No comments about Guts and Glory.

5 comments about The Tibetan Book of the Dead: or, The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane, according to Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdup's English Rendering.

1. A very interesting book. Many of the texts are foreign to me but a learning experience throughout my reading. I enjoy reading about the many types of religious cultures. This book kept me motivated to learn more about how Tibetans view life after death.



2. This translation deserved the good reviews. The text has been summed up well in other reviews. A word about the author seems appropriate. It is worth pointing out that W.Y. Evans-Wentz was an American (one reviewer stated that W.Y. E-W was English).The confusion here stems from the fact that W.Y. E-W went to Oxford, England, as a Rhodes scholar. He was a very articulate and erudite man - well versed in the Western classics, Western mystery tradition etc. - and in his footnotes, he made frequent cross references to such.
   
   A few people now fault E-W' work - because of the universal sweep of his intuitions.It has even been suggested that he corrupted the purity of the Tibetan teachings - by his inter-cultural or trans-cultural horizons.Some Tibetan Lamas (i.e. Trungpa) have faulted E-W's work on such grounds.Western afficionadoes of Tibetan Buddhism - people who like to imagine themselves among the elect(Professors and pop followers alike) have chimed in.
   
   Such people forget (or prefer to ignore) the fact that W.Y.Evans-Wentz spent many years studying and working with Tibetan Lamas. Be assured, W.Y. Evans-Wentz' projects had the blessing of his Tibetan co-worker - Lama Kazi Dawa Sammdup. There are those who would argue that this blessing did not extend to the commentary material - subsequently added by E-W, after his work with the Lama. But how E-W presented the material to a Western audience - was his business.
   
   Death is most certainly a universal experience - and E-W placed it in a truly universal context. Is that so surprising?
   The Jungian commentary appended to the first ed. of this text has also come in for criticism (some editions now delete it). But Jung had something - when suggesting that we ought to read the TBD 'BACKWARDS' - to understand the difficulties modern minds get into - when trying to approach such territory. Still, as E-W points out, late medieval Western culture had a similar perspective on death. It was part of life, we similarly understood the need to 'live our dying' - and the need to 'die-in-life' to find the greater spiritual life. There are chapels in Europe, constructed entirely of human bones. It looks morbid to modern people - but, in fact, it signified a triumph over death. Death is the greatest adventure. Whatever we may be doing, death is the ultimate destination that awaits us. Many European cathedrals have a 'memento mori' - an image of death, saying: "I was as you are;as I am, so shall ye be. " Will you be able to pay the ferryman - when the boat comes?



3. This is not the Richard Gere "pop Buddhism" approach. This is the work of an English academic in the early 20th Century, as he uncovers an "Oriental" classic for a Western audience. Evans-Wentz even brings Carl Jung into the picture for the Westerners, as Jung's psychology was "New School" at the time and offered a sublime link between Oriental and Occidental thinking. I hold this book in the highest regard, not because it is a mystical Buddhist text, but rather because it offers tips for daily living and and self-actualization. As with most quality philosophical doctrines, this book is a paradox...a book of the dead that is really an abstract book for the living, regardless of religion or nationality. It is a refreshing and enlightening break from an increasingly fundamental world.



4. This is the original "Tibetan Book of the Dead". All other versions are a toned-down version of this work by different authors who want to accommodate people who do not want to put the work in. You need to put the work in. No one can spoon-feed this kind of wisdom to you.

   The Tibetan Book of the Dead is an extremely authoritative translation of the original texts of the "Bardo Thodol" by Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdup who schooled W.Y.Evans-Wentz in Tibetan Buddhism. The book is an extremely important piece of work for both the scholars of psychology and religion, and the lay person who has the time to spend working on it. The book is also the reality behind the "Necronomicon" which has been popularized by fiction writers, such a H.P.Lovecraft, but has been completely taken out of its true context.

   To begin with, this book is a beautiful book once you truly understand the message that it is trying to convey to the reader - or more correctly, when the reader correctly understands the message that is being conveyed. It has a primordial air to it and is certainly ancient in its wisdom and understanding. The book was translated in the early 1900s and was first published in 1927. Be warned - this book is exceptionally difficult to read because the standard of grammar used is of the highest acumen humanly possibly. Evans-Wentz was a Doctor of Literature, a Doctor of Science and a Master of Arts. If you don't have a full size Oxford dictionary, then you will have trouble reading it. There is also a difficulty in the translation. There are many Tibetan words that do not exist in English so Evans-Wentz sometimes derives a more descriptive meaning behind the message that is trying to be communicated to the reader. Dr. C.G. Jung has written an introduction at the start of the book which is mostly concerned about explaining the Tibetan meaning of the words "Soul" and "Mind". It is for reasons like these that the book requires multiple readings to fully absorb the information that is being presented. So what exactly is The Tibetan Book of the Dead? It is a corpus with several teachings. Tibetan Buddhist monks believe that if you understand the meaning of death then you will understand the meaning the life. It expounds in detail on the illusions of the human mind and gives a context for working out many questions that are philosophical and spiritual in nature.

