I like the evanswentz interpretation best of the 3. Evanswentz, which had started the misnomer, the tibetan book of the. The liberation through hearing during the intermediate state standard tibetan. The tibetan book of the dead or the afterdeath experiences on the bardo. Book from the archaeological survey of india central archaeological library, new delhi. The book written by detlef ingo lauf is a necessary addition to the information, presented in the tibetan book of the dead. What is the best translation of the tibetan book of the dead in your eyes. This version of the tibetan book of the dead aldous huxley. In fact, lopez argues, evans wentz s book is much more american than tibetan. The tibetan book of the dead or the afterdeath experiences on the bardo plane, according to lama kazi dawasamdups english rendering compiled and edited by w.
He spent many years in the high himalaya and commissioned a translation of what he was to title the tibetan book of the dead from a tibetan who taught at a boys school. Evanswentz 18781965, formerly of jesus college, oxford, studied occult doctrines extensively in india during the early years of the twentieth century. This version of the tibetan book of the dead aldous. I would say that the evans wentz translation is by far the best. As a side note evanswentz wrote several other books to follow up on this one. During the seminar he used a tibetan text, while the audience followed in the evans wentz edition. In fact, lopez argues, evanswentzs book is much more american than tibetan. Such attainment can happen, as shown here, by means of knowing the one mind, the cosmic allconsciousness, without recourse to the postures, breathings. The tibetan book of the dead has its origins in the treasure texts said to have been hidden away by padmasambhava, the lotus guru, in tibet in the 8th century ad so that they could be revealed at an appropriate later time.
Tibetan book of the dead article about tibetan book of the. The guru hid his books in stones, lakes, and pillars because the tibetans of that day and age were somehow unprepared for their teachings. The book is a deep survey of buddhist and prebuddhist relations teachings, which attributed to the buddhist concepts of death and dying. Evanswentz coined the title because of parallels he found with the writings of the egyptian book of the dead. It is often referred to in the west by the more casual title, tibetan book of the dead, a name which draws a parallel with the ancient egyptian. The tibetan book of the great liberation or, the method of realizing nirvana through knowing the mind is the last of four books in the tibetan series, where the tibetan book of the dead, is the first book of the series which describes buddhist philosophy, psychology and. Evans wentz, an oxford professor, produced a number of original studies on tibetan buddhism from the 1930s to the 1960s, which went through several editions. Questions about the translation and style of expression continually came up, and as a result of these questions it was. The tibetan book of the dead has a wonderful story, and in this fascinating and charming little book, donald lopez reveals himself to be a wonderful storyteller. Enjoy reading 354 pages by starting download or read online the tibetan book of the dead. The guru hid his books in stones, lakes, and pillars because the tibetans of that day and. Get your kindle here, or download a free kindle reading app.
This translation of the tibetan book of the dead emphasizes the practical advice that the book offers to the living. Evanswentzs book has been so influential it is surprising to learn that he translated only three chapters of the original work which, it. Evans wentz in imitation of the egyptian book of the dead. Book from the archaeological survey of indiacentral archaeological library, new delhibook number. Tibetan yoga and secret doctrines second edition seven books of wisdom of the great path arranged and edited by w. The tibetan book of the dead is one of the texts that, according to legend, padmasambhava was compelled to hide during his visit to tibet in the late 8th century. The tibetan book of the dead was first published in 1927 by oxford university press, london. I took the liberty of remastering audiobook for personal use. All four books assume the undifferentiated dichotomy of the materialist west and the mystic east, an east that holds the secret to the wests. Evanswentz with a new foreword and afterword by donald s. Armstrong his teachings focused on the incredible human. The paperback and hardcover editions of the book contain extensive notes by evanswentz about the conclusions he drew from the. As a contribution to the science of death and of rebirth, it is unique among the sacred books of the world.
