Judith Amtzis, the proofreader of the English edition of “Radiant Compassion” introduces:
Sandy Agnew, this review’s primary writer, is a devoted disciple of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche and an old friend. I gave Sandy a copy of Radiant Compassion shortly after it appeared in English, not really sure whether she would read or enjoy it. As Sandy had neither encountered the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, nor read anything about him, I wasn’t sure she’d be interested. To my delight, she was entranced once she opened the book and engaged with the story of this most compassionate teacher.
 
Sandy told me how several times during the course of her reading she was moved to tears by sensing the love and compassion with which His Holiness treated all those he encountered, be they human or animal. Such is the power of the Karmapa and of Gerd Bausch’s telling of his story. This book, through the many descriptions of those who knew him, inspires and uplifts as did the man himself. Here begins Sandy’s review:
 
Radiant Compassion, The Life of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa is an extraordinary book reflecting the early life of a remarkable Buddhist master. Gerd Bausch has meticulously researched and documented the 16th Karmapa’s immeasurable qualities through a multitude of stories, personal interviews, and reflections. The book is uniquely engaging and readable and offers hope and inspiration especially relevant at this moment in time.
 
Fascinating accounts and responses to encounters with the Karmapa, and particularly to experiencing the Black Crown Ceremony, reflect the awe and devotion he inspired. The myriad qualities of Yishin Norbu, the “wish-fulfilling jewel”—as the Karmapa was affectionately known—are documented: his selflessness, boundless generosity, clairvoyance, deep insight, positivity, humility, kindness, and compassion. Again and again, people mentioned his joyful demeanor and uplifting laughter even in the face of great challenges. Harder to explain was Rangjung Dorje’s special ability to change people simply through his presence. He was like the “sun,” like something “primordial.”
 
The reader gains insight into the tragic plight of Tibetan refugees through heartbreaking stories of those affected by the Chinese invasion. Following a forced flight from his beloved Tsurphu Monastery in central Tibet, after establishing his new seat in the remote mountain kingdom of Sikkim, the 16th Karmapa significantly contributed to preserving Buddhism’s precious wisdom and spreading it throughout the world. As the respected teacher Dzigar Kontrul Rinpoche explains, “The fact that he restored the culture and tradition guaranteed the whole continuity of the lineage.”
 
In this time of division and mistrust, Radiant Compassion offers valuable inspiration. Rangjung Rigpe Dorje touched people across all boundaries, geographical and religious. He awakened devotion and appreciation among Tibetan Buddhist students, monks, and nuns, as well as among Hindu masters, traditional Sikhs, Jains, and Christians, including Pope Paul VI. He found followers among ordinary Indians, military men, and westerners from various countries and backgrounds. The people of Sikkim called him “our Buddha.” Just as His Holiness Karmapa touched such a wide array of people, so will this book be beneficial to all who encounter it.