Based on the Buddhist belief in reincarnation, the Book of the Dead is a guidebook for the dead: a map of the afterlife that includes encounters with gods, demons and one’s own future parents at the moment of conception. Written in the eighth century, its description of the Tibetan afterlife bears an uncanny similarity to modern stories of the near-death experience. Part 2 (9:29 min)
19 Jul 08
on Jul 20th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
entertaining mythology…
sorry to be so rational and cynical, but after having studied most of the main religions and philosophies of the world I have arrived at a conclusion. That is that all religions are a combination of wisdom and mythology. The wisdom is intended to be a social blueprint for a peaceful and harmonious society. The mythology is included to induce adherence and faithfulness amongst the people. That is, they need a combination of promised reward and threat of punishment to ensure a deep commitment. Humans are very superstitious… even in this age of science.
on Jul 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 am
Answering Redroom Studios:
So-called religion exists on three levels. What is described above is level one. Level two is highly variable, even within a single tradition, but generally involves acceptance of reality / peacefulness. Level three always (and this is even true in Christianity, in spite of the malicious editing that the New Testiment has been subjected to) involves enlightenment technology, which is induction of a sudden and radical alteration of the electrical nature of the brain.
on Jul 26th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
The sky burial is intriguing and I quite like the philosophical implications behind it.
We are all part of nature and upon death we are returned to it. Life is after all a cycle. Some choose to be buried and returned to earth, some cremated and have their ashes returned to the sea. Different mechanisms, same concept. The Tibetan way may appear a little radical through certain lenses but no less acceptable.