Product Description
In this classic scripture of Tibetan Buddhism—traditionally read aloud to the dying to help them attain liberation —death and rebirth are seen as a process that provides an opportunity to recognize the true nature of mind.

This book-and-audio set offers a new way to encounter the profound meaning of this sacred text. The package contains a complete edition of The Tibetan Book of the Dead with an introduction by Francesca Fremantle and insightful commentary by Chögyam Trungpa, written in clear concise language, that explains the text and offers a psychological perspective on its teachings.

Also included here is a set of three audio CDs with an introduction by Fremantle and a translation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, both read by the actor Richard Gere.

3 CDs, with a 192-page book ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Trippy
A great insight which contains new perspectivesand wisdom for the living.I listened to this every day in Phoenix traffic which is horrible and it mellowed me out.The book pairs well with psychedelics. :)

Fremantle-Trungpa's full translation (not included) finally recited
This supersedes an earlier version that paired a blue-covered "pocket" condensation of the TBoD with a shorter audiotape. While the added material may overwhelm a first-time student of this daunting text, here's some suggestions for how to get the most out of this tape. Read the book first, study its commentary, and then you'll benefit more from hearing it in this eloquent presentation. No book, however, is provided in this unabridged 3-CD set.

Listening to this set of recordings can be very beneficial. Provided that one understands the basics of the content first. Unlike many other audiobooks, I'd advise the user to read the book first, perhaps repeatedly, and then let the assured, steady voice of Richard Gere, admirably suited to this formidable set of prescriptions, encouragement, and cautions from the world beyond, sink in to enhance one's comprehension of this quite disorienting-- literally-- set of precepts for making one's way through the projections of beauty and terror as the spirit encounters the passageways through the days after death.

The three CDs begin, disc one, with a brief introduction and the first part that follows the physical death of the body and its entry into the next array of apparitions, projections, and sensations. Disc two takes one through the bardo of "dharmata" into the visions of calm and turmoil. Disc three concludes as the spirit read to fails, presumably, to find freedom and becomes tempted to return to another body; guidance for finding the best match is offered in this dharma of becoming, for another go-around of existence.

However, I would not start simply by cuing up the CDs of this calm, modulated, and well-paced recitation of "The Book of Liberation in the Great Bardo by Hearing," although that's how this medieval Tibetan "treasure-text" is meant to be heard-- spoken by a guru at the deathbed, aloud for the soul that's recently left its body. Why? We in the West nearly all will lack the familiarity that its original audience would have had with the advanced practices in this life meant to prepare the spirit-body for its entry into the complex sounds and visions of the afterlife.

This text remains esoteric, challenging, and erudite for Westerners. It's necessary to study it first, as you may easily be baffled or your attention may wander unless you have made an effort first to comprehend the gist of the translation included. Therefore, I'd read it first, with the introductory material that translators Francesca Fremantle and Chogyam Trungpa provide. I remind you that the yellow-covered edition here offered differs from that earlier issues-- in a blue cover-- which was the condensed "pocket" version rather than the fuller 1975 publication by Shambhala. I'd recommend the whole deal; this is essential material that newcomers need for grasping what can be a very slippery compendium of exhortations, warnings, and appeals.

You may even want to go further with finding out more about what's rather misleadingly called the "Tibetan Book of the Dead," named by W.Y. Evans-Wentz, its first popularizer, to associate it in the 1920s with the Egyptian pop culture craze. Curious readers may want to take on other renderings for comparison and deeper appreciation. I've reviewed on Amazon the following texts: a simpler telling, Stephen Hodge & Martin Boord's "Illustrated TBoD;" Robert Thurman's expanded edition and translation of the "TBoD" and supplemental texts-- much greater detail than the version provided and recorded here; the entire "TBoD" recently issued from Penguin by Gyurme Dorje, Graham Coleman and others; and Fremantle's incorporation of a revision of some of the earlier translation in this book-CD set, as her commentary on the TBoD after an additional twenty-five years of study, "Luminous Emptiness."

After studying these texts, I found this CD recording. Hearing the TBoD for the first time, then, I appreciated nuances that had escaped me before. I found my concentration drifting, and the ability to rewind a few seconds or sentences to focus again proved a great stimulus. I wondered how Gere or any actor would take on such lists as the 58 wrathful deities, but his skill shows in small details.

He almost hesitates a millisecond before pronouncing the Tibetan and Sanskrit, often polysyllabic, names, and this prepares you to pay closer attention. This shift prepares you for the instruction; similarly he softens his tone when giving the invocations, appealing for their liberating message to be made manifest. He subtly accents even "buddha" and gives the final stress to "dharmata" in a way that gently reminds you of the difference of this elevated but somehow direct and unforgettable teaching, and of its poetic presence.

Study the text, then hear its nuances
An explanation for the buyer: this blue-covered, older version combines a published "pocket" condensation of the TBoD with a shorter tape read by Richard Gere. A longer, unabridged 3-CD version has been released in September 2008 with a yellow cover. This follows the longer translation with commentary published by Shambhala back in 1975, but the book is not included in the yellow-covered CD set (also reviewed by me).

