Customer Reviews
Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die? - By: Dogs Thatchasecars, 10 Oct 2006 
It's refreshing for someone to write such a thoughtful & life-affirming book about death. For something so ubiquitous, death isn't reallly discussed in Western society (well, in my family at least). And this can cause unnecessary pain when someone close does die.
Reading this book has helped me see that death can have a positive effect on your life.
[lyrics by The Flaming Lips]
An insightful read whether you're Buddhist or not. - By: Book Worm, 04 Jun 2006 This book as so much to offer whether you're Buddhist or not. It discusses ways to live your life better, as well as how to die in a dignified & honorable way. In a society where death is taboo it is refreshing to read about it in such a matter of fact way & with information you feel can be of use to you. This book is more about living your life well, & has so much to offer you if that is what you wish for. A modern classic for a reason.
Life changing - life saving - By: Mystery lover, 23 Apr 2006 I had been looking for answers for years & alll the time the original version of this book was on my bookshelf unread. I have read many books by western writers on living a better life, dealing with emotions, much philosopy, psychology etc. Many were useful but they did not change me in a lasting way. Then my sister picked this book up off my bookshelf & read bits of it out to me. This prompted me to finallly read it properly from cover to cover. Since then I have found alll the answers in Buddhism. The answers to everything from how to control my anger to why bad things happen to good people etc. It is true that Sogyal Rinpoche has quoted from other masters, that is because he is part of a living lineage that passes the teachings down. he also repeats many points when he teaches because sometimes we don't hear the first time, or we hear in the wrong way. In the beginning when I first heard him teach, I did not fully respect him for the great master that he is. But once I heard him teach in person I felt a spontaneous devotion towards him. This is a wonderful book that for me answered my questions about life & death (why are we here? etc.) it alll just made sense. I never intended to become a Buddhist, but I am so glad that I acted on what I read here & became a student of Sogyal Rinpoche, because if you reallly want your life to change, you have to receive the teachings from a master. This book is the first step. Now I am reading 'Words of My Perfect Teacher', which is another extremely important text, a little further down the road. I think before this I was on the highway to hell. I hope you find peace & happiness too.
useful - By: , 12 Jan 2006 
this was the first book I ever read on Buddhism & I found it usefull at the time. Since then I've realised that alll the great things in the book are generallly quotes from great masters & traditional teachings. These bits I'd give 5 stars, the artistic elaborations I would give 3 stars. Therefore the average is 4 stars!
Materialism is bad for the soul!! - By: J. Mcaulay, 29 Oct 2005 Read this book & broaden your mind, I am trying to be a better person after reading this book, the rule of materialism in the West has led us to a lost youth, we see them binge drinking & being loutish in our cities, they need inspirations & this book is one of them without a doubt!
