The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners

“Lhanang and Levine successfully boil down complicated Buddhist concepts without sacrificing depth or talking down to readers, who will appreciate the unpretentious guidance, prayers, and meditation suggestions.” –Publishers Weekly“The book ably demystifies concepts that seem esoteric, taking a peaceful approach to a subject that sometimes causes anxiety while corroborating Western notions of the phases of dying.” –Foreword

“This book is a gentle, thoroughgoing guide, which includes compelling explanations of karma, selfhood, and consciousness, as well as practices, drawn from the original text and tested across generations, which help us embrace the unknown.” –Lion’s Roar

“…this is an excellent primer.” –Spirituality & Practice

“Lama Lhanang Rinpoche and Mordy Levine have written a gracious, elegant book that illuminates the renowned Tibetan Book of the Dead in simple yet profound language perfectly tailored for contemporary readers. They uncover the wisdom of the great Tibetan enlightened master Padmasambhava’s teachings on how to live, how to approach inevitable death, and how to help loved ones facing death. Both new and experienced practitioners will find this book provides an opportunity for transformation and growth.” –Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, author of Our Pristine Mind

“The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners is an absolute treasure. It is a thorough, concise introduction to the classic work. It contains practical guidance on what to expect and how to care for loved ones and one’s self at the time of transition.” –Bridgette Shea, LAc, MAcOM, author of Handbook of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda

“The Tibetan Book of the Dead is a profound Buddhist text. It offers us a timeless wisdom that guides on how to live with joy and die with peace. This new book elucidates this ancient text in clear, contemporary language that makes it practical and applicable for people today. May it bring about insight into a deeper meaning of life to whoever reads it.” –Anam Thubten, author of Choosing Compassion

“This book is a practical beginners’ guide that prepares all of us–no matter what culture or religion, at home or in hospital–for the eventual dying process. Personal intention and practice to develop wisdom and compassion in life are keys to dying as we have lived. In our dying process we can create good karma moving forward with our evolving consciousness.” –Dr. Lobsang Dhondup, founder and director of Tibetan Healing Center

“This is a joyful book, offering an option to not shy away from the natural process of dying while remembering to celebrate every moment of life along the way. May its merits pervade everywhere.” –Al Zolynas, Zen teacher

“An accessible book that offers many practical suggestions to those supporting those dying and to those who are dying themselves. I especially appreciated the section on cultivating compassion, which necessarily includes self-compassion.” –Bob Isaacson, cofounder, president, and CEO of Dharma Voices for Animals

A Spirituality & Practice Best Spiritual Book of 2023

Venerable Lama Lhanang Rinpoche is a teacher of Vajrayana Buddhism of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in Tibet, he currently directs the Jigme Lingpa Center in San Diego and teaches throughout the United States and internationally.

Mordy Levine is president of the Jigme Lingpa Center and creator of the Meditation Pro Series that has taught meditation to more than 250,000 people.