Listening to this recording can be very beneficial. Provided that one understands the basics of the content first. Unlike many other audiobooks, I'd advise the user to read the book first, perhaps repeatedly, and then let the assured, steady voice of Richard Gere, admirably suited to this formidable set of prescriptions, encouragement, and cautions from the world beyond, sink in to enhance one's comprehension of this quite disorienting-- literally-- set of precepts for making one's way through the projections of beauty and terror as the spirit encounters the passageways through the days after death.

However, I would not start simply by cuing up the tape of this calm, modulated, and well-paced recitation of "The Book of Liberation in the Great Bardo by Hearing," although that's how this medieval Tibetan "treasure-text" is meant to be heard-- spoken by a guru at the deathbed, aloud for the soul that's recently left its body. Why? We in the West nearly all will lack the familiarity that its original audience would have had with the advanced practices in this life meant to prepare the spirit-body for its entry into the complex sounds and visions of the afterlife.

This text remains esoteric, challenging, and erudite for Westerners. It's necessary to study it first, as you may easily be baffled or your attention may wander unless you have made an effort first to comprehend the gist of the translation included. Therefore, I'd read it first, with the introductory material that translators Francesca Fremantle and Chogyam Trungpa provide. I remind you that the edition here provided is a condensed version rather than the fuller 1975 publication by Shambhala. The "pocket" printing does cut down, necessarily but perhaps less than helpfully, essential material that newcomers need for grasping what can be a very slippery compendium of exhortations, warnings, and appeals.

You may even want to go further with finding out more about what's rather misleadingly called the "Tibetan Book of the Dead," named by W.Y. Evans-Wentz, its first popularizer, to associate it in the 1920s with the Egyptian pop culture craze. Curious readers may want to take on other renderings for comparison and deeper appreciation. I've reviewed on Amazon the following texts: a simpler telling, Stephen Hodge & Martin Boord's "Illustrated TBoD;" Robert Thurman's expanded edition and translation of the "TBoD" and supplemental texts-- much greater detail than the version provided and recorded here; the entire "TBoD" recently issued from Penguin by Gyurme Dorje, Graham Coleman and others; and Fremantle's incorporation of a revision of some of the earlier translation in this book-CD set, as her commentary on the TBoD after an additional twenty-five years of study, "Luminous Emptiness."

After studying these texts, I found this CD recording. Hearing the TBoD for the first time, then, I appreciated nuances that had escaped me before. I found my concentration drifting, and the ability to rewind a few seconds or sentences to focus again proved a great stimulus. I wondered how Gere or any actor would take on such lists as the 58 wrathful deities, but his skill shows in small details. He almost hesitates a millisecond before pronouncing the Tibetan polysyllabic names, and this prepares you to pay attention. This shift prepares you for the instruction; similarly he softens his tone when giving the invocations, appealing for their liberating message to be made manifest. He subtly accents even "buddha" and gives the final stress to "dharmata" in a way that gently reminds you of the difference of this elevated but somehow direct and unforgettable teaching, and of its poetic presence.

Nice, attractive gift set
I purchased for myself and received this set in March '08.It would certainly make a nice gift.As one interested in Eastern practices this set has been a good introduction for me to the TBD.Richard Gere is easy on the ears, too ;) Recommended to purchase.

CD aids retention & comprehension
I'm new to Buddhism, about to attend my first Dzogchen Retreat, and was advised to read this text. I selected this version not because of how much I admire the talent of Richard Gere the actor, but because of hearing about Richard Gere the philanthropist who donates proceeds to build Buddhist shrines--thus epitomizing the Bodhisattva vow, Even if I become rich and famous, I will wisely shun conceit; worldly fortune is without essence.
I found that the audio CD is compellingly yet relaxingly performed. His voice is subdued, yet retains the elocution evidenced in his worldly artistry. His expertise with cadence and tone and using them to render continually interesting the rather repetitive text allows the repetitive parts to do their work: to sink in and to generate images and thoughts, rather than float by unretained. In such a way he effectively utilizes the Buddhist science of prosody.

Material that could have felt droning or intimidating in written form thus was rendered accessible and even fascinating in audio form. ... Read more

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Product Description
Detailed exposition of how people die, the stages of death, and the subtle physiological processes attending death and deep meditation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Owner's Manual for the Human Mind
Books don't get much better than this for me. This is hardcore Buddhism, the basis for higher tantric meditation and for Tibetan medicine.
Presents a map for conscious processes during all phases of existence. Useful.

