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Buddhists/Tibetan Book of the Dead

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Expert: - 11/18/2009


Question
Hello

I have read that various great thinkers throughout history have regarded the tibetan book of the dead very hightly. I would like to read it, but there are so many translations.

Could you recommend which one, or a few?

Thanks
Husain

Answer
Promoting Buddhism and Meditation Practice - Talks and Teachings Archive http://www.knowbuddhism.info

Dear Hussain,

Dr. Walter Evans-Wentz made the first translation of the book in 1927. The book was believed to have originally been written by Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and regarded by many as the reincarnation of Buddha himself.

Before you read the translation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, I would suggest you read a more modern interpretation of the text. The book is called 'The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying' by Sogyal Rinpoche which also provides a good introduction to Tibetan Buddhism itself.

There are many translations of the original text. Many believe Dr. Walter Evans-Wentz translation remains the best. I have not read all of the translations myself but I would again urge you to read the book by Sogyal Rinpoche before embarking on the original translation as this may help prevent a world of confusion later.

I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me again.

Yours in Dhamma
JC Ball
http://www.knowbuddhism.info

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James Chen Ball is the founder of the Buddhism IS Community Forum and Know Buddhism Blog. His primary focus is promoting Meditation practise through his websites and establishing an active Buddhist social community on the Internet. James' approach to Buddhism is intuitive and you will rarely find him referring to Sutras or similar ancient Buddhist texts but rather his words come from experience and a natural grasp of Buddhism. A long-time lay practitioner and student of Buddhism who has lived and studied as a lay monastic in all of the three major traditions of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan/Vajrayana) practicing alongside Bhikku's and studying under Monks such as Ajahn Sumedho and H.E Lopon Tenzin Jigme Rinpoche III. I am happy to receive any question you have on the vast topic of Buddhism and will endeavor to give you a clear and honest answer where possible.

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I am a long-time lay practitioner and student of Buddhism for over 14 years. I have lived as a lay monastic in many monasteries around the world studying and practicing alongside the Sangha.

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