Il libro tibetano dei morti per principianti: Attraversare la sfida più grande

by Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Mordy Levine, Tiziana Losa (translator)

Nelle culture occidentali, così altamente evolute dal punto di vista sanitario, la morte è diventata un tabù, un argomento scomodo da tenere a debita distanza. È bene non parlarne, e se lo si fa, meglio a voce smorzata. Inoltre, ci siamo talmente abituati a sentire testimonianze di vite salvate, o addirittura a vedere respinta la morte stessa, da credere che non ci riguardi poi così tanto.
Aggrappati come siamo alla nostra vita, al nostro corpo, a tutto ciò che possediamo, alle persone care, non siamo pronti a immaginare di non esserci più e di perdere chi amiamo. Temiamo di non riuscire a sostenere la sofferenza che tutto questo comporterà. La realtà, però, è un' siamo esseri impermanenti in un mondo in perpetuo mutamento. Tutti noi moriremo - è una certezza, l'unica che abbiamo -., e ognuno avrà il suo percorso unico, ognuno si troverà ad attraversare quel momento in modi all'improvviso o dopo una lunga malattia, da giovane oppure in età avanzata, seguito dall'affetto dei suoi cari o in completa solitudine.
Come non farci trovare alla sprovvista, allora? Come saper affrontare la morte di chi amiamo? Come aiutare i nostri cari a prepararsi alla fine della loro vita? E come preparare noi stessi? Lama Lhanang Rinpoche e Mordy Levine, autori di questo bestseller internazionale, ci guidano nella ricerca di una possibile risposta per ritrovare il senso della vita riflettendo proprio sulla sua ci offrono spunti illuminanti quanto semplici per portare conforto alle nostre paure e a quelle di chi si avvicina al fine vita. E ci ricordano quanto sia fondamentale pensare alla morte ora, proprio ora. Proponendoci la loro profonda e attenta rilettura del "Libro tibetano dei morti (Bardo Thodol)", un'opera classica del buddhismo tibetano dall'eco eterna, offrono pratiche su come prenderci cura di noi stessi e dei nostri cari in quei momenti cruciali.
Grazie a un linguaggio chiaro e intenso, questo è un libro capace di arrivare ai lettori e alle lettrici contemporanei, dai più giovani ai meno giovani, indipendentemente dalla cultura e dalla religione di appartenenza - un'opportunità di crescita e trasformazione per ognuno di noi.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism, Spirituality, Religion, Philosophy, Self Help

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[CanadianReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors of this book seek to communicate the essence of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, the classic Buddhist text which they characterize as esoteric and inaccessible to most. I think they achieve what they set out to do. A number of Buddhist concepts are clarified, including “karma”, “no self”, and what Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh called “interbeing”—the idea that nothing exists independently; everything is connected to and dependent on other things. The authors identify the six bardos—gaps, time periods, junctures at which liberation from suffering is possible—but they are most interested in the dying process and “the bardo of luminosity”, which consciousness passes through in the 49 days after physical death.

For Tibetan Buddhists, a good death—a calm, peaceful transition—is highly desirable. It predisposes one to an auspicious rebirth. To be clear, while I find all of this anthropologically interesting, I am not a Buddhist and I cannot say I believe it. However, I do think many of the practices the authors describe—following one’s breath, meditation, living a good life, overcoming the fear of death, and being there for a dying person—are very helpful.

For me, this is a solid 3.5 book. It is calmly and plainly written, and it contains practicable guidance. I have no idea why we are all here, why we have the consciousness we do. We are part of a vast mystery. Buddhism provides one narrative about what’s going on. I have a hard time buying it, but I find I can’t judge or dismiss, only admit I simply do not know.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fascinated me. I had heard about The Tibetan Book of the Dead for years and found the title intriguing but I had never really investigated it, so I thought this book for beginners would give me a good overview of the 8th century text - and it did I think. The book is basically a set of teachings that will help a dying person pass from death to one of the bardos (the state between life and death) and into rebirth. I found the principles apply to any religion and could help anyone in their life of with their death. The teachings could apply to anything and stress compassion, wisdom, kindness and meditation so that you can live in the present and clear your thoughts to focus on what is happening now. Short prayers and mantras are given as well as examples of certain situations. I found the book enlightening. Certainly a different view of death than what I am familiar with.

