62 pages • 2 hours read
Sogyal RinpocheThe Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1992A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche offers a comprehensive guide to Tibetan Buddhist teachings on death, dying, and rebirth. Drawing from both Eastern and Western perspectives, Rinpoche elaborates on concepts such as impermanence, the nature of the mind (Rigpa), and the bardos (transitional states). Through meditation practices and compassionate care, the book aims to prepare individuals for death, assist the dying, and support the bereaved. The book includes detailed discussions on the death process, the nature of consciousness, and the opportunities for spiritual liberation at life's end. Sensitive topics such as death and dying are central to this text.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Sogyal Rinpoche's The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying garners praise for its profound insights on life and death, blending Tibetan Buddhist teachings with accessible language. Readers appreciate its spiritual guidance and practicality. Criticism centers on the author's controversial personal history, which clouds the reception of the book's messages for some.
Who Should Read The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying?
A reader who enjoys The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche is likely interested in spirituality, Buddhist philosophy, and contemplative practices related to life and death. Comparable works include The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.