Best Wishes ... Read more

Product Description
In the Ge-luk-pa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, training in analytical reasoning is considered essential not only for the academic path, but because it enhances the pursuit of meditation.The Ge-luk-pa system of logic (the path of reasoning) produces a mind that is trained, powerful, flexible, and able to approach an idea from numerous points of view.When it is applied in meditation on emptiness, it is an essential tool for self-transformation.Tibetan Logic is based on an introductory logic manual by Pur-bu-jok Jam-ba-gya-tso (1825-1901) widely used in Ge-luk-pa monastic universities. Rogers takes up each of the manual's topics in turn, providing explanation and commentary, and investigates the role of reasoning in the Ge-luk-pa system of education, highlighting conflicting points of view in different oral traditions as they arise. A complete translation of Pur-bu-jok's text, a glossary of technical terms, and a detailed table of contents are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The most important guidance for Vajrayana
One has to read atleast 3 books written by H.V.Guenther before becoming familiar with his style of writing with liberal "free" translations. It is clear that Guenther is well versed in the Buddhist experience which can be understood beyond doubt from this book. All the four chapters in the part two(Tibetan sources)require a detailed study. I have collected the following treasures: "....we must develop a middle view and become convinced that our mind is of the nature of great bliss by thinking that all appearances are but the projections of our mind and that there is nothing existing in truth". "....to unite bliss with no-thing-ness means that our mind which is this great bliss becomes a mind which understands no-thing-ness. "to see no-thing-ness is the cognition that all things do not exist by virtue of a principle through which they are what they are". Embedded in these statements is the essence of the Vajrayana teaching. This book will be very useful for all serious seekers of the Buddha Dharma. ... Read more

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Examines the state of those experiencing suffering, those engaged in the methods leading towards freedom from unhappiness and misery, and those fully enlightened ones who have attained the highest goal of omniscient awakening. ... Read more

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10 articles by the author clarify the distinctive qualities of Tibetan philosophy and religious practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An introduction to Herbert V. Guenther
This is probably the most reader-friendlyintroduction to Herbert Guenther, one of the greatest translators of Tibetan Buddhist texts of today. It consists of his collected articles, which means his work is moreeasily introduced to the newcomer. What is attractive about Guenther's workis his depth of learning: he progressedfrom the modern German thinkers(in his native German) to the Sanskrit and Tibetan Buddhist exponents. Ithis ability to use modern language and modern concepts to bring us thebrilliance of the Tibetan tradition. Of particular note is his article"The Spritual Teacher in Tibet" which really does elucidate thatphenomenon of the "relationship with the guru" which so troublesonlookers. He demonstrates that the Tibetans creative developed the conceptof the spitual teacher(lama), and indeed the Tibetans' own literary corpuswas a brilliant and humanly relevant extension of the Indian tradition.Hiswritings are very suitable for readers who may find translations (by othertranslators) of Tibetan texts inadequate. ... Read more

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The first book to explore the significance and symbolism of the sacred and secular ritual dances of Tibetan Buddhism.*Lavishly illustrated with color and rare historic photographs depicting the dances, costumes, and masks.*Looks at both sacred (cham) and folk (achi lhamo) forms and their role in the development, practice, and culture of Tibetan Buddhism.

From the time Buddhism entered the mythical land of the snows, Tibetans have expressed their spiritual devotion and celebrated their culture with dance. Only since the diaspora of the Tibetan people have outsiders witnessed these performances, and when they do, no one explains why these dances exist and what they really mean. Ellen Pearlman, who studied with Lobsang Samten, the ritual dance master of the Dalai Lama's Namgyal monastery in India, set out to discover the meaning behind these practices. She found the story of the indigenous shamanistic Bon religion being superseded by Buddhism-a story full of dangerous and illicit liaisons, brilliant visions, secret teachings, betrayals, and unrevealed yogic practices.

Pearlman examines the four lineages that developed sacred cham-the secret ritual dances of Tibet's Buddhist monks-and achi lhamo storytelling folk dance and opera. She describes the mental and physical process of preparing for these dances, the meaning of the iconography of the costumes and masks, the spectrum of accompanying music, and the actual dance steps as recorded in a choreography book dating back to the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1647. Beautiful color photographs from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and Pearlman's own images of touring monastic troupes complement the rare historic black-and-white photos from the collections of Sir Charles Bell, chief of the British Mission in Tibet during the life of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. ... Read more

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In order to understand Tibetan religion, this project isolates the ritual ofgcod (pronounced chöd) as a pillar of Tibetan cultural ingenuity for three main reasons.First, gcod developed during a critical period of cultural development in Tibet (tenth-thirteenth centuries); it epitomizes a renaissance formation of high culture.Second, studying gcod reveals the variety of soteriological, cosmological, and ritual influences that lead to a definitive Tibetan religion. Finally, the study of gcod yields important insights into the Tibetan religious economy that is the stage on which ritual and soteriological competition play out.While keeping these broader concerns in mind, gcod will be discussed in four chapters.In the first, the historical and cosmological contexts for gcod are discussed.In the second chapter, gcod's fit into Buddhist soteriology will be described and affirmed.Third, the role of gcod in Tibetan local religion will be discussed along with descriptions of the gcod pa's professional competitors.Finally, the gcod ritual proper will be described in as much detail as possible.In addition, both the introduction and the conclusion discuss possible avenues for gcod in ritual discourse (within religious studies).With these investigations in mind, this project will proceed to argue that the heart of all these innovations and syntheses is their this-worldly focus, which is generally true for Tibetan religion.The reason why gcod perpetuated is because it was instrumental in solving mundane problems, not because of the profundity of its doctrinal content. ... Read more

