Tibetan Book of the Dead

In September 1979, at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Bhante taught a seminar on Trungpa Rimpoche’s introduction to Francesca Fremantle’s translation of the text. The seminar was focused on Trungpa’s presentation, thereby giving Bhante the opportunity to point out the many dangers of reducing the Dharma to psychological terms, however well-meaning the attempt to make it more accessible. Nonetheless, those present got a very thorough grounding in the structure and import of the text itself. In addition, Bhante has dealt with topics arising from the Book of the Dead in a number of lectures and writings. It seems that it had a very important place in his own spiritual life, reflecting his firm conviction in the Buddha’s own teaching of ‘again becoming’ or rebirth.

This retreat will explore the principal themes of the text, in the light of Bhante’s presentation, both through exposition and discussion and through meditation and ritual. In this way, we hope that everyone attending will have the opportunity to enter into the spiritual world of the text and to see its relevance in their present experience and to their perspective on life and death.

Retreat Resources at bottom of page.

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