Product Details

• Actors: Leonard Cohen
• Directors: Barrie Angus McLean, Yukari Hayashi, Hiroaki Mori
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Alive Mind
• DVD Release Date: May 5, 2009
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001T46TCO
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,830 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

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. 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Neccesary viewing, April 11, 2009

By 

kg5 (Central Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tibetan Book of the Dead (DVD)

This is a 2009 re-release of a earlier 2004 DVD version which has been out of print for way too long. Originally available in two parts on two VHS tapes in 1994, it was a great relief to see them finally transfered to DVD.

With a total duration of 90 minutes, the first half (titled "A Way Of Life") includes an interview with the Dalai Lama and explores the history and use of the text of the Bardo Thötröl. Anyone sincerely interested in the liturgies and rites of the Tibetan Book Of The Dead will find this first half of the documentary, shot over four months, simply fascinating. The reality behind the veil of mystery surrounding this sacred text is eloquently revealed.

The second half, titled "The Great Liberation," documents a more intimate look inside the book as it takes the viewer inside the home of a deceased man as a Lama and a younger monk perform the Buddhist ritual, rarely seen in practice. Take note that this includes footage of a deceased person - it is not gross or morbid. But in case you have any issues with this, you should at least be made aware. This actual documentation is interwoven with the thoroughly engaging animation by Ishu Patel.

For purist, this documentary lacks some production values we have come to expect in today's digital world, but that is no excuse to dismiss this entirely watchable film with it's profound insights. In a way, this film progresses along in a meditative sort of way. I know of no other documentary that explores the Tibetan Book Of The Dead with this degree of integrity, intelligence and respect. Adding to this the excellent narration by Leonard Cohen, makes this DVD a must in any library of important Buddhist films.

Steve Clorefein of Parabola Magazine writes of this film: "An extraordinary window into traditional Buddhist practices of devotion and compassion" - and I could not agree more.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, March 20, 2010

By 

Josephine H. Neill - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Tibetan Book of the Dead (DVD)

Leonard Cohen is the perfect narrator for this documentary, imparting his respect for the Tibetan ritual with his rich, soulful voice. The combination of the spectacular location, the amazing cinematography, and Cohen makes this film one that is worth owning.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear explanation of the Dying Process, August 28, 2010

By 

Gregory Pai (Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Tibetan Book of the Dead (DVD)

This film gives one of the clearest explanations of the dying process according to classical Buddhist teachings, particularly as it is practiced in the Tibetan culture. The clear presentation brings to life what can easily be an overly abstract theoretical knowledge of the transition process. Very highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the Buddhist teachings on death and dying.