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This portable compendium will be cherished by students of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the many readers of such popular books as The Art of Happiness, When Things Fall Apart, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and Awakening the Buddha Within. It features short inspirational selections and pithy quotations from the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism, past and present, including Milarepa, H. H. the Dalai Lama, Sogyal Rinpoche, Patrul Rinpoche, Chögyam Trungpa, and others. Topics include cultivating compassion, letting go of ego, and developing a clear perception of our own true nature. ... Read more

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In the highest teachings, the elements are understood to be the radiance of being and are accessed through pure awareness. This book offers the reader healing meditations and yogic practices on each of these levels. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Healing perspective from Bon Master
Although it's difficult to understand the nature of mind, This book worth to be read by all Vajrayana practitioner to broaden their perspective toward Bon teachings.

very nice
The amount and quality of information in this book is staggering. There is something to be said for a tradition that goes back for many centuries, a tradition that has combined a sophisticated 'energetic technology' with an established ecclesiastic hierarchy that weeds out charlatans and pretenders. Although Native Americans, Lapps etc have similar 'technologies'you will be lucky to get 5% of the info described here from an NDN - first, he doesn't want to talk about the stuff ('too sacred') and second, he doesn;thave a language for it. Tibetans, on the other hand, have developed a vocabulary (much of it sourcing from Abhidarmic texts) that clearly, precisely and unambiguously delineates various types of mental/physiological/psychical etc states and can be used to navigate tricky transpersonal domains as well as to develop greater, more effective and satisfying life. In other words, the Tibetans have developed a solid, unified, empirically tested container with appropriate safeguards.

The book starts by describing the properties of the 5 elements and their relationship to the human psyche.TWR goes on to describe breathing and visualization exercises designed to embody particular elements and their relationship to energetic channels & chakras. Analysis of different types of elemental spirits. Very helpful depictions of working with natural forces, tantric deities, protectors and dzogchen practices. These blend together, seamlessly. Techniques on taking in, holding and releasing tension. Methods to release every negative experience into a more spacious, embodied experience. These techniques are not in the service of self; getting rid of personal suffering is simply an expedient way towards serving all beings, to helping with the awakening of the Universe.

It is rare to find a book on shamanism that is so concise, informative and selfless. Recommended.

For the Shamanic at Heart
If you have a shamanistic bent this book is jam packed with the kind of useful information that usually requires an apprenticeship to acquire.It is one of the three most practical books I've encountered.If you play around with the practices and hints in this book you will experience amazing wonders in a very short time.Through two practices in particular you might even recognize the basis of your mind or be visited by deities.Don't think for one more minute, just buy the book and do the practices for the ride of your life.

Learn To Think Like A Tibetan
Forgive me if I respond first to the review below that said "watch out! This isn't Buddhism!"What that person doesn't know is Tenzin Rinpoche's books are usually prefaced by the Dalai Lama--that's how accepted this is as a legitimate spiritual pathway.This isn't like western religions where diversity means you have to burn somebody at the stake.Everybody is openly accepted for what of value they can offer and Bon has a very alive dzogchen transmission that is second to none.Sorry for this digression.

Anyway, what I liked about his book--other than the fact that Tenzin Wangyal is tops in the Tibetan community in his ability to communicate clearly with westerners (you'll be amazed)is the fact that this book is kind of a lesson in how Tibetans think--which is not required certainly, but if you are studying Tibetan spirituality and are really serious it's something you will find helpful.

LIke his book on Dream Yoga it is extremely readable and is something you can digest with no forehead massaging.I have met Tenzin Wangyal and he is a really good person and nice guy and I always remember in the sleepy period after lunch him chuckling looking out at the sleepy group and saying, "It's earth-element time."

This is a painless way to fill in a gap in your attempts to understand the culture and spirituality of Tibet.

good reference book
If you have a basic understanding of other five element practices, this book is a great resource to round out understanding from the Tibetan Bon teaching.It also covers what in TCM are the Jing, Qi and Shen levels of the Bon approach.Very clearly and openly.I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and felt the generousity of spirit in his writing.But remember that information does not make a practice, only a practice makes a practice. ... Read more

Product Description
A clear and straightforward introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, this book presents the basic teachings of Buddha in a way that people can readily comprehend and put into practice in their daily lives. Topics such as reincarnation, actions and their effects, emptiness, liberation and enlightenment are discussed.Designed primarily for those coming to the subject for the first time, the book also offers new insights for the more advanced student of Tibetan Buddhism.Originally published in 1989. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

More repetition (AMAZON VERIFIED PURCHASE)
This book was originally published in 1989, before the author began instigating ill will against the Dalai Lama. The original edition contained a forward by HHDL. Since the Dalai Lama is now unacceptable to the author, the book was withdrawn and was republished, word-for-word under the title Introduction To Buddhism by Tharpa Publications, minus the HHDL forward.

