Liberation upon Hearing in the Between

by Robert A.F. Thurman

One of the 25 most influential people in America according to Time Magazine, and ?the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism? (The New York Times), Robert Thurman illuminates the Tibetan Book of the Dead with up-to-date insights for modern audiences. For centuries, this text has been read aloud to the dying'who Buddhist masters say are capable of hearing up to three days after clinical death'as a guide through the tumultuous and often terrifying process of dissolution. Now, in Liberation Upon Hearing in the Between, Professor Robert Thurman demystifies this esoteric teaching and reveals the Tibetan view of it is not an ending to be feared, but a wondrous and liberating culmination of our life's journey, potentially opening into glorious new beginnings. Entering the bardothe in-between state in which one reality dissolves and the next has not yet formed'we need not become prey to our fears and hopes. Instead we can relax into our natural clarity and stabilize the journey. And, this treasured teaching is for much more than just changing our understanding of death. Whether we have lost a dear relationship, awoken from a dream, or face the loss of our bodied life, simply hearing these teachings steadies our minds and hearts so that the journey from one state to the next changes from a tragic voyage into a clear adventure through the brilliant sky of great liberation.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Death, Spirituality, Religion

Audio CD

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Tenzin Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, holding the first endowed chair of Buddhist Studies in the United States. He is the author of the bestseller Inner Revolution, as well as Anger, Infinite Life, and other popular books. He is also a translator of Tibetan texts. He serves as co-founder and president of Tibet House US, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the endangered culture of Tibet.

Reviews

[Linda Vituma · Rating 5 out of 5]

My style of buddhist book, jo... stāstītājs ir temperamentīgs, aizrautīgs, ar ķecerīgiem smiekliņiem. Un stāsta viņš par nāvi..., kuras nav, jo māņi tas viss, ko savās galvās būvējam.
Bet, lūk, kas mani uzrunāja, iedvesmoja, spārnoja:
"Kad sasniegsiet apskaidrību, aptversiet, ka esat tādā dzīvojuši jau visu savu eksistenci."
Tā, nu, gan ir viena pradoksāla un iedvesmojoša ideja!

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible lecture from Mr. Thurman, one of his most amusing and relatable yet on Buddhism and modern life, its history, how it changed Tibet and how it can change the world. I listen to this every night, over and over, and always get something new out of it.

[Wilma Rebstock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading two versions of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, this audio book really added a fuller understanding.

Put more into layman terms and very easy to understand I found myself not only enjoying Thurman's easy going and sometimes humorous reading, but getting some good insight.

I would recommend reading The Wentz version of TTBOD fist before going on to this one.

Thurman mostly gives commentary and only touches on the actual reading of the TTBOTD which is why I would say read that first.

I plan to read or listen to more of his books.

[Jenny Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thurman’s style can take some getting used to, but these lectures are full of gems.

I want to come back to the notion of guides/angels in the Bardo and the concept of becoming used to terror in this life in order to be able to accept their form afterwards.

[Steve Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this waffles between beautifully poetic and incoherent.

It seems like he is attempting an Escher staircase with words but can't quite pull it off.

Perhaps i just need enlightenment

[Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book, while at the same time being entertaining.

Interesting glance into some Buddhist beliefs. I found the sections on lucid dreaming particularly fascinating. This book has definitely inspired me to be a better person, taking more time away from media and giving more to meditation and seeking enlightenment.

There were parts that were harder to understand, as I am not very familiar with the philosophy, and the guided meditation fell into this hard to understand category at times, as I sometimes felt lost.

Overall, Dr. Thurman is an entertaining speaker who seems very knowledgeable on the subject.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author was in the documentary, "The Cry of the Snow Lion" which deals with the Chinese occupation of Tibet and how the Tibetans who remain are disenfranchised and living in poverty. I wanted to hear his take on Buddhism because he's an advocate for Tibetans.

[Beth E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic audio book with lively, at times humorous, discussion and explanation of this beautiful text. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

[Rose]

My first exposure to TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD.

[Brian Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The light is a trick.