In this scripture of Tibetan Buddhism—traditionally read aloud to the dying to help them attain liberation—death and rebirth are seen as a process that provides an opportunity to recognize the true nature of mind. This audio program, read by the actor Richard Gere, allows you to experience this timeless text in the traditional way. It will be of interest to people concerned with death and dying, as well as to all those who seek spiritual insight into the myriad changes of everyday life.

Tibetan Book of the Dead, Francesca Fremantle and Chogyam Trungpa, Shambhala Publications, 2008, 3 CDs; 2 hours 45 minutes; $19.95

Chögyam Trungpa (1939–1987) was a meditation master, teacher, and artist who founded Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and an international association of meditation centers known as Shambhala International. He is the author of numerous books including Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior and Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism

Francesca Fremantle received her doctorate from the School of Asian and African Studies at London University. She is a scholar and translator of Sanskrit and Tibetan works and was a student of Chögyam Trungpa for many years.