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."

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Graceful and compassionate musings on our largely fearful attitude towards death, and the consequences of this willful aversion. Encourages and inspires meditation on matters the western world has long conditioned itself to shun. ( )

This book was recommended to me by a nurse who read it aloud to her dying husband. Reading it started me on a journey of spiritual exploration. I highly recomment this book to anyone with a terminal illness, or who is helping a close friend or family member though the dying process. ( )

It changed my outlook on things...for the good. ( )

Compassion emanates from this book. The experience of dying and death from a buddhist point of view. ( )