The Five Wisdom Energies: A Buddhist Way of Understanding Personalities, Emotions, and Relationships

After reading every writing on this subject that I could find by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, I sought out a book that was dedicated to the 5 Buddha families subject and was so excited to find one written by an author who was also inspired by the Trungpa Rinpoche. Now, if you are like me and tired of skimming through impractical deity yogic methods of visualizing magical beings, smoke, and all sorts of old-time Bon nonesense, but yet understand the great potential of the underlying wisdom and practicality of Tantric Buddhism, then have no fear in purchasing this amazing, and progressive book. Westerners all too often tend to latch on to Eastern spiritual "trips" and look down on more up to date and practical ways of dealing with the very insightful materials found in places such as Tibet, India, etc. Chogyam Trungpa noticed this very well which is why all of his material is so beautifully molded into a fine western fit. This book is a continuation of that practical understanding of the Tibetan tradition.

I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed in this book. It was recommended to me by a friend who had attended the author's seminars/workshops, so I looked forward to reading it and had hoped to gain insight into the subtle energies. However, while I identify as a secular Buddhist who appreciates the subtle realms, I am also a scientist who needs some degree of rationality and objectivity as a foundation for understanding something.This book describes 5 psychological profiles and equates them to "energies" in a very simplistic manner. For example, if your "learning style is intellectual, analytical and principled," you fall into the "Vajra" wisdom energy - your color is blue, your element is water, your season is winter, your shape is circle and your animals are eagles, sharks and swordfish. There is no explanation as to how these characteristic associations were derived nor is there any understanding given as to why I should care. The author also provides lists of neurotic tendencies for each "energy" that are equally poorly-derived - which (in the case of Vajra) might include writing critical reviews of books that one doesn't see any point in reading.The book stimulates one to think about the energies that we see in each other. It just doesn't go very far with it - mostly fluff with little substance. It's not wrong, it's just weak.

Having had the pleasure of studying personally with Ms. Rockwell, I this text is a inspiring complement to her work. Based on the ancient Buddhist tradtion of the "five Buddha Families", Ms. Rockwell updates the teachings colorfully for modern Western students. Her compassionate style helps one understand, in great detail, our "wisdom and neurosis", how closely they are aligned, and how compassion for oneself is at the heart of all transformation. Her teachings are invaluable and I wish I had had the benefit of this information earlier in attempts at intimacy with those of "different natures". What Ms. Rockwell has done so successfully for me in my life is help me find the space around my own particular "view" as part of the "Padma" family, and find humor and relief in letting it be "okay". I highly recommend this book to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

Great system to understand.Well written.

Great book. Thorough explanation of 5 Buddha Families.

This was an assigned book for class. It has some areas that are a little dull but when it gets into the specifics of energies it gets more interesting.

I bought this book to attend a class about the energies and color and found the whole idea too much of a stretch to be valuable to me. Obviously lots of people enjoyed it but I felt it was silly and unhelpful.

Wonderful book. I am reading it a second time already!

Book purchased for personal spiritual growth. Good resource.

Irini Rockwells Buch finde ich echt spannend. Kann für alle wichtig sein, die sich tiefer erkennen möchten.Gerne wieder alles von Irini Rockwell.

It is a great wisdom. Thankful

A must read for understanding yourself and others