The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: The Spiritual Classic &… (1992)

I see that this book has received seven Library Thing reviews, all favorable, most very favorable and very personal. I have not yet had the experience of watching someone close to me die over a period of time, so I don't want to comment on these personal reactions. I'm commenting on it only as a book and an intellectual exercise. In that regard, it is the first book-length exposition of Buddhist ideas that I've ever read: what surprised me a little is that it says exactly what one thinks a Buddhist exposition would say, even what somebody like me, a complete novice in such matters, would expect.. Some of the reviewers make the point that its teaching would be applicable to any of the major "religions". Maybe I'm looking at it too much from the standpoint of ideas rather than experience, but this assertion doesn't seem very plausible to me. What struck me was the difference between a Buddhist and a Christian perspective.

A contemporary rendering of centuries of Tibetan Buddhist wisdom, explained to the Western mind. A restatement of "The Tibetan Book of The Dead", it brings the life path to its inevitable end. Sogyal Rinpoche helps to bridge the gap between the ancient Buddhist tradition and the Western World ( )

A very inspiring book, the purpose of which in the author's view: "to inspire a quiet revolution in the whole way we look at death and care for the dying, and so the whole way we look at life and care for the living". "To learn how to live is to learn how to die". These two quotes from the book explains the whole purpose of this astounding book. In my opinion, such teachings as well as teachings in Buddhism could apply to all faiths and relligions. In fact all faiths call for the four essenses of life: love, knowledge, compassion, and wisdom. Highly recommended book to achieve a spiritual transformation and find a new meaning in the way we live our lives in such a fast-pace world. ( )

For some reason, this book was the only one that comforted meright after my mother died. And I'm not Buddhist. ( )

from an Amazon review: " [Sogyal Rinpoche writes that] In essence, we begin to die the moment we are born. ... We spend this life preparing to die well. Nothing is permanent, but we spend much of our lives filling our time with activities and pursuits that help us [d]elude ourselves into thinking that what we see and touch is all that matters. ... In the last section of the book, he speaks of 'The Universal Process' which is about spirituality, living and dying of all humans, regardless of race, spiritual beliefs, gender or national origin. ... Throughout the book are inspiring poems from such poets as Rumi and St. Francis of Assisi, as well as Buddhists. ... This book is a very good place for the seeker to begin. For those curious about Buddhism, or seriously interested in becoming a Buddha or a Buddhist, or just looking for more thoughts and information on death and dying, this book is excellent, easy to understand, thought-provoking."

To read this review in its entirety or to read other reader reviews, go to
http://www.amazon.com/review/R202LZW34H57VI/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R202LZW34H57VI