by W. Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., D.Litt., B.Sc.

With Foreword by Sir John Woodroffe

London: Oxford University Press

1936

First Edition, Second Impression

Octavo, xliv, 248 pages, publisher's original gilt lettered and decorated green cloth covered boards. Top edge gilt. Illustrated in black and white. Some minor rubbing and wear, occasional scattered foxing, minor rubbing, else in very good condition.

"The Tibetan Book of the Dead," or "Bardo Thodol," is a revered text in Tibetan Buddhism that serves as a guide for navigating the transition from life to death and the subsequent journey through the bardo, the intermediate state between death and rebirth. Traditionally read aloud to the dying or deceased, the book offers detailed instructions and vivid imagery to help the consciousness recognize and navigate the stages of the bardo. These stages include encountering the clear light of reality, facing peaceful and wrathful deities that symbolize aspects of the mind, and ultimately seeking rebirth. Rich in symbolic content and profound spiritual teachings, the text emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation for death, viewing the bardo as a critical opportunity for achieving enlightenment or securing a favorable rebirth. Deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and Buddhist philosophy, "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" provides valuable insights into the nature of consciousness, the process of dying, and the potential for liberation, making it a significant work in both religious and philosophical contexts.

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