Luminous Emptiness: Understanding the Tibetan Book of the Dead

Buddhism is a simple set of facts and principles that, can or cannot be complicated. For those of use who grew up with western "religion" and later in life decided to follow this "spiritual practice", understanding it is a big change. For ME the hardest part is the terminology. Mr. Fremantle in my opinion has done a wonderful job helping me to get a better understanding of this complex spiritual practice.However that being said, I got this book in December of 2015 and it took me a year to read it. Partially because I couldn't just sit and read it for a long time, and partially because of the language. That year spent reading does not mean I got it all committed to memory. But, I do have a better understanding of what some Buddhist expect after their last exhale.Disclaimer. I don't believe in any Gods, and fully expect that my last exhale will be my last thoughts, and that the best I can hope for is to become recycled stardust.The principles and practice, to any degree of the Buddhist faith, help me now, while I'm breathing.Charles

The whole "architecture" of this book is truly wonderful. Its ultimate goal is to articulate the tantric Buddhist perspective in general, and its view of the profound challenges and possibilities that a human being's presence encounters on its journey in the bardo between death and rebirth, in particular. This is beautifully done, but Professor Freemantle has also taken the time to give a context to this esoteric material by writing a very thorough and effective description of a wide range of basic Buddhist perspectives on the nature of consciousness, the arising of ignorance, and the possibilities of practice and awakening. I would say that this introductory material (which is about half of the book) by itself makes reading and studying the book worthwhile, no matter how you relate to the more esoteric parts of it. I've gone back to this book a number of times over the years, and I am deeply grateful for its grounding in the basics and then its opening into more esoteric dimensions.

Unless you already have an in-depth knowledge of Buddhism, most readers probably will have difficulty absorbing the material presented in Fremantle’s “Luminous Emptiness: Understanding the Tibetan Book of the Dead.” In my case, I chose to read this book after finishing “The Tibetan Book of the Dead,” naively thinking that, given the title of Fremantle’s book, it would help further illuminate these esoteric concepts. Unfortunately, I’m even more confused after reading her book. Laden with Buddhist terminology, symbols, and iconography, it is difficult to see the forest because of the trees in this book. To me, she was unable to put herself in the shoes of the average reader interested in these concepts but lacking the in-depth understandings that are second nature to her. It’s like she’s preaching to the choir of similar thinkers with similar expertise.Although Buddhist doctrine and concepts can be difficult to integrate into the western mindset, others have successfully managed to do it to varying degrees. For example, the Dalai Lama, himself, has authored several very readable, illuminating books on Buddhist philosophy. In another example, Sogyal Rinpoche’s “The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying” is an excellent read, nicely summarizing the bardos associated with death and rebirth. Finally, on an entertaining level, “The Lhasa Trilogy” by Gary Conrad is an engaging novel about an individual going through these bardos, introducing many Buddhist concepts about karma, death, and reincarnation in a palatable form to general audiences.Perhaps, it is best to consider Fremantle’s book as a reference once more thorough understandings are acquired through other sources.

All good!

This book is excellent. The first 2/3 provides an in-depth knowledge of Buddhism necessary to understand the last 1/3 that explains the Tibetan Book of the Dead wonderfully. It was an engaging read - albeit challenging at some points for myself, as I am new to Buddhism. I highly recommend purchasing this book.

This is a very clear instruction on one of the most profound topics in human existence​.

I am not a Buddhist. I wanted to learn about Tibetan Buddhism, but the Tibetan Book of the Dead was impossible! This is comprehensive, but explained very well - in layman's terms. Exactly what I wanted. I would agree with another reviewer who says there is so much information it can lead to overload, but I am working through it slowly.

I loved this book. I laughed out loud and learnt a great deal about China.I read this while I was I'll and it is true, laughter is the best medicine. I want to go to Shanghai to shop and eat. Move over Hagen Daz, Magnum Bars here l come!

This book gives a very useful account of what Dr Freemantle describes as 'Liberation through Hearing' It begins with basic concepts of Tibetan Buddhism, and then Part Two deals with the text of the 'Book of the Dead' itself. It is useful to use this book in conjunction with the translation of the text she made with Chogyam Trumpa, although not essential. The material in this book also helps to illustrate links between the Theosophy in H.P. Blavatsky's "The Secret Doctrine' and Tibetan Buddhist thought. This is I think coincidental; so the book forms a useful introduction to the subject of Tibetan spiritual thought, beyond the Book of the Dead itself. Should be read by anyone interested in all things Tibetan.

'Luminous Emptiness' offers a lucid and easily accessible commentary on The Tibetan Book of the Dead for students of all levels. The use of language is crystal clear and speaks directly to the reader in a gentle, compassionate manner. The book is a tremendous gift for Western students who want to understand the mysterious text in more depth whilst avoiding the trappings of complicated jargon and cultural baggage.

A very well researched book explaining The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Extremely interesting.

Everyone in the world should read this book. Enlightening and expanding for the soul.

Very clear and knowledgeable.