   The book is essentially split into three parts. The first part has introductions from various students of theology, psychology and Buddhism. Evans-Wentz then explains the nature of the book and gives a rough breakdown of what we will find in the "Bardo Thodol" and how it is used to help the dead find their way to Nirvana during the after-death ceremonies (like an Irish wake) but also how the book can be used as a guide for the living, which is its true intended purpose. The middle part of the book is the "Bardo Thodol" translated directly into English and third part covers the topic of Buddhism in general with references to the different schools of thought and Christianity.

   The middle part of the book, the actual "Bardo Thodol", is split into three parts. There is an introduction at the start which explains the entry into the "Chikhai Bardo", the first of the Bardo regions that one automatically enters at the point of death. Then there is the second phase of the "Bardo Thodol", the "Chonyid Bardo" before the final phase of the "Bardo Thodol" the "Sidpa Bardo". Essentially these three areas can be explained as - the moment of death and the dawning of the light or nirvana, the karmic illusions of worldly things and finally the rebirth process. However do not think that this means that everybody is reborn or that Tibetans/Buddhists take reincarnation literally. It is all part of a thinking puzzle. You have got to work out things for yourself. There are hidden meanings in there. You must compare the different concepts in this book to find out what it really means! Question the "Bardo Thodol". Question what it teaches! Question what it says about itself!

   The Bardo Thodol is a technical and thoroughly scientific examination of consciousness that is still highly regarded as one of the most logical and controlled methods of understanding the mind and its relation to the world of phenomena. At first glance the book may seem horrid, uncanny and evoke a fear by the mere mention of the word "death", but this is a book about the living, dedicated to life and expounds on some of the most important questions that man can ask himself. It is extremely satisfying and worthy of repetitive readings. There is a pile of footnotes to help guide you through each page.

   Enormously recommended! ! ! !

   (As a side note Evans-Wentz wrote several other books to follow up on this one. They should be read in the following order - (1)The Tibetan Book of the Dead, (2) Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa, (3)Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines and (4)The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation.)




5. First published in 1927. Translated by LAMA KAZI DAWA-SAMDUP. Edited by Dr. W.Y Evans-Wentz, formerly of Jesus College, Oxford who spent the rest of his life dedicating himself to following the teachings of this very translation. This writer is the one who first produced the teachings of 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead' to occident man in the west. It still remains the definitive edition to this day. The book also has many footnotes and an important lengthy introduction by C.G. Jung to introduce the occident mind to the nature of the book. The footnotes are the helping hand in reading and understanding the text.

   This is a book about the raw mind. It may take you many lifetimes to understand. You may understand it after the first reading. There are no devices, tools, sects, schools or Gods used to get you there. This is a book about your mind. The mind is the only device you should need along with the book to bring you to the understanding of - knowing the nature of reality. Then when you are done with the book pass it on and use the only tool that this book expounds on. The mind.

   I have not even attempted to read anything else since I found this book. That is because it is definitive. The book only needs your mind. Nothing else. That is why this book is THE definitive book of the mind. Christians should not be afraid of this book in any way shape or form. It is good natured, good willing and does nothing more than help expand your goodness.

   It is through the book of the dead that you will learn the book of life.

   As the recently deceased Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, of Tiruvannamalai, South India, admonished Evans-Wentz when he sojourned in his ashram he said - "Each of you should ask yourself, 'who, or what, am I?' Why am I here incarnate? Whither I am destined? Why is there birth and why is there death?'"

   This book has never been equaled by any other book. And I am not just talking about within the confines of theology.

   This is THE book.

3 comments about Heavenly Creatures The Story of God's Love for His Animals and All of Creation..

1. Do animals go to Heaven? Read this book and find out!
   
   The book has selected Biblical passages, (which are conveniently provided in the text), with logical discussion following each passage. Although scholarly, the book is not pedantic. On the contrary, it is written in a clear, conversational voice which will appeal to anyone from the 8th grade to 80 years old. This book is pure joy to read, if for no other reason then to see how a book should be written: the book is spare with its words while using impeccible logic to guide the reader to understand the relationships of God, mankind, and animals. Sprinkled throughout the book are wonderful short stories, poems, and lyrics; the story of Ivan Tergenieff haunts me in its poignancy. The Critter Hall of Fame is a chapter of witty, upbeat, short stories focusing on various animals with scriptural references; my favorite is Lazybones, (I have a new appreciation for ants). In the chapter, How Different Are We? the reader finds a concise list of the scriptural-based similarities between mankind and animals.
   