Thanks to Sounds True Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on June 27, 2023.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the concepts of the Book. Recommended for those who are dealing with a loved one in palliative care or undergoing treatment for terminal illness. Inspirational; universally relevant.

[Jon Stout · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because this book, written by a Tibetan Lama and an American Buddhist, was recommended to an elderly member of my family, I read it with the thought of becoming acquainted with a Buddhist classic. I was a bit disappointed because the book is more of a “how-to” book, or introduction, than it is any kind of accurate version of The Tibetan Book of the Dead. It is addressed to a general audience, and frequently refers to what Buddhists think or do in the third person, rather than in the first person. It contains helpful advice, along the general lines of Buddhist thought, and may be a comfort for those thinking about their own demise.

The most constructive advice is to let go of one’s desires and aversions, to not think one’s self as a fixed and static thing, but rather as constantly changing and as interrelated with everything else. If we can detach from our day-to-day concerns, we can open ourselves up to compassion and equanimity.

The book refers to “God, or a Higher Power” as though it were a Twelve-Step program, and leaves one mystified as to how Buddhists would think of it. The book also says “Christ, Mary, Buddha, the Prophet Mohammad, and Moses are all representations and manifestations of love, compassion – a Higher Being.” This is admirable in its attempt to speak to everyone, but it is unclear as an expression of Buddhism.

I have heard of The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition), with an introduction by the Dalai Lama. I will probably look for that, although I fully acknowledge that the “Beginners” version is good-hearted and helpful.

[Peacejanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative book. I know so little about Buddhism. This book is simple and explains the way to a peaceful death. Primarily, I knew that the way to a peaceful death is to live a peaceful life. There are many steps to the actual dying and most are directed at the living. This author thinks that where we go after death depends on our attitude toward life and death and what we believe. The best way to die is to live a life of compassion and caring. If we love others and care for them, that will continue as we die. Our compassion leads to out happiness and then, to the happiness of others. Dying is easy when we are not afraid and have had loving compassionate relationships with others. This is a quiet, short little book, plain spoken, that tells us to be loving of others, compassionate, joyful and then believe in equanamity - all animals are God's creatures and we should treat them with loving kindness. As I write this, it feels as if I am preaching. That is what this little book does - it preaches to us about life and then dying. And this is a book for beginners - read this, live with compassion and love for others -- learn to do this, then move on to deeper areas of spiritual life.

[Francis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I was looking for. Was hoping for more about reincarnation specifically.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well done book on an interesting subject. It walks the read through all the thoughts and teachings in a well constructed yet easy to read manner.

[Glory · Rating 5 out of 5]

"El amor que das sigue vivo incluso después de la muerte".

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is the most famous Buddhist text in the West, selling more than a million copies since it was first published in English in 1927. What is this book about? The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners discusses the details of the after-death state and is considered a guide to living and dying as originally taught by the master from Oddiyana, Padmasambhava. He, along with others, established Buddhism in Tibet during the eighth century and most Tibetans consider him as a "second Buddha". There is discussion on the consciousness that continues to exist between one life and the next and how a person’s life and surviving loved ones can influence it through meditation and prayer. A chapter talks about mindfulness and meditation practices for attaining compassion and wisdom, the keys to a good life, and rebirth. A section covers how to support the dying, helping distant loved ones, and preparing for a good death, finally, ending with a discussion of rebirth as a natural phenomenon. There are many helpful insights into the subject of death and dying no matter what one’s religious beliefs are. In general, this book is an empowering guide to Buddhist philosophy and practices on death and dying.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This highly readable, interesting, and informative book shares wisdom on death, dying, and preparation for rebirth of the consciousness from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhism.

I have always been curious about The Tibetan Book of the Dead and when I saw this "for Beginners" version, I knew I had to read it. I'm glad I did! This has whetted my desire to learn more.

