The Tibetan Book of the Dead

Liberation Through Understanding in the Between

By: Robert Thurman - translator

Narrated by: Robert Thurman

The most accessible and informative version of the Buddhist classic available in English, with instruction in meditation, illuminating commentary, and guidance in the practical use of the prayers.

The so-called Tibetan Book of the Dead has been renowned for centuries as a cornerstone of Buddhist wisdom and religious thought. More recently, it has become highly influential in the Western world for its psychological insights into the processes of death and dying - and what they can teach us about the ways we live our lives. It has also been found to be helpful in the grieving process by people who have recently lost their loved ones.

Composed in the eighth century CE, it is intended to prepare the soul for the trials and transformations of the afterworld. Its profound message is that the art of dying is as important as the art of living. Drawing on Tibetan spiritual traditions, it shows us the workings of the mind in its various manifestations - terrifying and comforting, wrathful and beautiful - which appear more clearly after death in the consciousness of the deceased. By recognizing these manifestations, we can attain a state of enlightenment, both in this existence and in the existence to come.

This authoritative translation preserves the form and spirit of the original and was prepared especially for Western audiences by Robert A. F. Thurman, one of the most prominent Tibetan scholars in America and a close associate of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s.

This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF that contains additional information and the glossary from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©1993 Robert Thurman (translator) (P)2020 Random House Audio

Master on the topic

Bob knows his stuff. This is not easy material to hear and digest. But when it sinks in… is very powerful.

Nibanna

May this empty Samsara

Loving Kindness Meditation
Compassion Meditation
Sympathetic Joy Meditation
Equanimity Meditation

Absolutely Love & Higly Recommend

Thurman reads his book well, you can feel his passion, care and humor from the sound of his voice. Great information, well presented! I will be listening to this book again!

loved it.

amazing read. it's a synthesis of ancient wisdom, mystic experience while being modern and approachable.

The Magic of it all.

This is a book that will open your OTHER senses; those senses you forgot you had.

interesting information

I tried my best to make it through this book but the narration is so awful 😖. not all authors should read their books. I'm going to purchase the book to read instead!

Beautiful presentation

I loved that it was read was Robert Thurman. He added a unique quality to the presentation.

Exceptional introduction to Tibetan Buddhism

This edition contains the best introduction to Tibetan Buddhism that i have heard and will serve as a wonderful primer for novices and explorers alike. As for the book itself, I recommend you listen to this with color illustrations to hand of the various deities and their organizations.

Preparing for Death while alive

Through the practices in this text one can prepare for the eventuality of death while still alive. Coming to terms with a process that is 100% for all, for me takes the fear and anxiety out of many things in life.
The translator and reading from Robert Thurman I feel has been performed with the modern reader in mind. Thank you for this wonderful jem! Thukjeche!

I'll take my chance and return to this realm

Good lord , is being alive in this realm really that awful that one spends an entire lifetime or eons disciplining ones self to reach nirvana even to the point of controlling death and dying ....seriously ?
I'll be honest I wouldn't mind one bit returning over and over , I'm having a beautiful, wonderful experience even with all my sufferings. Why would I want to spend my entire life and energy trying to CONTROL DEATH AND LIFE . I really believe Buddhist are making things more difficult than they need to be . Enjoy your existence, it's a gift , make the best of it and yes suffering is included . I will not be spending my very short period on this rock determining how to avoid suffering and reaching bliss ......GOOD LUCK !