Leaving Buddha

A Tibetan Monk's Encounter with the Living God

By: Tenzin Lakpa, Eugene Bach - contributor

Narrated by: Neil Shah

Where does the search for truth lead?

When Tenzin Lahkpa is 15 years old, his parents give him over to a local temple in Tibet as an offering. Unable to change his fate, he wholeheartedly embraces his life as a monk and begins a quest for full enlightenment through the teachings of Buddhism.

From his local monastery to the famed Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, he learns deep mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Yearning to study with the current Dalai Lama, he eventually escapes from China by means of an excruciating 2,000-mile secret trek over the Himalayas - barefoot, with no extra gear, changes of clothing, or money. His dream is realized when he finally sits under the Dalai Lama himself. But his desire to go deeper only grows, leading him to unexpected conclusions....

Follow the fascinating, never-before-told, true story of what causes a highly dedicated Tibetan Buddhist monk to make the radical decision to walk away from the teachings of Buddha and leave his monastery to follow Jesus Christ.

©2019 Back to Jerusalem, Inc. (P)2019 eChristian

Well done and amazing read. Truly recommended.

One of the best books I've read in some time, with one of the best narrators I've ever heard. As a side note, I learned more about Buddhism in this one book than I've known ever in the past. But the story is not one to miss. And this reader--I don't know how he was picked to read this, but I really can't imagine anyone else having done such an amazing job. Truly fantastic. Thanks for writing, and narrating this inspired book.

A riveting story

A well narrated and riveting story of a man's search for Meaning, Truth, and Love.

Enlightening

I’ve never read a book like this- never had such a window inside this part of the world- what a beaut journey and completely inspiring.

Amazing

It’s always incredible to hear How God works through the life or people, How he seeks them out, and speaks to them through Jesus.
My hope and prayer that, on your Journey, you come to experience the Grace the Jesus extends to us so that you to can have fellowship with out Heavenly Father.
Thank you Tenzin for allowing God to work through to help minister to you people. For sharing your story out of respect, what you lived through, and the compassion you had for those who did not know Jesus.
May our God continue to bless you and open the door to 1000’s of generations of families being changed forever because of what you and your family allow God to do through you.

10/10

It was awesome!
10/10- you need to read this book!
It will help you in your christian walk

An Adventurous Spiritual Quest

This is a really wonderful and gripping story. I love a good story of a spritual quest. I learned a lot about Tibetan culture from this audiobook too - very interesting.

It was very valuable for me to see Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity from the perspective of a Tibetan monk. It is so easy for me as a Westerner to glorify the exotic, but this story helped bring Tibetan Buddhism back down to earth for me. It also helped me see the value and beauty of Christianity, which is easy for me to forget, being surrounded by it all the time.


I can't help but point out, though, that his spiritual dilemma could have been solved just as well by calling on the name of Amitabha Buddha, who saves by grace (as taught by Honen, for example). Or by adopting the teachings of Soto Zen Buddhism, which say that enlightenment is not something to be sought after as if it were different from ordinary experience, and that meditation should be an end in itself.

This book offered me an answered prayer as I have been at a crossroads between Buddhism and Christianity for a long time.

Truly incredible story that the whole world should know. Whether you are a follower of Christ or not, this story might offer you insights into the reasons why so many people do risk their lives to follow Christ (something I previously did not understand).

As we see through the eyes of the author, a former Buddhist Monk from Tibet, his introduction to Christ and the spiritual freedom that he is offered through opening his heart to Jesus, tears apart the fabric of order in his culture and religion and threatens this man’s very existence.

With respect and curiosity for Christ, but also as someone who grew up exploring Buddhism and many other religions, I have been confused by the path of Christ, not fully understanding why one should follow Christ when they could follow the path of the Buddha who teaches enlightenment by overcoming suffering by one’s own efforts.

I have been at a crossroads in my Christian faith, wondering where Christ fits into it all and why I should follow him.

This book was so illuminating and answered some questions that have plagued my soul for a very long time. I am beyond grateful to the ex Monk and author for sharing his harrowing story and also to the man who translated it.

I feel that Jesus guided me to this story, as it is through this intersection between Buddhism and Christianity that I have found myself most perplexed along my spiritual journey to know God. An answered prayer. Thank you.

An amazing story

Such an amazing story and so well written and well read. A profound Journey which helped me understand Buddhism better as well.

Excellent delivery of the main point in the emotion and content represented

Loved the story and appreciated the rich audio interpretation. Would listen to this artist again.

Excellent

Excellent book - well organized and well written - insightful testimony of life in Tibet under Buddhism and deliverance from the hopelessness of an impossible quest for enlightenment from the unenlightened to Life that is truly Life and the Truth that is all Truth - Jesus!