The book acts as a guide for the dead during the state that intervenes between death. Walter evanswentz 1878 1965 was an american anthropologist who was deeply interested in religion. Sep 24, 2010 the tibetan book of the great liberation or, the method of realizing nirvana through knowing the mind is the last of four books in the tibetan series, where the tibetan book of the dead, is the first book of the series which describes buddhist philosophy, psychology and metaphysics. There are contemporary translations that are said to be better. What is the best translation of the tibetan book of the dead. Eastern initiation experiences, though one is perfectly free, if one chooses, to. Also known as the bardo thodol, this famous tibetan death text was originally written in the tibetan language and is meant to be a guide for those who have died as they transition from their former life to a new destination. Request title says it all looking to make an effort in reading this classic and want to get the best experience possible. A biography this smart, entertaining introduction to the tibetan book of the dead is a real delight. Free 14day trial to any nook magazine or newspaper. The tibetan book of the dead audiobook narrated by richard gere 2008. A companion to the unique tibetan book of the dead gb 39, which the late dr. Evans wentz, although a product of our century, seems to have originated in another age. It takes time, effort, and a particular frame of mind, to truly get to grips with the text.
Nov 27, 2019 most of the accessible englishlanguage translations of the bardo thodol only include chapter 11, the liberation upon hearing. During the seminar he used a tibetan text, while the audience followed in the evanswentz edition. Evanswentz, an oxford professor, produced a number of original studies on tibetan buddhism from the 1930s to the 1960s, which went through several editions. The paperback of the the tibetan book of the dead by w. The four books in their old editions are already burdened with numerous prefaces, commentaries, and introductions, causing one to wonder what another preface could possibly add. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. The tibetan book of the great liberation download free pdf. The tibetan book of the dead is an important document that has stood the test of time and attempts to provide answers to one of mankinds greatest questions. Apr 04, 2012 the tibetan book of the dead or the bardo thodol is the english translation of the famous tibetan death text, the great liberation upon hearing in the intermediate state. Not a single tibetan does not dream and pray to be free and independent of. The tibetan book of the dead project gutenberg self. The tibetan book of the dead, whose actual title is the great liberation upon hearing in the intermediate state or bardo thodol, is traditionally believed to be the work of the legendary padma sambhava in the 8th century a. These are the introduction by evanswentz himself, the distinguished translatoreditor of four treatises on tibetan mysticism.
Like to the north and south in the golden glow of a september twilight we saw the long line of the outer hebrides like the rocky backbone of some submerged continent. Or, the afterdeath experiences on the bardo plane, according to lama kazi dawasamdups english rendering galaxy books and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. The tibetan book of dead has taken it to be a very free translation of bardo thodol liberation by hearing on the after death plane is among the sacred book of the world. Evanswentz in imitation of the egyptian book of the dead. Pdf the tibetan book of the dead download read online. Walter yeeling evans wentz february 2, 1878 july 17, 1965 was an american anthropologist and writer who was a pioneer in the study of tibetan buddhism, and in transmission of tibetan buddhism to the western world, most known for publishing an early english translation of the tibetan book of the dead in 1927. The texts have been discovered and rediscovered in the west during the course of almost the entire 20th century, starting with oxfords edition by w. They should be read in the following order 1the tibetan book of the dead, 2 tibets great yogi milarepa, 3tibetan yoga and secret doctrines and 4the tibetan book of the great liberation.
I would say that the evanswentz translation is by far the best. In 2007, the history channel released a documentary film, tibetan book of the dead. Tibetan book of the dead evanswentz tibetan verses of the bardo the invocation tibetan book of the dead houston i tibetan book of the dead houston ii. History article bardo thodol the tibetan book of the dead public domain pdf ebook. Now, in the form of the everpopular tibetan book of the dead, these teachings are constantly being discovered and rediscovered by western readers of many different backgroundsa phenomenon which began in 1927 with oxfords first edition of dr. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device. The tibetan book of the great liberation or the method of realizing nirvana through knowing the mind. The tibetan book of the dead ebook summary download. As a teenager, he read madame blavatskys isis unveiled and the secret doctrine and became interested in the teachings of theosophy. Bardo thodol means liberation by hearing on the after death plane, it was originally written in tibetan and is meant to be a guide for those who. Download the tibetan book of the dead free pdf ebook holy books. The tibetan book of the dead w y evanswentz haftad. Evans wentz ebook by summum foreword this book is the.
