The Tibetan Book Of The Dead: The Light Beyond Death Hardcover – March 25, 2026

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is a scripture that helps the deceased attain liberation easily and achieve great freedom during the 49-day journey through the intermediate state (bardo) after death. It is said that even by simply hearing this text recited by the living, the spirit of the deceased can easily gain realization and enter the realm of great freedom.However, most books currently available are merely translations, making it difficult to fully understand the content of The Tibetan Book of the Dead. This is because the scripture is deeply infused with the profound philosophies of Madhyamaka and Yogācāra, two of the most important and challenging schools of Buddhist thought.An even greater difficulty is that, even if one understands these profound Buddhist philosophies intellectually, it is still difficult to grasp the text's true meaning. Only through deep practice and the realization of emptiness (śūnyatā) can one clearly understand the scripture’s true intent.In Tibet, the Great Compassion Mantra of Avalokiteśvara is recited. By chanting this mantra, the lay practitioner I, Mansik Ju, entered the samādhi of emptiness for eight hours each night for three months. Afterward, through Zen practice, I attained four great awakenings.Drawing on my experience, this book offers a practical guide to the difficult teachings of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, presented clearly and accessibly. Read more