Apparently, it was republished yet again in this expensive hard-cover edition in 2009 using the original title. As the Verified Amazon Purchase indicates, I bought this title (used for $0.99) in yet another incarnation as a paperback edition published a number of years ago, hence my knowledge of its contents. If all that isn't enough, it is slated for yet another publication in 2010 as a very high-priced paperback edition. No matter how many times it is published however, it is still no more than a word-for-word reproduction of Tharpa's Introduction To Buddhism.

Additionally, large portions of this material appear within the covers of the author's Transform Your Life, The New Meditation Handbook, How To Solve Our Human Problems, etc., indicating this one-trick-pony author has little new to say on the subject of Buddhism as is evidenced by all this relentless regurgitation. Whatever validity this title might have held with its original publication has been diluted by the sheer repetitiveness in all that followed (not to mention being tainted for the "reasoning" behind removing the HHDL forward).

About the only good thing about this currently reviewed title is the fact that it does include the forward by the Dalai Lama. The rest of the book is not bothering with.

Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition
Very concise and to the point. The chapters are quite short, the presentation very simple. The language is very clear, no jargon at all, and it is easy to read and re-read. A useful and practical introduction to Buddhist meditation, with an emphasis on problem solving rather than masses of words. ... Read more

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The Kalachakra (literally, "Wheel of Time") tantra, a core practice of Tibetan Buddhism, is a method for transforming the universe by working with the body and mind. This first volume of the Library of Tibetan Classics series was hand-picked by the Dalai Lama — who recognized it as the finest possible explication of this practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent treasure-trove for practitioners
This beautiful volume, the first in a much-anticipated series, presents one of the most important works on the Kalachakra tantra, Khedrup Norsang Gyatso's commentary on "Stainless Light", itself the most important commentary on the Kalachakra tantra.

The book is beautifully bound with a smooth matte plastic cover, cloth string bookmark, and is a joy to read. The translation by Gavin Kilty is easy to read, and the writing itself by Kedrup Norsang Gyatso is very accessible for such a complex and high-level practice. This makes the reading of it not only very informative, but also inspirational.

There is so much information in this book, much of which is not available elsewhere in English translation to my knowledge, that this book will be of tremendous value, I am sure, to Kalachakra practitioners.

We eagerly await the following volumes in this series (a series run by a not-for-profit organisation and overseen by Geshe Thubten Jinpa, chief translator and interpreter for HH the Dalai Lama), which should be equally wonderful!

Excellent and accessible
His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself selected Ornament of Stainless Light by Khedrup Norsang Gyatso (d.1613) for Geshe Dr Thubten Jinpa's new `Library of Tibetan Classics' series. Gavin Kilty's translation of this commentary on the Vimalaprabha is scholarly and practical, his lucid introduction demonstrating his excellent grasp of the subject matter. Gavin consulted Kirti Tsenshap Rinpoche, Jhado Rinpoche (Abbot of Namgyal Monastery), and Edward Henning, a western expert on the Kalacakra calendar and cosmology. This commentary gives ready access to Vimalaprabha, itself a commentary on the abbreviated tantra. So through this one book we can learn all the important points of the Kalacakratantra.

In Kalacakra Sadhana and Social Responsibility, David Reigle shows how the Kalacakratantra performed an influential role at critical moments in the spiritual evolution of the world. The first was the initial revelation, when Buddha gave it to Suchandra, King of Shambhala. After 600 years, Manjushri Yashas (a later king of Shambhala) initiated the Brahmin sages into the Kalacakra mandala, to sustain the spiritual integrity of Shambhala when non-Indic forces threatened it. Later, the Kalacakra surfaced in India in the early eleventh century, appropriately being lifted to Tibet just before the suppression of Indian Buddhism. Thus, this most scientific of Buddhist systems underlay the entire Tibetan Buddhist culture of the second millennium C.E.

Today, one thousand years later, at a new turning point in the spiritual history of the world, Kalacakra wisdom re-emerges as a power for good. The Buddhist Middle Way view of reality lights a way beyond post-structuralist thought and post-modern culture. The Kalacakratantra understanding that empty particles underpin all matter, and that karmic winds are the medium of connectivity between the individual and the cosmos, supplements contemporary knowledge both of particle physics and of the origins of the universe. The socially inclusive, anti-elitist social philosophy of the Vimalaprabha offers a spiritual framework for contemporary multi-culturalism and urban internationalisation.

Stimulated by the frequency of Kalacakra Initiations by masters such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kirti Tsenshap Rinpoche, the Kalacakra is enjoying a worldwide revival. Kalacakra practice groups are forming in several countries, linked by the International Kalacakra Network (IKN), which provides information, email groups and materials in many languages to initiates. New translations of Vimalaprabha from Sanskrit, such as those by Vesna Wallace and Sofia Stril-Rever, root contemporary Kalacakra studies in original sources. The IKN has recently commissioned Gavin to continue his work on Kalacakra by translating the long sadhana, and a commentary on the generation process, to support an oral commentary by Jhado Rinpoche, planned for 2005 in Europe. Gavin's translation of Ornament of Stainless Light has an immediate style that will appeal to this audience.

