Customer Reviews

The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Boxed Set) [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have had the videos of this for several years and have used them in some of the classes I have taught.These are cinematic masterpieces with great scenery from the Himalayas as well as carrying forth the honest heartfelt teachings of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The narrative by Leonard Cohen is excellant. There are few movies or books that I can recommend more highly for both entertainment and personal growth.

This DVD explores two different deaths occurring in Buddhist families: one death of an ancient man who had a rich, full life and one of a young, successful man struck down in the prime of his life. It gives a great account of how Buddhists deal with grief in these two different situations. It also interviews an ancient Buddhist monk about what he desires for the rest of his life, and an investigation of a young boy who might be the reincarnation of a great spiritual figure, and why people think the boy may be the man. The narration by Leonard Cohen is stunning: I couldn't imagine a more appropriate voice and style. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is the relatively mediocre production values, but considering the remote location and the arduous environment, it's not surprising.

This is high impact film! For those who are interested in what happens after death, this film is very informative. It ties in well with the teachings of the Buddhist way of life and shows why it is important to live a proper spiritual life. Leonard Cohen's English rendition of the Tibetan scripture is commendable. The visuals are engaging and in sync with the narration.

I originally saw this video in McLeod Gange, India in a funky little theatre downstairs from a curry restaurant. It so impressed me I ordered the DVD after returning to the US and shared it with interested people baffled by the Tibetan Book of the Dead. This video explains general concepts and applies them in a very concrete way to death in two Indian villages. The effect is both intimate and educational and translates itself more clearly to Westerners through the comparative use of these practices in a hospice program in San Francisco. For anybody interested in Tibetan Buddhism in particular or world religions in general, I highly recommend it!

This set is great for anyone who is intrested in the Tibetan perspcetive of life and death. If you are doing hospice work, this is a great video to share with your loved ones as they can watch it no matter where they are in their process! The cinematography is spectacular!

This DVD is a must see for every Buddhist. The Tibetan Book of the Dead was not easily available to lay persons and even if available, the language was very difficult to understand. This DVD with very clear translation in English is a boon to many Buddhist. I make sure my elderly parents and relatives watch and understand the contents/message in this film.

However, I feel that "Part 2: The Great Liberation" can be little longer with more animation and more details of the journey to the next life. I hope there will be part II of this DVD.

I recommend every person to see this film to understand the book better and be well prepared for the journey that we all will have to take one day.

What a fine video/DVD! Informative enough, scenic enough, touching enough, spiritual enough. Buddhist thought is often complicated, even when explained simply. This DVD joins that genre with enough complexity to be interesting and enough simplifaction to be a little on the light side for students who sat down and read the book. Helpful? Yes! For everyone? Perhaps. The complete explanation? No. Anuttarasamyaksambodhi? Not yet.

An interesting glimpse into a culture that knows how to live with death as part of life. Beautifully and sensitively filmed. I definitely recommend it.

A well done documentary on the death rituals of the tibetans. A perspective is shown from family members, religious figures and children in training to become religious figures. Short, concise and easy to watch.

Interesting piece of the Book of the Dead. In the second part there is an animation of the process of dead...., is that the best they can do with the technology of nowadays? I ask myself. Besides that is quite an enjoyable film. I recommend to read "The tibetan book of the dead" by Evans-Wentz, my opinion is that is a best translation that the one from Thurman, or Fremantle. If you are really want to learn about Tibetan Buddhism, especially from the Kargyutpa Lineage read all the books from Evans-Wentz, including: "The Tibetan book of the great liberation", "Tibetan Yoga and Secret Yoga" and "The Great Yogi Milarepa".