Customer Reviews

The Tibetan Book of the Dead

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4 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

this is one of the most amazing movies i've ever seen. i was in awe. it covered the material soooo well that i feel i almost truly know what will happen after i die. it is also a good expose' of tibetan life (even if it is in ladakh;). the only bad thing is the narrators voice, it was MONOTONE the entire time! then they show the dalai lama who talks in a very animated way and is the authority on this type of topic and you would think the maker would have taken a hint from him and told the narrator to kick it up a notch. don't get me wrong the guy has a nice voice but you only get to hear ONE of it's tones! it literally put me to sleep, TWICE! i got up and made a snack because i loved the film so much i didn't want to sleep but still! i have to give the film five stars (more if i could;) but that is despite the HORRID monotone narration! oh and the music was kind of weak also but oh well this was an amazing piece of work. i really loved the animations of the bardos! a really interesting and unique use of stop motion animation/cartoons. the second section on the different visions/realities that are experienced after death was so erie and cool i felt it was cooler than most horror movies i've seen! don't get me wrong it's not meant to be scary;) it just explains the emotions and reality a lost soul/consciousness goes through so well you feel like you are experiencing it! i want to show this film to all my family and friends. after watching it i almost want to instruct someone to read the tibetan book of the dead to my corpse after i pass!

Leonard Cohen's voice is amazingly well-suited to narrate this. Somehow it adds a deep other worldliness to the material. Although I had studied Buddhism academically, I can honestly say that this DVD is what brought it to me on a much more emotional level. My understanding of the Bardo of Becoming has been greatly shaped by this DVD and I highly recommend it to anyone who is curious to learn more. It is suitable for a beginner, with only a limited knowledge of Buddhism.

This documentary explains to the lay person what the Tibetan Book of the Dead is about and how it is used. It also shows (I am sure) a rarely seen Tibetan death ritual and explains what happens when someone dies - from a Buddhist point of view. Very interesting and wonderfully filmed.