Life in Relation to Death

by Chagdud Tulku, Chagdud Khadro (Afterword)

Originally printed as a booklet, this popular text describes the dying process and provides brief and profound instructions on preparing for death. Many readers have commented that they feel comfortable giving it to their elderly parents or to friends who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses.

This second edition provides information on preparing a durable power of attorney for health care, a living will, and a letter of instructions regarding final arrangements.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Death, Philosophy

84 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (Tib. ལྕགས་མདུད་སྤྲུལ་སྐུ་, Wyl. lcags mdud sprul sku), born Padma Gargyi Wangchuk, is held to be the 14th Chagdud incarnation in a line extending from Sherab Gyaltsen, who folded an iron sword into a knot with his bare hands, thus earning the name "Chagdud" or "iron knot." Born to a lama of the Gelug school and a mother from a Sakya family, the 14th Chagdud began his training in the Kagyu school before achieving renown as a master of Dzogchen and teacher of the Nyingma school lineages of Dudjom Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. One of the first Nyingmapa lamas to settle in the United States, he relocated to Brazil in 1995 and built the first traditional Tibetan temple in South America with his wife Jane Tromge (Chagdud Khadro).

Reviews

[Wayne Fenlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to read this short book after finishing Jarvis Jay Master's THAT BIRD HAS MY WINGS.
He referenced it as his enlightenment.

I can see how it worked for him.


There's not much reading in it to be honest. Not spiritually. More than half of the book is about writing your will and making medical choices.

Still, for what it was, I am glad I read it.
3.5 stars.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a short pith teaching on death and preparation for death with all the critical information needed to practically and spiritually prepare. Although it is written by a Buddhist master, it was based on a lecture given to a non-denominational group so also illustrates how these methods and practices can be modified for practitioners of other religions. The practical sections are completely usable by anyone.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An indispensable book to read and to own. A must read if you are comfortable with the topic of your own death.
And also a must read because it reminds us of how we must be compassionate and forgiving in life. I wanted to highlight the entire book.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful treatment of how to have a good death

[Libby Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a powerful and necessary book. In the West, death is often treated as a taboo subject, avoided in conversation and thought. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche breaks through that avoidance with clarity and courage, encouraging the reader to reflect on how death might feel, how it could come, and the reality that life is impermanent.

This honest approach is refreshing. Pretending death doesn’t exist does us no favors. By facing it directly, we gain perspective—and perhaps even peace. This book doesn’t dramatize or spiritualize for comfort; it simply invites us to see death as part of life.

[Jenjinta Utai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make me can see clearly death and appreciate the present time.