The Tibetan Book of the Dead: A Way of Life (1994) User Reviews

Low Key Documentary Intro to Bardo

[missustoad · 8/10 · 21 July 2004]

This was the companion piece to The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation. I preferred it. First, I am a softy on grading films on Buddhism. This "Way of Life" had no cheesy special effects and used no obvious actors. It looked at the death of an old man in a village in Ladakh, has early footage of the Dalai Lama and a (somewhat) recent interview. Perhaps the best bit was the street interview with local citizens who, unlike most Westerners, are very accepting of death and suffering. Ram Dass and others share their ideas for use of the book in the West. I enjoyed the Tibetan Book of the Dead being read at a Western hospice. Again, a bit basic, but a good introductory piece. The Ladakh scenery, homes, etc. were fascinating when the film plodded along.

Truly Disappointing!

[StrictlyConfidential · 1/10 · 25 March 2020]

(*FYI*) - This 90-minute "Tibetan Book of the Dead" presentation was originally aired for television viewing back in 1994.

Filmed primarily in the rugged terrain of the Himalayan mountain region of Tibet - This documentary makes a decidedly feeble attempt at examining the Book of the Dead's overall meaning and its apparent importance.

IMO - I can't believe that these Tibetan people (who humbled themselves to the extreme) were actually willing to live such miserable existences for the sake of religious belief.

I mean - They certainly didn't convince me that they were in any way more spiritually enlightened than was anyone else...... (Sheesh! Spare me!)