Customer Reviews

New American Book of the Dead

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Having been familiar with the Evans-Wentz translation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead for many years I decided to give this "Americanised" version a try. I was aware that much of the rigid detail and ritual of the original was probably unique to Tibetan culture and I wanted to see how the author dealt with it. Now that I've read this version I'm somewhat conflicted as to my opinion of it. The basic ritual and structure of the original is preserved, but with modern terminology and images substituted. This is an improvement- sort of. However, I'd rather cut through the accrued ritual and superficial detail and get down to the core truths- not just make the dross more modern and "hip." There is truth here, but you still have to cut away the obscuring distortions. First of all, the existance that is being described is both beyond time and beyond conventional aristotlian sequential logic. Think about it, do you really believe memorising this sequence of events- or reading them aloud to the dead on a rigid timetable- is of any real value? The afterlife doesn't run on a bus schedule folks- to use my own little modernism here.

What is truly important are the deep truths and values that you have welded to your spirit before you cross over- memorising spiritual "cheat sheets" and last minute "cramming" just isn't going to cut it.... Though, the state of mind immediately before one's passing is of importance. It isn't the overriding determinate, however.

Still, what is being described here as the "macrodimensions" do exist. I've always been sensitive to them, and you probably have too. And, yes, we do project much of what we are superficially familiar with upon them- as have those who have passed that way before us.

Worth reading, but do so with a discriminating mind- and cross check it with your "inner guide."

I used this book during the death of my father. Reading it to him for a week before he died I later decided was the best way to spend our last time together and the best way to prepare him for his journey.

At times I felt as the guide, providing an anchor point for him. At other times the roles were reversed... It was he who was guiding me.

I am grateful for this book. May it serve you well as it has me.

There is really nothing better you can do than read this book, when you are in a state of mourning or realize that you will be soon. Here I was able to find a way to deal with deep grief.

I have given this book to friends and family in similar situations. It is not something you expect thanks for. You just know it will help more than anything else you could do.