Highest praises to the many folks who did this!
– Jim McGurn