In the first two of the five parts of Norsang Gyatso;s book (The External World and The Inner World of Sentient Beings) we engage with history, science and philosophy - the nature and origins of the universe, the place of sentient beings in it, the processes of the individual, and the common basis of person and cosmos.

For example, relate this passage on the formation of the universe, to the latest scientific understanding:

`During this time of emptiness the subtle particles of these five elements exist as isolated fragments and are not in any conventional sense objects of the sensory powers of the eye and so forth. They are known as empty particles and remain isolated in empty space. When the potential of the collective karma of sentient beings is ripened, the subtle air particles come together to form air whose nature is light and moving.'

Descriptions of Kalacakra practices for personal transformation appear in the latter three parts (Initiations, Sadhana: Methods of Accomplishment and Gnosis: A Presentation of the Completion Stage). Most readers will find some sections challenging. For example, those on the movement of the planets, and other scientific subjects are hard going. However, those who practice tantra can use these topics to help them recognise the intimate connection between inner and outer worlds, on which enlightened transformation is based.

Whether you are a Kalacakra practitioner, a student of Tibetan Buddhism or interested in science from a new angle, this book is worthy of study. ... Read more

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Dr. Yeshi Donden, the long-time personal physician of HH the Dali Lama, draws from over fifty years of practicing and teaching this ancient tradition of healing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

You and your Mental and Physical Environment are the Source
The truth about dis ease from the stand point of man' nature and how he deviates from purity of intention and purity of environment

Inspiring
A great introduction to this complex medical system.In addition to sharing many details, Dr. Dhonden relates many stories from his life about his highly skilled and dedicated teachers.I appreciated reading about the history and context of Tibetan Medicine in relationship to both Chinese and Indian medicine.

While this book is obviously not a textbook of Tibetan Medicine, it is an inspiration to those of us with Western heritages trying to comprehend Eastern methods.I found Dr. Dhonden's stories to be an inspiration as they are "real life" experiences of thought and healing from a totally different perspective than that of allopathic medicine.

Knowing, from his expertise and experiences, that health can be supported within a framework of Spirituality and herbal medicine helps me to pursue my own investigations and studies into holistic medical traditions. In a society dominated by medicine that completely negates a person's Spirit, it is refreshing to read and re-read courageous, authentic offerings such as "Healing From the Source".

A somewhat arcane intro to Tibetan medicine
With utmost respect for Tibet's medical tradition, I found this book to be somewhat lacking. The book is a mix somewhere between textbook and narrative, owing to the fact that some of it was directly derived from talks the author gave. While the question/response portions of the book that come from these talks were definitely interesting, to say the least, I found the author's reliance on Tibetan terminology, without concurrent translation, an impediment to better understanding of Tibetan medicine. While the book might be a good primer for a Westerner with a foundation of knowledge about Tibetan medicine, I found it difficult to penetrate the author's technical descriptions of bodily functioning according to the Tibetan understanding.

For example, the author references several categories and subsets of bodily humors (bile, phlegm, wind), but never describes these substances or analogizes them. He does talk about how they function within the body (this increases, that decreases, etc.), but it is otherwise difficult to comprehend what the author means by these rather obtuse terms, and consequently it is difficult to interrelate them with a Western understanding of the body.

Dondhen's writing on the nature of being a physician I found enlightening; I felt like this chapter fulfilled the author's intent as named in the title. Otherwise, at least for a novitiate to Eastern medicine, I might choose another text with which to start.

Great entry level book into Eastern Medicine
This is a great book for someone who knows very little about Eastern Medicine, like myself.This was an introductory book for me and I have gained invaluable insight towards a Buddhist Healer's viewpoint of medicine and disease.His viewpoint's are definitely an eye opener, and give a very different perspective towards illness than Western Medicine provides.I am not in the medical field, but I have gained much knowledge as a result from reading this book.Highly recommended if you are into Tibetan Buddhism or just Medicine in general.

YOU DO HAVE BUGS! (but don't worry about it if you behave)
This book is a complete masterpiece. Dr. Yeshe Dhonden will explain to you the nature of Health and all that name implies. He is the father of Tibetan Medicine. He was His Holiness the Dalai Lama's personal physician. His incredible insights are easy to understand and make this book a "Must Buy" for anyone who wants their family and themselves to remain happy, healthy, and wise! The man is incredible.

You will need to buy and study the book. But I will give you a brief "run down". Phlegm, bile, and wind are the three Tibetan humors in us which regulate our health. If they are perfectly balanced, one is in super-human health. The primary factors in governing the humors are behavior and nutrition. Good behavior is the most important and consists of following the ten positive actions and avoiding the ten negative actions. I can't go into these in a review, but they are "non-killing", "non-stealing", and so forth. By hurting others, we crack our own heads. The humors become imbalanced, and then bugs or small organisms invade the body and cause cancer and other diseases. These bugs are the primary cause of diseases. But not the sole cause. My mother had these bugs popping out of her (six out of seven can be seen with the naked eye). Half-a-dozen doctors believed her mad. As did all of her loved ones. Dr. Dhonden suggests to physicians that they do not go immediately to surgery because these bugs might spread and cause mastasis.

