The Tibetan Book of the Dead (DVD)
Directed by Barrie McLean
Ram Dass
Directed by Barrie McLean
Death is real, it comes without warning and it cannot be escaped. An ancient source of strength and guidance, The Tibetan Book of the Dead remains an essential teaching originating in the spiritual cultures of the Himalayas. Narrated by Leonard Cohen, this enlightening two-part series explores the sacred text and boldly visualizes the afterlife according to its profound wisdom.
Part 1: 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.
Part 2: 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.
"Leonard Cohen's narration, it must be said straight off, was perfect. No one else could have succeeded so brilliantly at calmly and richly presenting this series."
- Canadian Content
"The Tibetan Book of the Dead is a marvelous documentary creation. It is excellently written, and Leonard Cohen's narration suits the theme beautifully. The cinematography is breathtaking: snow-capped, mighty mountains pinpricked by isolated towns provide suitable images of insignificant humanity in a vast, lonely, and hostile universe. Yet this view is juxtaposed with a sensitive portrayal of Tibetan Buddhism's central tenet: To seek truth and practice compassion is the meaning and purpose of life. The characters of the lamas - filled with joy and compassion - imbue the film with the light of their eternal hopes for the world. This is a film that demands multiple viewing. Highly recommended."
- CM Magazine
To read more about Kino Lorber Edu's terms of use and ordering information,
visit Kino Lorber Edu.
Related Products
Country: U.S.
Michael Alden is an amnesiac, who must discover his real identity before the operatives of a mysterious group locate him and kill him. The key to his past might be “Coronet Blue&rdquo... More
Country: U.S., France, France, U.K.
“The world’s greatest city laid bare!”, roars the tagline to LONDON?IN?THE?RAW (1964), a salacious documentary that tours the strip-clubs and underground dives of the still-swinging... More
Country: U.S., France, France, U.K., U.S.
THIS GIRL'S LIFE sees a young pornstar test the boundaries her world as her career strains her many relationships. More
Country: U.S., France, France, U.K., U.S., U.K.
If you don't believe in God, but want to, where do you begin? Advertising guru Simon Cole sets out across America in search of a connection with God that has perplexed and eluded him throughout his... More
Country: U.S., France, France, U.K., U.S., U.K., U.S.
Brilliant Moon chronicles the life of the writer, poet, and meditation master Khyentse Rinpoche, one of Tibet's most revered 20th-century Buddhist teachers. Spiritual guide to His Holiness the Dalai... More
Country: U.S., France, France, U.K., U.S., U.K., U.S., U.S.
With One Voice illuminates the unity of humanity through the single message and mystical tradition that binds all faiths together. The film features mystics from many great traditions around the worl... More
Country: U.S., France, France, U.K., U.S., U.K., U.S., U.S., Canada
Capturing the excitement of Spiritual Activism that is catalyzing the planet, FIERCE LIGHT illuminates the connection between spirituality and social change. Luminaries such as Alice Walker, John... More
Country: U.S., France, France, U.K., U.S., U.K., U.S., U.S., Canada, Canada
Donna Read's definitive trilogy explores the power of the sacred feminine in mythological, historical and cultural contexts. This series investigates the relationship between women and spirituality... More
Recalling everything from MAD MAX to LORD OF THE FLIES to WATERWORLD, director Alessandro Celli’s thrilling feature…' https://t.co/ae3pRoEAli'
RT' @AngelikaFilmNY': "Oliver Twist meets Blade Runner in the dusty and industrial world of Mondocane." – Di Mario Manca, Vanity Fair MONDOC…
"A potent tonal mix of the post-apocalyptic and the proto-cyberpunk." – Tommaso Tocci, La Repubblica MONDOCANE ope…' https://t.co/ie8uDVStTW'
RT' @mariaajudice': #LA limited Neptune Frost screening. Listen to the brillance' @SaulWilliams' and' @dreamstatesmeta'!!
@grahamliddell' @yakabikaj' Here's the full list of theaters!' https://t.co/6hK3dIriKS'
"a beautifully told story of a family doing what they have to do for themselves. a big story told in a small and co…' https://t.co/t3fsOZI0Ys'
MONDOCANE is "a potent tonal mix of the post-apocalyptic and the proto-cyberpunk." – Tommaso Tocci, La Repubblica…' https://t.co/M1sSzQVEBD'
RT' @am_cinematheque': NEPTUNE FROST (2021) limited engagement coming to LF3 June 17th - 24th! Plus, Q&A w/ filmmakers' @SaulWilliams' &' @dream…'
General Inquiries
333 W. 39th St., Ste. 503
New York, NY 10018
Tel. (800) 562-3330
Fax. (212) 714-0871
Press & Media
For publicity assistance and press inquiries please contact us by emailing dninh@kinolorber.com or calling 212-629-6880.
Educational
Please visit our educational site at www.KinoLorberEDU.com
For assistance with educational orders, please contact us at:
Phone:212-629-6880
Fax: 212-714-0871
email: edu@kinolorber.com
