University of Arkansas
Tibetan Film Series Presents

The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Directed by Ishu Patel
Narrated by Leonard Cohen

Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 pm
Chemistry Auditorium (CHEM 132)
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Admission is free and open to the public

[Please note the venue change from previous screenings. The Chemistry Building is located just to the southwest of the Peace Fountain in front of Old Main.]

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 in the Buddhist cultures of the Himalayas. Narrated by Leonard Cohen, this enlightening 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.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTION AND Q&A SESSION

Tibetan monks Geshe Thupten Dorjee and Rinzin Dorjee will provide an introductory chant, and will be available to answer questions about the film and about their lives in exile following the screening.