Tulku Thondup was born in Tibet, studied at Dodrupchen Monastery, and has been in the United States since 1980. He is the author of Boundless Healing: Meditation Exercises to Enlighten the Mind and Heal the Body and The Healing Power of Mind. In this highly informative work, he presents an overview of dying, the after death bardo states, and the process of rebirth, according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Included are accounts of delogs, Tibetan "returners from death," who tell of their journeys in hellish or blissful realms beyond death. On a very practical level, the author has assembled meditations, prayers, and rituals to benefit the dead and the dying, along with advice for caregivers. Best of all, is a brief liturgy and explanation of phowa, the Tibetan meditation for transferring the consciousness of the dying to an enlightened Pure Land.

Thondop has managed to distill the wisdom and practices of Tibetan Buddhism in terms that are understandable to Westerners. He notes:

"The day of death is the most crucial time for every person, universally. Whether you are from the East or the West, whether you are a Buddhist or a follower of some other teaching, a believer or a non-believer — it makes no difference. The moment when consciousness departs from your most cherished body will be a momentous turning point of your life, for death will launch you on a journey into an unknown world.

"When the last hour is at hand, you will stand at a crossroad. If you have prepared in advance, you will be ready to move on with great ease and confidence, like an eagle soaring into the sky. If not, according to Buddhist teachings, you will journey again and again through the passages of life, death, and rebirth."

A major point made in this volume is that now is the time to begin spiritual training in a virtuous life. Taking seriously impermanence, we can fill each day with positive intention and make the most of our transformative energies of generosity, joy, and compassion. Staying with our spiritual experience will be of most help when we begin the difficult journey of dying.