What if that sidetrack became your life’s path?
Available wherever books are sold.
Part art book, part memoir, part spiritual travelogue, Threads of Awakening is a delightful and inspiring blend of adventure and introspection.
Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo shares her experience as a California woman traveling to the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile in India to manage an economic development fund, only to wind up sewing pictures of Buddha instead. Through her remarkable journey, she discovered that a path is made by walking it and some of the best paths are made by walking off course.
For over 500 years, Tibetans have been creating sacred images from pieces of silk. Much rarer than paintings and sculptures, these stitched fabric thangkas are among Tibet’s finest artworks. Leslie studied this little-known textile art with two of its brightest living masters and let herself discover where curiosity and devotion can lead.
In this book, she reveals the unique stitches of an ancient needlework tradition, introduces the Buddhist deities it depicts, and shares insights into the compassion, interdependence, and possibility they embody.
Ever thought your path might be elsewhere? Let Threads of Awakening be your first steps of discovery.
”When you discover the spiritual practice that resonates with you, it is always fresh and completely personal—even if that practice is more than 500 years old and connected to a vastly different culture from your own. So it was for Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo when she trekked to India and discovered the sacred art of Tibetan appliqué, a discipline that transmits essential Buddhist teachings stitch by stitch. Deeply personal, learned, and genuine, this is a beautiful memoir of spiritual self-discovery.
Susan PiverNew York Times bestselling author and founder of Open Heart Project
”With masterful storytelling and deeply moving prose, Threads of Awakening, leads us into the heart of Tibetan culture and the intimate, heartwarming wonderment of one woman’s epic global journey to fulfill her destiny as steward of a sacred art through which both reverence and adventure are defined.
Zhena Muzykaauthor of Life by the Cup & Founder of Magic Hour
”In Threads of Awakening, Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo tells an exquisite story of personal awakening and transformation. A gifted writer, Leslie artfully weaves together three heartfelt narratives—her ex-pat life in India, her dedication and commitment as an apprentice in the rare art of sewing Tibetan thangkas, and her devotion to Buddhist practice. Her book is a joy to read.
Cindy Rasicotauthor of Finding Venerable Mother: A Daughter’s Spiritual Quest to Thailand
”Leslie retells her journey in prose that is as beautiful, meticulous and captivating as the thangkas themselves.
Meher McArthurAsian art historian, author and educator
”This book reveals the intricacies and richness of the appliqué tradition. I am sure it will enhance appreciation for our unique artistic traditions.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
”Threads of Awakening is a delightful and inspiring travel memoir about an ancient Tibetan Buddhist textile tradition and a woman’s search for purpose.
Isadora Leidenfrost, PhDfilmmaker of Creating Buddhas: The Making and Meaning of Fabric Thangkas
”Threads of Awakening not only fulfills a critical gap in the recorded literature and preservation of traditional Tibetan appliqué thangkas—it is also sure to enrapture, delight, and inspire you!
Pema Namdol Thayetraditional Tibetan architect, artist, and educator
”All of us are granted the same 24-hour day. But great memoirs show us how much life we can pack into every moment if our heart says yes. Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo, whose name means precious, empowered woman, did just that. She came upon a group stitching sacred Tibetan tapestries in India and stayed to become the first Western woman trained to make them. Her story takes us deep into the art and culture she embraced. But just as importantly, Leslie provides a luminous lesson on what she calls “the experience of traveling off course to a wondrous life.”
Barbara CornellPulitzer Prize nominated journalist and librarian
”Threads of Awakening is an illuminating window into the world of pieced and embroidered brocade tangkas. Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo is, to my knowledge, the first American woman to master these exquisite artistic traditions, and also the first to write extensively on them. We are fortunate to reap the fruits of her endeavors!
Glenn H. Mullinauthor of Female Buddhas and four more books on Tibetan Buddhist art
”Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo has masterfully taken the blessings embodied in a centuries-old sacred art form and moved them onto the pages of this amazing, transforming and, yes, awakening book—just for you. Leslie’s story-telling stirs your heart and arouses your soul. Prepare yourself not just for a fascinating read, but also for a profound personal awakening at the depths of your being!
Bill Bauman, PhDauthor of Soul Vision: a modern mystic looks at life through the eyes of the soul
Available wherever books are sold. Order now!
Click here to access the Threads of Awakening Media Kit.
For non-English translation/publication rights, contact Blackbird Literary Agency at b.lit.agency[at]gmail.com.
For world English publication rights and information, contact She Writes Press at brooke[at]shewritespress.com.
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