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A review by mrsfligs
The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation by
4.0
I'm not going to sugarcoat this: this was a difficult read. However, I suspect that if you just wade into a religious text with little or no background in the religion, that is what you will experience. The book's actual title is The Great Liberation Upon Hearing in the Intermediate State or Bardo Thodol. Used in Tibetan Buddhism as a guide for the dead in the time between death and the next rebirth or liberation, the book is believed to be the work of Padma Sambhava, who lived in the 8th century A.D.
The book is very much a guide book and is meant to be read aloud over the course of several days (or possible even weeks) over the body of a dead person. By reading the book aloud, it is hoped that you will be able to guide the soul of the dead person as they navigate the afterlife. (Don't you wish every religion was able to offer this type of guide?)
And what does this afterlife appear to be like? Well, there are several bardo realms that the soul passes through on the way to liberation or eventual rebirth. A variety of gods will appear, in forms that can be frightening and deceptive. Here is what I was able to glean from the text.
* There are many many opportunities to achieve liberation during your passage through the realm of the bardos.
* Do not be afraid or believe all the strange things you might see; they are illusion.
* Go toward the dazzling white light if you can.
* If, despite the numerous opportunities presented to you to achieve liberation, you are unable to do so, you will be reborn. The text thoughtfully provides guidance on choosing a womb to enter so as to achieve a good birth.
If you would like a relatively straightforward overview of the text, I found one here. I was also interested to learn that this book was the basis for the Beatle's song Tomorrow Never Knows (lyrics here). (Note: With that in mind, this might be a good song to play as a guide for the recently deceased who was also a fan of classic rock.)
I read this book as part of my World Religion Challenge and because my dad had developed an interest in Tibetan Buddhism after traveling to Tibet a few years ago. Ironically, I read this ancient text on my Kindle.
The book is very much a guide book and is meant to be read aloud over the course of several days (or possible even weeks) over the body of a dead person. By reading the book aloud, it is hoped that you will be able to guide the soul of the dead person as they navigate the afterlife. (Don't you wish every religion was able to offer this type of guide?)
And what does this afterlife appear to be like? Well, there are several bardo realms that the soul passes through on the way to liberation or eventual rebirth. A variety of gods will appear, in forms that can be frightening and deceptive. Here is what I was able to glean from the text.
* There are many many opportunities to achieve liberation during your passage through the realm of the bardos.
* Do not be afraid or believe all the strange things you might see; they are illusion.
* Go toward the dazzling white light if you can.
* If, despite the numerous opportunities presented to you to achieve liberation, you are unable to do so, you will be reborn. The text thoughtfully provides guidance on choosing a womb to enter so as to achieve a good birth.
If you would like a relatively straightforward overview of the text, I found one here. I was also interested to learn that this book was the basis for the Beatle's song Tomorrow Never Knows (lyrics here). (Note: With that in mind, this might be a good song to play as a guide for the recently deceased who was also a fan of classic rock.)
I read this book as part of my World Religion Challenge and because my dad had developed an interest in Tibetan Buddhism after traveling to Tibet a few years ago. Ironically, I read this ancient text on my Kindle.