Luminous Emptiness: A Guide to the Tibetan Book of the Dead

Description

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is one of the best-known texts representing Tibetan Buddhism. Over the years, it has proven to be of deep interest to many people beyond the sphere of Buddhism. Luminous Emptiness, Francesca Fremantle's detailed guide to this classic text, leads the reader through the concepts upon which the text is based, the terms it uses, and the imagery it contains. It is helpful to anyone interested in knowing more about the complex symbolism of Tibetan Buddhism.

Francesca Fremantle received her doctorate from the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University. She is a scholar and translator of Sanskrit and Tibetan works and was a student of Ch gyam Trungpa for many years.

"A deeply heartfelt guide to spiritual fulfillment through Buddhism, Luminous Emptiness provides interested seekers with a journey through the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and Fremantle is an expert guide."-Los Angeles Times "A scholar in Sanskrit and Tibetan, Fremantle is more than qualified to write this guide; she collaborated with renowned meditation master and scholar Choegyam Trungpa on a well-received translation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead in 1975. Nothing less than a careful explanation of the world and the ideas that surround that text, this new work is an excellent and plainly written manual to the complex mythologies, symbols, philosophies, and doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism. The West could hardly ask for a better primer. Highly recommended."-Library Journal "In Luminous Emptiness, Francesca Fremantle provides a commentary on the Tibetan Book of the Dead that integrates its teachings with both the central topics of the Buddhist canon and with the ongoing experiences of our lives. Her illuminating exposition of the inner meanings and relevance of the text's tantric symbolism reflects many years of study, contemplation and practice. Luminous Emptiness is valuable in making the root text more meaningful and suggestive. It succeeds in enlivening our appreciation of the immense possibilities which we are offered now, moment to moment."-Shambhala Sun "This is the most lucid and comprehensive exposition of the Tibetan Book of the Dead to appear in English. It illuminates the esoteric path and reveals the way to heal life's miseries-the projection of our minds."-Tulku Thondup, author of the Healing Power of Mind and Boundless Healing