Sanskrit Sangha Book Club presents: The Tibetan Book of the Dead — Fremantle and Trungpa

We will be diving into a classic of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the first texts of traditional Vajrayana practice translated into English: The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Said to be composed in the 7th or 8th century by Padmasambhava, it is known in Tibetan as Bardo Thödol, which translates to “liberation through hearing during the intermediate state” and describes what happens to human consciousness during the bardo—the transitional state between death and the next rebirth.

This liturgical masterpiece, considered a “terma” text or “hidden jewel” was lost and then rediscovered in the 14th century by Karma Lingpa and much later it was translated into the English-language by Walter Evans-Wentz in 1927, who titled the work “The Tibetan Book of the Dead” because he saw similarities to the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Since, it has inspired countless musical, cinematic, and literary works including Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert’s (Ram Dass) guide for LSD trips: The Psychedelic Experience (1964) and was even fundamental for Jung’s own system of psychology.

Joli (@dailyritualyoga), a long-time meditator, teacher, and scholar of Indic studies including Buddhism, will lead the discussion and share some of the historical underpinnings and philosophical frameworks that permeate the book, using The Tibetan Book of the Dead as a gateway to Tibetan Buddhism, esoteric practice and as an opportunity for contemplation and self-reflection. We will discuss the symbolism, context, and relevant practices as well as discuss key concepts such as samsara, karma, and moksha.

THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD — Fremantle and Trungpa

Reading & Meeting Schedule

Meeting 1:

• DATES TBD

Helpful Links/ Resources for Free Copies

• Free Book Download via archive.org
  

Other Versions of Tibetan Book of the Dead

• First Translation with Commentary by Dalai Lama

• Edited by Evans-Wentz

• Edited by Evans-Wentz, downloadable

Questions? Send a DM to @sanskritsangha on Instagram or email info@dailyritualyoga.com

Sanskrit Sangha book club focuses on Indic literature and novels with themes of Indic philosophy. Follow on Instagram for book club updates and events.