Product Details

• Actors: Leonard Cohen, Ram Dass, Dalai Lama
• Directors: Barrie McLean
• Writers: Shinichi Nakazawa
• Producers: Barrie McLean, David Verrall
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Wellspring Media
• DVD Release Date: February 17, 2004
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000YTOZS
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,699 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Death is real, it comes without warning and it cannot be escaped. An ancient source of strength and guidance, The Tibetan Book of the Dead remains an essential teaching in the Buddhist cultures of the Himalayas. Narrated by Leonard Cohen, this enlightening two-part series explores the sacred text and boldly visualizes the afterlife according to its profound wisdom. Part 1: A Way of Life reveals the history of The Tibetan Book of the Dead and examines its traditional use in northern India, as well as its acceptance in Western hospices. Shot over a four-month period, the film contains footage of the rites and liturgies for a deceased Ladakhi elder and includes an interview with the Dalai Lama, who shares his views on the book's meaning and importance. Part 2: The Great Liberation follows an old lama and his novice monk as they guide a Himalayan villager into the afterlife using readings from The Tibetan Book of the Dead. The soul's 49-day journey towards rebirth is envisioned through actual photography of rarely seen Buddhist rituals, interwoven with groundbreaking animation by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Ishu Patel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

137 of 143 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Classic, April 20, 2004

By	Dr. Jan B. Newman (Clinton, Mt. United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist beliefs., December 9, 2005

By	William Sills "Clay Sills" (Smyrna, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High Impact - well worth your time !, March 31, 2006

By	S. Patibanda (Fremont, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.