Living Meaningfully, Dying Joyfully: The Profound Practice of Transference of Consciousness

by Kelsang Gyatso

We are alive, therefore we will die. This is the simplest, most obvious truth of our existence, yet very few of us have really come to terms with this fact. This inspiring book helps us to live a happy and meaningful life, to prepare for death and to help others who are dying. In this way, instead of something to be feared or denied, death can become a positive experience.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

299 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

*'Geshe' is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned Teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve problems, improve relationships and eventually attain a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness.

He has also created all the conditions necessary to support the study and practice of Buddhism in modern society: writing 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddha; establishing over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world; developing modern study programmes; training qualified Teachers; and establishing local, national and international courses, festivals and retreats. Through all these and other activities Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is giving new life to Buddhism, enabling people everywhere to discover inner peace and happiness through Buddha’s teachings, thereby bringing greater peace to a troubled world.

The term "Rinpoche," added to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's name, is a Tibetan word that means "Precious One," and has been added as a mark of deepest respect.

To discover more about Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s compassionate vision and activities visit http://tharpa.com/us/benefit-all-worl....

Reviews

[Elizabeth Jones]

A great book for a tough subject. A thorough explanation for a beautiful practice to help ourselves and our loved ones. I really enjoyed this book, learned many new things and would recommend it to others interested in the Buddhist path or anyone willing to come to terms with the inevitable.

[Gail]

This is my favourite book by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. It is straightforward and has a clear message. It made me mindful that each day is a blessing and should be used wisely.

[Elwyn Roberts]

As you read the wisdom within this wonderful book, your soul is enriched with a deeper understanding of Buddhism. How to live and be within each moment and cherish life, that is essentially the core of wisdom here. Venerable Master Geshe Kelsang Gyatso elegantly describes techniques and the Buddhist philosophy and there is a lifetime of wisdom and knowledge here that may help a fellow spiritual practitioner on their path.

[Turquoise Brennan]

"You are your own protector, you are your own enemy" .
More discussion and plain talk about death and dying naturally leads us to what actions truly matter throughout our day. Following the meditation series on death - this was incredibly eye opening.

[Shaun]

I read this to understand Buddhist views on death.

[Kirsty Griffin-Price]

As someone who deeply enjoys spirituality, yoga, and mindfulness, I picked up Living Meaningfully, Dying Joyfully looking for a deeper perspective on mortality and purposeful living. While it proved to be a challenging read in places, the core insights made the journey entirely worth it. I want to be upfront for other lay readers: this book features a steep learning curve. It is packed with dense Tibetan Buddhist terminology and highly specific, esoteric concepts—particularly regarding the ritual mechanics of consciousness transference. At times, the sheer volume of jargon made it a tough climb, requiring me to slow down and really study the text rather than just read it.However, if you are willing to look past the heavy terminology, the underlying framework of this book is absolutely brilliant. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso breaks the text down into incredibly clear, digestible sections, creating a logical flow from the present moment into the profound unknown. The book shines brightest in its foundational teachings, offering a masterclass on cultivating a virtuous mind through daily thoughts of peace, love, and compassion. It provides a clear-eyed, comforting look at how our choices shape our reality, handling the concepts of karma and suffering in this life and beyond with immense clarity. Ultimately, it succeeds in reframing death, transforming what is usually a subject of fear into a natural, meaningful transition that we can actively prepare for through mindfulness.This is not a light, casual self-help book, and it demands patience. But for yogis, mindfulness practitioners, or any spiritual seeker looking for a profound, structured exploration of life, karma, and what comes next, the jewels inside are well worth digging for.

[Lorraine Archive's]

I bought this book after reading some Plum Village books by Thich Nhat Hanh. It revolves around "Pure Land Buddhism." There are many similarities, but this take on Buddhism is much more spiritual, with gods and spirits being discussed more explicitly.
It is a lovely take on a different theology around the practice of Buddhism. I highly enjoy the more "spiritual" take on it, too, with spirits, etc. I know it can depend on the person, but I like the acknowledgement of that side of spirituality.
I enjoy, in a spiritual sense, the emphasis on ancestors and how to make death a more peaceful and loving process. However, from my academic side, it is also interesting to see the cultural differences between Western funerals and Eastern philosophy around death. I wish here in Canada the people I was around acknowledged their ancestors more often, and understood that our ancestors affect who we are. I will one day when I am in my own permanent house.