Dr. Frank Lipman, The voice of sustainable wellness

His Holiness The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, The Future Is Now
Frank LipmanAugust 06

The Future is Now pairs contemporary photography with little discussions on how to live more compassionately and consciously by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. The Karmapa, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most senior lamas, shows how the wisdom of an ancient tradition resonates with our fast-paced, globally connected lives. His advice, insights and reflections on topics ranging from the environment and social responsibility to relationships and freedom are juxtaposed with bold and often unexpected contemporary images, which illuminate the timeless teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. You can open to any page and you will find guidance on how to live more consciously and caringly, and will learn how to create a better world for yourself and future generations.

It is a simple, beautiful and easy to read book, full of wisdom and compassion, which I highly recommend.

About the Author

His holiness the 17th Gyalwan Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, is one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist schools. Born in Eastern Tibet on June 26th, 1985, he was identified as the Karmapa at the age of seven.

In late 1999, in order to meet his teachers in India, the Karmapa made a dramatic escape from Tibet. Though young in years when he first arrived in India, the Karmapa has shown a wisdom and maturity well beyond his age. In 2008, His Holiness the Karmapa was able to travel abroad for the first time, spending part of May and June in the United States. He is estimated to have more than a million followers worldwide.

Currently he is in residence at Gyuto Monastery, not far from the Dalai Lama’s home in Dharamsala, India.

Book Blurbs

This book is an actual meeting with this great spiritual being. It is a feast for the eyes, a spur to the intellect, and a balm for the heart. As I moved from spread to spread of always significant and beautiful photography, I savored the aphorisms and found them moving, thought-provoking, and delightful. It is historic in a unique way. I totally recommend it.

- Robert Thurman, Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Buddhist Studies, Columbia University; President, Tibet House US

In our times of conflict and imbalance, the presence of great beings of wisdom and compassion, such as the 17th Karmapa, is a powerful source of hope and inspiration, and a reminder that we must be the change that we want to see in the world. His words of wisdom provide deep insights into our modern world, symbolized here by the striking images gathered in this wonderful book.

- Matthieu Ricard, author of Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill

The youthful Karmapa is emerging as one of the great spiritual teachers of the modern age, with a wisdom and facility to distill the traditional complexities of Buddhist philosophy into contemporary values and truths. The Future is Now will enrich and inspire people of all ages and beliefs.

- Mick Brown, author of The Dance of 17 Lives: The Incredible True Story of Tibet’s 17th Karmapa