Lama of the Gobi: How Mongolia’s mystic monk spread Tibetan Buddhism in the world’s harshest desert

Description

Danzan Ravjaa (1803-1856), officially known as the Fifth Noyon Incarnate Lama of the Gobi Desert, is perhaps Mongolia’s most beloved saint. The Fourth had caused so many scandals that the Manchu Emperor banned his reincarnation. Consequently, when the young child was enthroned as the Fifth, the Emperor issued an edict of execution on the boy and all associated with the event. The child was only saved by the personal intervention of the Panchen Lama and a letter of appeal from the young Ninth Dalai Lama. Their efforts proved well worthwhile, for the boy went on to become one of the greatest mystics and creative geniuses of 19th-century Mongolia.

Lama of the Gobi is an investigative account of the life and times of this extraordinary man. It takes the reader on a journey through Mongolian history, Tibetan Buddhism and the traditions of nomadic culture, to generate an appreciation of the man and the legends that surround him. This revealing story winds its way from Danzan Ravjaa’s mythic past until the present day – as the people of the Gobi Desert still faithfully maintain his cult-like status.

MEDIA ATTENTION

“An evocative and attractively-written account of an important Mongolian historical figure. Michael Kohn’s Lama of the Gobi will confound many accepted ideas about Mongolian religion and society.” – Caroline Humphrey, Professor of Asian Anthropology, University of Cambridge

“Lama of the Gobi is the first full account of Danzan Ravjaa in the English language. It carries the reader through Mongolian history, Buddhism and the traditions of the nomadic culture to generate an appreciation of both the man and the many legends that surround him.” – Glenn H. Mullin, author and Buddhologist

“This book, by Michael Kohn – author of the fourth Lonely Planet guide to Mongolia – is a vivid and exciting description and investigative account of the life and times of this extraordinary man. It’s a well told and fast-paced account that will live in your memory for a long time after completion.” – Mongolia Expat

“A readable and intriguing introduction to the fascinating life and times of Danzan Ravjaa, Mongolia’s wildly unconventional poet-mystic, packed with legends and anecdotes… Should find a place on the bookshelf of world spirituality between Milarepa and Rumi.” – Christopher Atwood, Assistant Professor of Mongolian Studies, Indiana University

From the Gobi Desert, long-buried treasures come to light – South China Morning Post