My sincere thanks to Sounds True Publishing for permitting me to access a DRC via NetGalley. This paperback version is scheduled to be released on 6/27/23. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Kathryn McKendry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would really give this more of a 3.5 stars. Several years ago I attempted to read the unabridged Book of the Dead and I just couldn't get through it. I hadn't studied enough about Tibetan Buddhism at the time and couldn't really understand the concepts.
Recently, I saw this book and thought maybe I should give it a try. It was a great introduction to what the Book of the Dead is about. It is written in very accessible and simplified terms.
I enjoyed this version and now after years of studying much more about Buddhism, I think I'm ready to tackle the full version again.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who has always been fascinated with death and dying I found this book to be an easy well informed read with some very thought provoking passages. I am going to be delving further into the Tibetan ways.

[Crazy4more · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

With my father's passing recently, 12/31/23, I felt at peace we sent him away peacefully and respectfully. He knew he was loved, we never gave up on him and we were surrounded him with all of his loved ones...

This book was enlightening to me...

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very short and doesn't seem to get very deep into the Tibetan Book of the Dead. I think this is a good introduction book but for people who have a hard time understanding the Tibetan Book of the Dead I don't think this adds too much

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked it up only because the bookstore didn’t have the full version of the book of the dead. Although I managed to find it in another store I’m really glad for this one especially for the interfaith elements it incorporates at the end.

[Ginelle Showalter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appropriate for an absolute beginner

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice introductory book. I did learn a few things. I would recommend it as an accessible start.

[Evzen Trdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read and basics of the Buddhism view on the death. Recommend this book to anyone interested or new to Buddhas teachings.

[Lilake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nevelika knjižica sa savjetima za dobru smrt i lakši život. Meni simpatična.

[Jacinta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, comforting and helpful!

[Monique]

In nederlands gelezen

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting points and ideas though the book is very brief and not as much of a intro to the Tibetan Book of the Dead as I thought it would be.

[Violina Kodeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Омиротворяваща!
Чете се на един дъх и внася смисъл и простота в забързания материален свят.

[Gaye Macy]

This is a small, even tiny, book, written simply. It is based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the classic Tibetan text written in the 8th century by Padmasambhava. It takes the esoterica of the great text and presents it in so pleasing and accessible a way that it's a pleasure to read and easy to grasp. I could have read it in a sitting, but the concepts were so beautiful, and, although simple, were so weighty, that I sat with it, read some thoughts, and put it down to think over. I actually read it over several days, just to have time to think and let it sink in.

Lama Lhanang and Mr. Levine don't offer confusion and thorny diatribes on weighty concepts. And they don't proffer fear of death. They offer a way of living. They write with simplicity and as if they were sitting and talking with you. Even talking about such a difficult subject in America as Death, they guide you through its process as a natural part of life. And they suggest ways of living leading up to and through it - ways of Compassion and Wisdom. Meditations are included to practice that lead to these.

I found the book beautifully opening and that it resonates with life and hope. I bought two extra copies to give to a friend and to my yoga teacher, who has sat with the dying.

This book is about living and a way of living. It has a voice of life. I highly recommend it.

[Gioia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breve e molto chiaro nelle spiegazioni, riflessioni semplici da comprendere ma che ispirano un necessario momento di introspezione

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we change our inner world, through thought, speech and action, the external world around us reflects those changes.

We can dilute our negative karma by doing more positive actions.

The moments before sleep can impact our experiences and dreams while sleeping.

Meditative practices can enable us to control our state of mind while we are awake as well as when we are sleeping.

Understanding impermanence is the realization that everything around us - people, things, situations- changes. Nothing is permanent. This allows us to reduce our grasping, as there is nothing solid to grapes onto. Impermanence allows us to see how we are all interrelated

Wisdom is seeing reality accurately without illusions.

See the beauty around you. Appreciate the people and things in your life.
You can’t change others. You can only change yourself.
If you want peace in your life, find peace in yourself.
Learn to meditate to live in peace and in reality without illusion.

May I be stress free.
May I be peaceful.

[Nadia Aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta hermosa obra explora conceptos complejos como el karma, la impermanencia, los bardos o los estados intermedios y qué sucede antes y después de la muerte; ademas contiene prácticas accesibles para cultivar la sabiduría y la compasión a lo largo del camino. Con empatía y un estilo muy cálido y amable, el Lama Lhanang y Mordy Levine ofrecen apoyo a los lectores que se enfrentan con su propia mortalidad y también a los que están cuidando de una persona que está cerca de la muerte me encantó