The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

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Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die? - Rated
It's refreshing for someone to write such a thoughtful and life-affirming book about death. For something so ubiquitous, death isn't really discussed in Western society (well, in my family at least). And this can cause unnecessary pain when someone close does die.

Reading this book has helped me see that death can have a positive effect on your life.

[lyrics by The Flaming Lips]

An insightful read whether you're Buddhist or not. - Rated
This book as so much to offer whether you're Buddhist or not. It discusses ways to live your life better, as well as how to die in a dignified and honorable way. In a society where death is taboo it is refreshing to read about it in such a matter of fact way and with information you feel can be of use to you. This book is more about living your life well, and has so much to offer you if that is what you wish for. A modern classic for a reason.

Life changing - life saving - Rated
I had been looking for answers for years and all the time the original version of this book was on my bookshelf unread. I have read many books by western writers on living a better life, dealing with emotions, much philosopy, psychology etc. Many were useful but they did not change me in a lasting way. Then my sister picked this book up off my bookshelf and read bits of it out to me. This prompted me to finally read it properly from cover to cover. Since then I have found all the answers in Buddhism. The answers to everything from how to control my anger to why bad things happen to good people etc. It is true that Sogyal Rinpoche has quoted from other masters, that is because he is part of a living lineage that passes the teachings down. he also repeats many points when he teaches because sometimes we don't hear the first time, or we hear in the wrong way. In the beginning when I first heard him teach, I did not fully respect him for the great master that he is. But once I heard him teach in person I felt a spontaneous devotion towards him. This is a wonderful book that for me answered my questions about life and death (why are we here? etc.) it all just made sense. I never intended to become a Buddhist, but I am so glad that I acted on what I read here and became a student of Sogyal Rinpoche, because if you really want your life to change, you have to receive the teachings from a master. This book is the first step. Now I am reading 'Words of My Perfect Teacher', which is another extremely important text, a little further down the road. I think before this I was on the highway to hell. I hope you find peace and happiness too.

useful - Rated
this was the first book I ever read on Buddhism and I found it usefull at the time. Since then I've realised that all the great things in the book are generally quotes from great masters and traditional teachings. These bits I'd give 5 stars, the artistic elaborations I would give 3 stars. Therefore the average is 4 stars!

Materialism is bad for the soul!! - Rated
Read this book and broaden your mind, I am trying to be a better person after reading this book, the rule of materialism in the West has led us to a lost youth, we see them binge drinking and being loutish in our cities, they need inspirations and this book is one of them without a doubt!