This book is not specifically a Buddhist book, although the author was a reknown Buddhist (he founded the Naropa Institute and wrote many popular books on Buddhism, and was a teacher of the Trungpa linage, although he eventually renounced his monastic vows…and he was a hell of a party guy, according to legend). It was designed to be a secular guide on the human condition and its potential, and while the heart of the book is obviously Buddhist, it was meant for everyone, regardless of faith. It has even inspired a secular Shambhala "movement," with study centers and certified teachers.
I fell in love with this book in 1993 (although it was written in 1974). Trungpa purposefully avoided Buddhist jargon or history to create an accessible guide to living life as a warrior - warriorship in this context referring to what he calls the "tradition of fearlessness," which has nothing to do with being able to look down the barrel of a gun or any other such aggressive, self-aggrandizing behaviors that we tend to label "brave." Trungpa's warriorship is about not being afraid of who YOU are, and freely giving what you have to offer the world. He uses the old Tibetian myth of the perfect Shambhala (aka Shangri-la) kingdom as a metaphor "to represent the ideal of secular enlightenment." It is, nonetheless, a passionately spiritual book and one I give to anyone and everyone who questions their faith, their beliefs, or their purpose. It continues to change my life every day, and it inspires me to always keep working towards my own warriorship, despite my many setbacks and self-defeats. If you read one book on my list of recommendations, I hope this is the one you choose.