Jul 22, 2015 the tibetan book of the dead audiobook narrated by richard gere 2008. The tibetan book of the dead, tibets great yogi milarepa, tibetan yoga and secret doctrines,and the tibetan book of the great liberation. Jul 01, 2009 walter evans wentz 1878 1965 was an american anthropologist who was deeply interested in religion. There is a pile of footnotes to help guide you through each page. Most of the accessible englishlanguage translations of the bardo thodol only include chapter 11, the liberation upon hearing. Now, in the form of the everpopular tibetan book of the dead, these teachings are constantly being discovered and rediscovered by western readers of many different backgroundsa phenomenon which began in 1927 with oxfords. The actual name in tibetan is bardo todrol chenmo, which means the great liberation through hearing in the between. You can take from it what you need, or take all of it, and make of it what you will. The tibetan book of the dead shambhala publications. The texts have been discovered and rediscovered in the west during the course of almost the entire 20th century, starting with oxfords edition by w y evans. Topics tibetan buddhism, buddhism collection opensource language english.
His tetralogy of works on yoga is a pioneering achievement that contributed to the introduction of tibetan buddhism in the west. Many consider evans wentz to have been very passionate about the subject matter, but did not understand it as well as we do now given that his translations came about at a time when the wests relationship with the teachings was still in its infancy. Download the tibetan book of the dead free pdf ebook online. Such attainment can happen, as shown here, by means of knowing the one mind, the cosmic allconsciousness, without recourse to the. These are the introduction by evans wentz himself, the distinguished translatoreditor of four treatises on tibetan mysticism. The central character in this story is walter evanswentz 18781965, an eccentric scholar and spiritual seeker from trenton, new jersey, who, despite not knowing the tibetan language and never visiting the country, crafted and named the tibetan book of the dead. Evans wentz s book has been so influential it is surprising to learn that he translated only three chapters of the original work which, it turns out, is not even. The tibetan book of the great liberation, which was unknown to the western world until its first publication in 1954, speaks to the quintessence of the supreme path, or mahayana, and fully reveals the yogic method of attaining enlightenment. Evanswentz, the tibetan book of the dead or the afterdeath experiences on the bardo plane. What is the best english translation of the tibetan book. Download the tibetan book of the dead free pdf ebook. The tibetan book of the dead is one of the texts that, according to legend.
The bardo thodol commonly known in the west as the tibetan book of the dead, is a text from. Many consider evanswentz to have been very passionate about the subject matter, but did not understand it as well as we do now given that his translations came about at a time when the wests relationship with the teachings was. Tibetan book of the dead evans wentz tibetan verses of the bardo the invocation tibetan book of the dead houston i tibetan book of the dead houston ii. Evans wentz seven authentic tibetan yoga texts, almost unknown to the occidental world until their first publication in english in 1935, are now available in this galaxy book edition. The tibetan book of the dead or the bardo thodol is the english translation of the famous tibetan death text, the great liberation upon hearing in the intermediate state. His tetralogy of works on yoga is a pioneering achievement that contributed to the introduction of. Interviews with tibetan lamas, american scholars, and practicing buddhists. Rinpoche, gave a seminar entitled the tibetan book of the dead, which is included here as a commentary. Mar 11, 2011 the tibetan book of the dead has a wonderful story, and in this fascinating and charming little book, donald lopez reveals himself to be a wonderful storyteller. Full text of the tibetan book of the dead internet archive. I have read the tibetan book of the dead, but i havent. The central character in this story is walter evans wentz 18781965, an eccentric scholar and spiritual seeker from trenton, new jersey, who, despite not knowing the tibetan language and never visiting the country, crafted and named the tibetan book of the dead.
Evanswentz seven authentic tibetan yoga texts, almost unknown to the occidental world until their first publication in english in 1935, are now available in this galaxy book edition. The tibetan buddhists have the tibetan book of the dead. Tibetan book of the dead article about tibetan book of. The title tibetan book of the dead was coined by the american editor w.