Jamling, son of Tenzing Norgay, beautifully crafted his spiritual, physical and emotional journey finding Buddhism, climbing Everest and posthumously connecting with his father in the book Touching My Fathers Soul.
Touching my Fathers Soul by Jamling Tenzing Norgay
Born when his world famous father was 52 and who died when he was 21, left the young Tenzing with much resentment and unresolved issues. A limited Sherpa upbringing, prestigious private Catholic schooling, US graduate studies and a mostly absent father, left him disconnected and cynical. The mountain, the same one his father summitted, the powerful Chomulungma, magnetically drew him in like it did so many others. His love and commitment to his wife together with his respect for his Lama’s predilections played a central role in his journey.
1996 is remembered for the tragedy that saw twelve climbers perish requiring Jamling and his team to demonstrate unshakeable courage to continue with their summit. David Breashear’s leadership resulted in all but one person summiting but all returned safely down.
Jamling artfully intertwined his journey with that of his fathers with a strong spiritual backdrop which at first slowed the pace of the book. Nevertheless, the narrative was subsequently captivating as the reader journeyed with the story teller. Crevasses were crossed, cold was felt, blindness agonizingly painful and death ever present.
Why do we climb mountains? A question as old as time yet unique and equally common in response, was addressed in minute detail. Jamling embraced his spirituality as the mountain embraced him while his father strode beside him. A compelling autobiography, only the second by a Sherpa, and, another mountaineering classic adding to the depth in experiencing Miyolangsangma in all her dimensions.