   Do animals go to heaven? Read this book to understand why the answer is a resounding YES.



2. Heavenly Creatures is a wonderful book for anyone who has ever lost a pet or wants to know if animals go to Heaven. The answer is YES you will see your friends again in Heaven.
   
   I purchased Heavenly Creatures a few months after Casey our dog of 8yrs died of cancer, my husband and I were devestated, it felt like we had lost a daughter, we are both Christians and wanted scripture from the Bible reassuring us that we would see Casey again in Heaven. This book gave us the reassurance we were looking for. It begins with Genesis and continues through Revelation, it reveals through scripture God's plan and love for all his creation. Heavenly Creatures is beautifully written and Dee Ann's love for animals is evident in her book. It has helped us so much in our grief. We still miss Casey very much but we know we will see her again one day in Heaven and we look forward to that day.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone grieving the loss of a pet, it will give you blessed assurance that you will be with them again in Heaven.
   
   In the Preface part of Heavenly Creatures the Author Dee Ann's prayer is that her book will soothe grieving hearts and offer hope to all who miss, beyond measure, their loving companions. Dee Ann, your prayer has been answered for me and my husband. Thanks and God Bless You for a wonderful book.



3. This book was written with great love of God and His creatures. The pslams and bible versuses tied the author's beliefs together in a very convincing way. I truly enjoyed reading the book and marked pages I reread.

1 comments about Solace of Solitude: Afterlife Visits: A Journey.

1. In her latest book, Solace of Solitude, Janice Gray Kolb shares with us her intensely personal experience with grief caused by the death of her beloved pet. She also gives recommendations on how to deal with, and eventually overcome, grief.
   
   We cannot control our reactions to death and everyone grieves in a different way. However, whether we lose a parent or a beloved pet, the overwhelming feeling of loss can be the same. Jan advocates a series of exercises to perform which can help us to transform our depression and grief into more positive energy. We can then channel that energy into something that eases our pain.
   
   For example, she suggests a walk in the woods to experience the sights, sounds and smells of God's creatures. Being along in a quiet place such as a wooded area can provide the solitude needed for prayer and meditation so necessary to heal the soul.
   Spend time alone thinking about your deceased loved one, and keep a journal to help you remember everyday details of his or her life. Writing down your thoughts during a difficult time can be a wonderful way to connect to the loved one for whom you grieve so deeply.
   
   Some suggestions even allow us to bring comfort to others while healing our own souls.
   Jan recommends giving someone close to you a gift - a simple gift of love for no particular occasion. Often, their happiness on receiving an unexpected present will lift your own spirits. Seeing happiness in the face of a friend cannot help but be contagious, and even if only for a short period of time, will lighten your spirit and you will end up feeling more peaceful. It provides consolation and will help your grief to dissipate or diminish.
   
   Each of her recommendations on its own could provide solace, but taken together, they are a formidable tool in a person's fight to overcome grief. Performing the exercises suggested can afford an inner strength to people grieving the loss of a loved one.
   
   As Jan says, grief does not get better, but it does get different. We should strive for acceptance, but not necessarily closure. This book should be used by grief therapists as a handbook for anyone suffering the loss of a loved one.

1 comments about Sweet Reunions.

1. A wonderful experience! Immediately after finishing the book I got five more copies to send to my dearest friends and family. In this slim volume the author begins with a discussion of the impact that losing a pet can have on its devoted owner; she illustrates this with annecdotes to which I felt an immediate connection. She goes on to provide an historical perspective on the development of the human/animal relationshop, and follows that with a facinating examination of the evolution of several major world religions and schools of thought. She finishes with practical and comforting suggestions to help the reader both work through the grief that losing an "animal companion" induces, and look forward to a hopeful future where in the next life we are reunited with our precious pets. The section entitled "Hope" beginning on page 50 was so joyfully vivid - read this first and you'll be instantly hooked! Her gentle pace and comforting, practical, thought-provoking delivery makes this an easy read. I'd love to see a follow-up book with a more in-depth discussion on the development of different religions tenets with respect to animals.

No comments about The age of anxiety; As pets get older, vision, hearing loss will affect behaviour.(Special Section 5): An article from: Winnipeg Free Press.

No comments about Tiger, the autobiography of a cat.

No comments about Support for bereaved owners of pets.: An article from: Perspectives in Psychiatric Care.

No comments about Canine Loss Spurs New Law.(Brief Article): An article from: State Legislatures.

No comments about Pet loss: implications for social work practice.(PRACTICE UPDATE): An article from: Social Work.