The Tibetan Book of the Dead | W. Y. Evans-Wentz

by W.Y. Evans-Wentz

The Tibetan Book of the Dead has a legendary origin, attributed to Padma-Sambhava's visit to Tibet in the late eighth century. According to legend, he concealed these texts in stones, lakes, and pillars because the people of that era in Tibet were deemed unprepared for their profound teachings. Over time, these teachings have found a resurgence in popularity among diverse Western readers, now taking the form of the widely known Tibetan Book of the Dead. Originally intended as a guide not just for those who have passed on, but also for the living, this text delineates the journey through death and rebirth across three intermediate states of existence. While traditionally employed as a funeral text recited in the presence of the deceased or dying, its scope extends beyond that. It presents a comprehensive exploration of the transition from life to the afterlife and was designed to provide insights and guidance for both the living and the departed. As a notable contribution to the field of death and dying studies, and an exploration of beliefs concerning life after death and reincarnation, the Tibetan Book of the Dead stands apart in the realm of sacred texts. Its impact on socio-cultural perspectives is unparalleled, making it a distinctive and influential work.

Genres: Religion

348 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2023

About the author

Walter Yeeling Evans-Wentz (M.A., Stanford University) was an anthropologist and writer who was a pioneer in the study of Tibetan Buddhism.

As a teenager, he read Madame Blavatsky's Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine and became interested in the teachings of Theosophy. At Stanford he studied with William James and William Butler Yeats. He then studied Celtic mythology and folklore at Jesus College, Oxford (1907); there he adopted the form Evans-Wentz for his name. He traveled extensively, spending time in Mexico, Europe, and the Far East. He spent the years of the First World War in Egypt. He later traveled to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and India, reaching Darjeeling in 1919; there he encountered Tibetan religious texts firsthand.

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read the Tibetan book of the dead much too young, revisiting it with this edition was very enjoyable. I enjoyed the forward thoroughly and the insight was very valuable. This edition is formatted well and allows the reader to fully explore and grasp each section well. I was able to enjoy more this time partially due to maturity, and partly due to the care that was provided when this edition was published.


Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!!