The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) (N)

The first complete translation of the classic Buddhist text One of the greatest works created by any culture and overwhelmingly the most significant of all Tibetan Buddhist texts in the West, The Tibetan Book of the Dead has had a number of distinguished translations, but none encompassed the work in its entirety. Now, in one of the year's most important publishing events, the entire text has not only been made available in English but in a translation of quite remarkable clarity and beauty. With an introductory commentary by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, who calls this translation "an extraordinary accomplishment undertaken with great care over many years" this complete edition faithfully presents the insights and intentions of the original work. It includes one of the most detailed and compelling descriptions of the after-death state in world literature, exquisitely written practices that can transform our experience of daily life, guidance on helping those who are dying, and an inspirational perspective on coping with bereavement. Translated with the close support of leading contemporary masters, including HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and learned scholars such as Khamtrul Rinpoche and Zenkar Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says, "I hope that the profound insights contained in this work will be a source of inspiration and support to many interested people around the world." Library Journal Long one of the most recognizable titles of Tibetan Buddhism among Westerners, this is, remarkably, the first English translation of the full text. Dorje, a leading scholar of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Jinpa, senior translator to the Dalai Lama, and Coleman (president, Orient Foundation, U.K.) present in clear and flowing translation the prayers, practices, and visualizations used to prepare Tibetan Buddhists to successfully escape the painful cycle of living and dying. Studied both during one's life and read lovingly to the deceased for up to 49 days after death, this true religious classic seeks to help individuals overcome their "deep-seated habitual tendencies," to recognize both the helpful and harmful deities, and to recognize the many but obscured paths of escape. This should be a first purchase for virtually all public and academic libraries, which will want to retain the now-classic Evans-Wentz translation of "The Great Liberation by Hearing in the Intermediate States" (The Tibetan Book of the Dead), Chapter 11 in this book. Included are the Dalai Lama's introductory commentary, brief introductions to the context of each chapter, extensive notes, and an impressive glossary of key terms.-James R. Kuhlman, Univ. of North Carolina at Asheville Lib. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.