Rent The Tibetan Book of the Dead (1994)
3.9 of 5 from 51 ratings
1h 31min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
Death is real, it comes without warning and it cannot be escaped.
An ancient source of strength and guidance is dealing with life and death, 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead' remains an essential teaching in the Buddhist cultures of the Himalayas. Narrated by Leonard Cohen, this enlightening programme explores the sacred text and boldly visualizes the afterlife according to its profound wisdom.
A Way of Life reveals the history of 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead' and examines its traditional use in northern India, as well as its acceptance in Western hospices. Shot over a four-month period, the film contains footage of the rites and liturgies for a deceased Ladakhi elder and includes an interview with the Dalai Lama, who shares his views on the book's meaning and importance.
The Great Liberation follows an old lama and his novice monk as they guide a Himalayan villager into the afterlife using readings from The Tibetan Book of the Dead. The soul's 49-day journey towards rebirth is envisioned through actual photography of rarely seen Buddhist rituals, interwoven with groundbreaking animation by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Ishu Patel. It is inevitable that each of us will face the death of somebody we love, as well as our own death.
This films helps us to prepare for these inevitabilities and is a valuable source of counsel and comfort.- Actors:
- Leonard Cohen, The Dalai Lama, Pema Ozokten, Tsering Sonam, Tobten Tsering, Ram Dass, Togden Rinpoche, Pradam Tsering, Nagap, Zopa
- Directors:
- Barrie McLean
- Producers:
- Barrie McLean, David Verrall, Kim Lyon, Gary Peet
- Narrated By:
- Leonard Cohen
- Writers:
- Shinichi Nakazawa
- Aka:
- A Way of Life/The Great Liberation
- Studio:
- Quantum Leap
- Genres:
- Documentary, Special Interest