Without knowing anything about Tibetan Medicine, my mother would give herself a self-massage. These bugs would pop out of all pores of her skin. Dr. Yeshe Dhondon, in this book, gives a more thorough analysis. The seven kinds of organisms are in the air. We ingest them with the lungs. They go into the bloodstream and then inhabit in our bodies. Then they spread to all areas. It is not these organisms or "bugs" which cause the disease. It is if these organisms are sick. And they are frequently sick because of pollution and the impure foods that we eat. So "sick bugs" are the cause of both cancer and AIDS. Good behavior and pure foods can help us to prevent many horrible diseases. This is why this book is such a gem. If you are a Seven-Day Advantist Christian, you are probably during pretty good prevention! The ten commandments andvegetarianism come pretty close to a comprehensive "health plan". So this book is simply an incredible introduction of Tibetan

Medicine for everyone! No one is excluded. If I get angry right now, the humor of "bile" will increase. This will increase the habitation of these organisms. That is, making a safe refuge for them to multiply. Impure foods (the Tibteans do not prohibit beer or even meat in our diets) will increase their number. They will spread throughout the body. A tumor may result. This is why good behavior is so well-emphasized. Because of the physical-mental changes that result in the body which are "emotionally charged" by doing certain actions. This is not a "moral judgement". If you slap your spouse with a blank mind, the imbalance might not occur (or occur very little!). But if you slap your wife with a mind full of rage, then the imbalance will occur. Dr. Dhonden will explain to you these ten unskillful actions. So buy this book. And get and stay well. Take care. ... Read more

Product Description
Mo is authoritative and refeshingly different from the other oracle systems around. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

authentic oracle but ...
I spoke with my teacher, Khenpo Sherab Sangpo ([...]) and he was familiar with this divination system and has used it himself.But he also said that that to use it effectively one must have received a Manjushri empowerment and have completed various other practices so as to ripen one's mindstream.The editors of this book make no mention of the necessary empowerment or other preliminary practices.

The concept of receiving an empowerment is alien to Western culture, but is central to Tibetan Buddhist practice.

Great Divination System
The advice this Mo gives can be translated into more familiar terms, like if it says, "Rely upon Manjushri as your special deity," that can be seen as an indication to rely upon one's own inner wisdom, or something like that.Clear and it covers many topics like spiritual practice, wealth, lost items, illness, friends and family, and so forth.

This is very traditional and well done.Even better with the cards, but if you can't find a book with the cards, it's still just good!

Flawless divinatory system!
I have been using this system off and on since 1999 and find it very useful! This system is desined for initiates within Tibetan system. In other words, rather useless for non-Buddhist folk. If the Bodhisattva Manjusri means something to you, then seek a copy. You get my meaning...

This is not an ordinary fortune telling kit. Most oracles are designed from a non sectarian point of view. This is not one of them. The system is based on timeless and ageless Buddhist tantras. This makes is meaningless to most people. That doesnt mean you should not use it. If you feel some sort of connection with this system, by all means do so!

This is not based on any Western or New Age system. Closer to the I-Ching, but only by proximity to ancient China. Remember this is Buddhist, making it very unique. Random dice with mantra syllables are cast. It also helps to chant the mantra while casting the dice. Then you get an message from the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Unique and unusual, as this was practiced in old Tibet about anything from lost items to spiritual matters. Now it is available in the West. Use with compassion and wisdom!

help from above
Jamgon Mipham was and is master of the universe. If you have faith, and a connection to the dharma, you may get some useful info from this.

Remarkably easy to use
This small book is easy to understand and easy to use.This system of divination is based in Tibetan Buddisum but anyone can easily apply the fundamentals. You begin by asking for guidance in what to use, and what to discard in the reference material.You begin by quieting your mind, chants are provided for focus.You select a question you wish to ask, you then roll a single dice twice. You may caste the dice for yourself, or another.You record the number rolled on each throw, and look up those combinations in the reference. A wide range of areas (family, goals, business, money, health, etc. - 10 in all) are covered for each combination, providing a "general climate" (positive/neutral/negative) for the current personal and earth energies occuring at that moment in time. While my copy came with a traditional dice, any traditional six sided dice can be used.Personal experince has found the method informative and useful. ... Read more

Product Description
In Tibetan spiritual life, body-based meditation is considered vital to our spiritual and physical well-being. In today’s world, overabundant with stimuli and stress, Reggie Ray teaches, body-based meditation provides a powerful way for us to "digest" the events and experiences of our day. It allows us to open our awareness and deepen our sense of being so that our minds become clearer, our emotions more flowing, and our lives more grounded. On Meditating with the Body, listeners will learn to master a series of six Tibetan-based meditations to settle and calm the mind, channel vitalizing energy throughout the body, connect with the living, healing quality of the earth, and uncover the body’s untapped powers of perception, intuition, and wisdom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Embodiment
Highly recommended for anyone suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction, and/or alcoholism. Especially good for anyone lost in their heads and alienated from their bodies including experienced meditators. Good for bringing joy and mystery back into life and glimpsing God/Love from within. At least from what I've experienced so far with Meditating with the Body.

