THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD - FRANCESCA FREMANTLE & CHOGYAM TRUNGPA

RATING - B+

I expected this to be an easy read, considering I have read 2-3 different versions of the same text already. However, it was the best translation so far and I found an awful lot of material to contemplate in the before and after sections in addition to the main text.

On page 59, it says that if one recognizes the luminosity due to previous meditations etc - one doesn't need to have the text read upon passing. What it does not explain is how to direct yourself to a specific rebirth from that position...

I have previously read at least one library version and the Evans-Wentz original translation, but this is the only version so far that has offered hints for practice whilst living rather than solely guidance when departed. (Or maybe this is the first time that I have picked them up).

THE WORLD OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM – HHDL

RATING - A-

I selected this book as I wanted to see if there were any areas I had missed in my studies to date that needed attention. I felt a comprehensive well-written guide that 'covered it all' worthwhile reading, so as to reinforce my current understanding and allow me to open up into new exploration if anything cropped up.

Specifically of interest to me were matters related on page 28 – imputed, dependent, and thoroughly established phenomena – leading me to contemplate beyond the text. I was also especially interested in the latter chapters, dealing with matters I had a fair but not full knowledge of until reading this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about Tibetan Buddhism with thoroughness rather than having a quick 5-minute read through of the basics.

TIBETAN MEDITATION by TARTHANG TULKU

RATING B-
Free to pop into the town library, this is one of the half dozen books that I carried home with me.  If I had no time limit, I would have benefitted more from reading it - however I have only three weeks in which to read 6 books - so 'rushed' through. I could get them out on repeat loan, but I have just had 2 new books arrive and bought two from the library book sale in person and another two from the online book sale....

This book is a great coverage of Tibetan meditation. Although I have followed several Buddhist styles, Tibetan Buddhism is my main focus and if I had read this book 1-2 years ago, I would have benefitted even more than reading it now - at a time when some of this is already practiced in person and ingrained. It is a very good book if you are starting out with an interest in meditation, especially if you lean towards Buddhism or Tibetan matters. I would definitely reccomend it.