I selected this book after losing both my father and my mother-in-law just a day apart this past summer. I had hoped that the experience would be similar to someone seeking the truth from a hermit living high up in the mountains. What is the purpose of life? And why do people have to die? Who better to seek these answers from than the Dalai Lama? Did this book answer all my questions? Yes... and no. Death is described as an inescapable event. One that we all must prepare for. Part of our day to day living must be the practice necessary so that we can meet death with our mind and soul ready for the next step. The book has an immense amount of 'technical' detail about what meditation practices to prepare oneself and for death ... and rebirth. Much of this was way, way over my head. But, the message that death is inevitable and not something that only happens next year, next month, or some time in the distant future was clear. The book has a strong message that we need to always be ready for our own death. But the question that was left unanswered for me is not how do we prepare for our own deaths, but the deaths of people we love. ( )