These practices will transform your life.
This is a great introduction to Reggie Ray's bodywork techniques. I attended the first "Meditating with the Body" program taught by Reggie and I can say these practices changed my meditation and my life.I highly recommend this CD set as a place to start.If it peaks your interest you should consider attending one of Dr. Ray's retreats.Check out www.dharmaocean.org

Wonderful intros and lots of meditations too.
I love the format of this program! It is excerpted from a longer, 9 CD set, Buddhist Tantra, which offers numerous lecture topics.

In Meditating with the Body, the lecture is contained on 1 CD, and it provides a comprehensive intro to meditation, along with guidelines for gaining awareness, and exploring discomfort. Then, the remaining 3 CDs include 6 guided meditations (which each have their own intros). For me, this was a real fit - small amount of lecture and numerous profound meditation practices to choose from.

Consists of extracts from the TANTRA CD set
This CD set consists of extracts from the TANTRA CD set. DO NOT BUY THIS IF YOU HAVE THE TANTRA CDs. It is redundant. ... Read more

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Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Great gift
I bought this for my mom for Mother's Day and she loved it. It makes for a great present. The prayer flags are small, but nice.

cute little book and little prayer flags
Concise history of prayer flags and other Tibetan traditions.Tibetan Buddhism has such detail with buddha/bohidsatva names and principles that are difficult to pronounce though interesting stories.These are enlightening spiritual practices that do not conflict with, but enhance other more traditional and nontraditional religious beliefs and practices.Great tips on making and hanging flags, sample flags already made with many symbols, and blank flags/ink pens to make yourself.These are mini prayer flags but the book contains many illustrations of larger prayer flags hanging in beautiful Tibetan landscapes.I have made and hung prayer flags in the past and love the aspect of prayers being carried by the wind.I will make more in the future with deeper understanding and inspiration form this little book and art kit that I will again share with others.

Better than I thought
I'm really pleased with the item.I bought it as a gift for my boyfriend and almost kept it for myself...it looks better in person.I love the little wisdom book that came with it and he loved it too. Great gift and reasonably priced too.

tibetan prayer flag book and flags
It is a great product and i recomend it wholeheartedly. i bought one for myself and two for some friends. The book has great insight.

So beautiful and inspiring!
I just purchased this item after embracing Buddhism some time ago. The prayer flags are absolutely beautiful. The idea of the prayers being carried aloft on the wind is so wonderful. And it comes with a beautiful book to help to inspire your own prayer flags. I would highly recommend this item. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a fresh look at this timeless classic. It brings together a range of stunning images by the renowned photographer Thomas Kelly, with a contextual analysis and abridged translation by the ubiquitous Tibetologist Glenn H. Mullin. As such, the Bardo Todol is a relevant as a guidebook to daily(and nightly) living as it is to a successful death and transmigration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Accessible and Awesome Guide to the Human Death Process
The Tibetan Book of the Dead by Glenn H. Mullin is one of the most incredible and deep dharma books I have read. It is a must read for anyone practicing the Vajrayana or interested in doing so. It offers a huge amount of knowledge and lucid understanding about the process undertaken by committed practitioners of the Diamond Vehicle. Lama Glenn H. Mullin (Lama Maitri Zopa) has made the pith of the Vajrayana, its essence and true meaning, accessible to us. This is an inspirational reinterpretation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead from the perspective of a deeply knowledgeable and accomplished practitioner, teacher, and scholar, who is very familiar with the original Tibetan text and understands its true meaning. Readers are very lucky to have such wisdom and profound insights offered, and to have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the knowledge that Tibetan Buddhism shares about the human process of transformative living and dying.

Beautiful beginner's version
This rendition is a good overview of the Tibetan "Bardo thödol" with beautiful and relevant imagery, including many detail photos of authentic thanka paintings of the meditational deities associated with the practice, as well as contemporary photography of the funerary rites and customs of tantric Buddhists.However, it is worth noting that this is not even the usual abbreviated text, as first published in English by Theosophist W.Y. Evans-Wentz; rather, it is a further abridgment of the core of that text, including the essential readings, along with new explanatory material by Mullin.As such, it's an excellent starting point for the curious, instead of being a scholarly or practice text.For that, I would instead recommend the translations by Thurman, Trungpa & Fremantle, or the recent "complete text" by Jinpa & Coleman.The only complaint I have about Mullin's edition is that the occasional black text on red background, as occurs with the captions on chapter heads, is rather difficult to read without blazingly good light, which perhaps is expected to be spontaneously generated from the heart of the enlightened reader. ... Read more