Tibetan Rituals of Death

Tibetan Rituals of Death PDF Author: Margaret Gouin
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136959173
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description
This book describes and analyses the structure and performance of Tibetan Buddhist death rituals, and situates that performance within the wider context of Buddhist death practices generally. Drawing on a detailed and systematic comparative survey of existing records of Tibetan funerary practices, including historical travel accounts, anthropological and ethnographic literature, Tibetan texts and academic studies, it demonstrates that there is no standard form of funeral in Tibetan Buddhism, although certain elements are common. The structure of the book follows the twin trajectories of benefiting the deceased and protecting survivors; in the process, it reveals a rich and complex panoply of activities, some handled by religious professionals and others by lay persons. This information is examined to identify similarities and differences in practices, and the degree to which Tibetan Buddhist funeral practices are consistent with the mortuary rituals of other forms of Buddhism. A number of elements in these death rites which at first appear to be unique to Tibetan Buddhism may only be ‘Tibetan’ in their surface characteristics, while having roots in practices which pre-date the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet. Filling a gap in the existing literature on Tibetan Buddhism, this book poses research challenges that will engage future scholars in the field of Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Anthropology.

Tibetan Rituals of Death

Tibetan Rituals of Death PDF Author: Margaret Gouin
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136959173
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description
This book describes and analyses the structure and performance of Tibetan Buddhist death rituals, and situates that performance within the wider context of Buddhist death practices generally. Drawing on a detailed and systematic comparative survey of existing records of Tibetan funerary practices, including historical travel accounts, anthropological and ethnographic literature, Tibetan texts and academic studies, it demonstrates that there is no standard form of funeral in Tibetan Buddhism, although certain elements are common. The structure of the book follows the twin trajectories of benefiting the deceased and protecting survivors; in the process, it reveals a rich and complex panoply of activities, some handled by religious professionals and others by lay persons. This information is examined to identify similarities and differences in practices, and the degree to which Tibetan Buddhist funeral practices are consistent with the mortuary rituals of other forms of Buddhism. A number of elements in these death rites which at first appear to be unique to Tibetan Buddhism may only be ‘Tibetan’ in their surface characteristics, while having roots in practices which pre-date the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet. Filling a gap in the existing literature on Tibetan Buddhism, this book poses research challenges that will engage future scholars in the field of Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Anthropology.

Tibetan Rituals of Death

Tibetan Rituals of Death PDF Author: Margaret E. Gouin
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 0415566363
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description
This book centres on funeral rituals in Tibetan Buddhism with particular emphasis on their structure and performance. Drawing on historical travel literature, anthropological studies and ethnographic literature, as well as Tibetan texts and existing academic studies, the book describes and analyses Tibetan Buddhist funeral rituals from the earliest available records up to the present. It demonstrates that there is no standard form of funeral in Tibetan Buddhism, although certain elements are shared.The structure of the book follows the twin trajectories of benefit and protection, and in the process reveals a rich and complex panoply of activities, some handled by religious professionals and others by lay persons. Many rituals take place between death and disposal of the body.In addition to providing detailed information on these various activities, the book analyses the information to identify commonalities and differences in practices. The degree to which Tibetan Buddhist funeral practices are consistent with the mortuary rituals of other forms of Buddhism is also discussed, as are the elements that appear to be specific to Tibetan practice. The author suggests that a number of elements in these death rituals which at first glance appear to be unique to Tibetan Buddhism may only be ‘Tibetan' in their surface characteristics, while having roots in practices which pre-date the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet.

Living in the Face of Death

Living in the Face of Death PDF Author: Glenn H. Mullin
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1559393106
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description
Whereas Western society views death as the last taboo, the Tibetan tradition incorporates meditation on death into everyday life. Tibetan Buddhists believe that a conscious awareness of one's own impermanence allows a person to live a happy, fulfilled life. Over the centuries, the Tibetans have developed a wide-ranging literature on death, including inspirational poetry and prose, prayers, and practical works on caring for the dying. This fascinating book presents nine short Tibetan texts. Important writings by the Second, Seventh, and Thirteenth Dalai Lamas and by Karma Lingpa, author of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, are included. It covers topics such as meditation techniques to prepare for death, inspirational accounts of the deaths of saints and yogis, and methods for training the mind in the transference of consciousness at the time of death.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead

The Tibetan Book of the Dead PDF Author: Walter Yeeling Evans-Wentz
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description


The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying

The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying PDF Author: Sogyal Rinpoche
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1448116953
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 468

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Book Description
25th Anniversary Edition Over 3 Million Copies Sold 'I couldn't give this book a higher recommendation' BILLY CONNOLLY Written by the Buddhist meditation master and popular international speaker Sogyal Rinpoche, this highly acclaimed book clarifies the majestic vision of life and death that underlies the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It includes not only a lucid, inspiring and complete introduction to the practice of meditation, but also advice on how to care for the dying with love and compassion, and how to bring them help of a spiritual kind. But there is much more besides in this classic work, which was written to inspire all who read it to begin the journey to enlightenment and so become 'servants of peace'.

