Summary

In "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying," Sogyal Rinpoche presents the Tibetan Buddhist perspective on life, death, and the intermediate states known as bardos. Drawing from ancient wisdom and personal experiences, Rinpoche offers guidance on how to live a meaningful life, prepare for death, and navigate the bardos after death. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of mind, practicing compassion, and preparing for death not as an end but as a transition to another stage of existence.

The book is divided into four parts. Part One, "Living," explores the nature of impermanence, the importance of reflecting on death, and the nature of mind. It introduces meditation as a means to uncover the true nature of mind, and discusses karma, rebirth, and the different bardos. Rinpoche shares his childhood experiences with death and his master's guidance on helping the dying. He also provides instructions on meditation, including mindfulness, using an object, mantra recitation, and watching the breath.

Part Two, "Dying," offers practical advice on how to help those who are dying. Rinpoche emphasizes the importance of open communication, showing unconditional love, and providing spiritual care. He explains the Tibetan Buddhist practices for helping the dying, including the transference of consciousness (phowa).

Part Three, "Death and Rebirth," delves into the different bardos after death, including the bardo of dharmata and the bardo of becoming. It describes the experiences and challenges one may encounter in these bardos, and the practices to help navigate them. Rinpoche explains the signs of different realms of existence and how to choose a favorable rebirth. He discusses how to help those who have died, including performing the phowa practice, offering prayers, and making offerings.

Part Four concludes the book with a vision of the universal process of life, death, and rebirth. Rinpoche links the bardo teachings to the nature of mind and creativity. He calls for a quiet revolution in how we approach death and dying, and urges readers to become servants of peace, working to transform themselves and the world through wisdom and compassion.