Sky Burial

Sky Burial PDF Author: Xinran
Publisher: Vintage Canada
ISBN: 0307366278
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
In 2002 Xinran’s Good Women of China became an international bestseller, revealing startling new truths about Chinese life to the West. Now she returns with an epic story of love, friendship, courage and sacrifice set in Chinese-occupied Tibet. Based on a true story, Xinran’s extraordinary second book takes the reader right to the hidden heart of one of the world’s most mysterious and inaccessible countries. In March 1958, Shu Wen learns that her husband, an idealistic army doctor, has died while serving in Tibet. Determined to find out what happened to him, she courageously sets off to join his regiment. But to her horror, instead of finding a Tibetan people happily welcoming their Chinese “liberators” as she expected, she walks into a bloody conflict, with the Chinese subject to terrifying attacks from Tibetan guerrillas. It seems that her husband may have died as a result of this clash of cultures, this disastrous misunderstanding. But before she can know his fate, she is taken hostage and embarks on a life-changing journey through the Tibetan countryside — a journey that will last twenty years and lead her to a deep appreciation of Tibet in all its beauty and brutality. Sadly, when she finally discovers the truth about her husband, she must carry her knowledge back to a China that, in her absence, has experienced the Cultural Revolution and changed beyond recognition. . .

Peaceful Death, Joyful Rebirth

Peaceful Death, Joyful Rebirth PDF Author: Tulku Thondup
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1590303857
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 353

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Book Description
The author of The Healing Power of Mind draws on Buddhist scripture, firsthand accounts, and other sources to present an overview of Tibetan Buddhist teachings on facing death with openness and insight Buddhism teaches that death can be a springboard to enlightenment—yet for all but the most advanced meditators, it will be the gateway to countless future lives of suffering in samsara. Tulku Thondup wrote this guide to help us heal our fear and confusion about death and strengthen our practice in anticipation of this transition, and to help us realize the enlightened goal of ultimate peace and joy—not only for death and rebirth, but for this very lifetime. In simple language, he distills a vast range of sources, including scriptures, classic commentaries, oral teachings, and firsthand accounts. The book includes: • A downloadable audio program of guided meditations (URL provided in the book) • An overview of the dying process, the after-death bardo states, and teachings on why, where, and how we take rebirth • Accounts by Tibetan "near-death experiencers" (delogs), who returned from death with amazing reports of their visions • Ways to train our minds during life, so that at death, all the phenomena before us will arise as a world of peace, joy, and enlightenment • Simple meditations, prayers, and rituals to benefit the dead and dying • Advice for caregivers, helpers, and survivors of the dying The paperback edition links to a downloadable audio program providing guided instructions by the author on how to visualize Amitabha Buddha in the Pure Realm; how to receive his blessings; how to visualize transforming your body into light and sound at the time of death; how to share the blessings with compassion for all sentient beings; and how to rest in oneness. By becoming intimate with this practice while we're alive, we can alleviate our fear of death, improve our appreciation of this life, and prepare for death in a very practical way, while planting the seeds for rebirth in the Pure Land.

Buddhist Rituals of Death and Rebirth

Buddhist Rituals of Death and Rebirth PDF Author: Rita Langer
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134158734
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Drawing on early Vedic sutras and Pali texts as well as archaeological and epigraphical material, this book provides a thorough analysis of the rituals and social customs surrounding death in the Theravada tradition of Sri Lanka.

Tibetan Ritual

Tibetan Ritual PDF Author: Jose Ignacio Cabezon
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199889392
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 292

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Book Description
Ritual is one of the most pervasive religious phenomena in the Tibetan cultural world. Despite its ubiquity and importance to Tibetan cultural life, however, only in recent years has Tibetan ritual been given the attention it deserves. This is the first scholarly collection to focus on this important subject. Unique in its historical, geographical and disciplinary breadth, this book brings together eleven essays by an international cast of scholars working on ritual texts, institutions and practices in the greater Tibetan cultural world - Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia. While most of the chapters focus on Buddhism, two deal with ritual in Tibet's indigenous Bon religion. All of the essays are original to this volume. An extensive introduction by the editor provides a broad overview of Tibetan ritual and contextualizes the chapters within the field of Buddhist and Tibetan studies. The book should find use in advanced undergraduate courses and graduate seminars on Tibetan religion. It will also be of interest to students and scholars of ritual generally.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead, as Popularly Known in the West

The Tibetan Book of the Dead, as Popularly Known in the West PDF Author: Karma-gliṅ-pa
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781299270954
Category : Buddhist funeral rites and ceremonies
Languages : en
Pages : 278

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Book Description