Exploring the Realms of Life and Death: A Monk's Journey of Self-Discovery

Jheng-Hong YANGJheng-Hong YANG: This review focuses not on the content of the book, which is fantastic, but rather on its condition upon arrival. Despite being listed as new, the book I received had a stain on the jacket and a crease on one of the pages. While the book is certainly still readable and enjoyable, its condition does not align with the "new" label it was given.

Canada on Sep 27, 2023

Douglas Cuomo: Definitely get it if you are considering it, totally worth it!

United States on Sep 09, 2023

MG: I have recommended this to many friends, especially those facing death. Finally, a real spirituality, not new age has.

United States on Aug 02, 2023

AumTatSat: I am not a practicing Buddhist and it doesn't matter. This story is riveting with the deepest clarity and wisdom. I highly recommend to any sincere truth seeker. Thank you, Mingyur Rimpoche, I will hold you in my prayers as well.

United States on May 07, 2023

RubyRose: Good read.

Canada on Apr 24, 2023

Lily R: A true story and a true adventure. I highly recommend this book.

Canada on Feb 22, 2023

Doc Wood: In a spiritual way, of course!

I was not familiar with Rinpoche's teachings and am not a Buddhist in the Tibetan tradition either, so this book was for me like one giant Dhamma talk. I struggled with the bardo stuff because we (Theravadans) don't go there, but learned a lot and the way he applies the concept to this life has actually been very helpful to my practice.

He was on retreat for four years--I think this book covers about the first four weeks of it--but I gather that there's no sequel coming to tell us about the rest of his time on the road. Which is a shame. I would totally read that.

This is like reading the canon: You should probably consider reading it straight through the first time, not highlighting or taking notes, then immediately start again at the beginning and really study it this time. It's what I wish I had done.

You'll be hooked on the first page. I plan to avail myself of his teachings on line in future.

United States on Sep 11, 2020

Reader's Remarks: Mingyur Rinpoche has written a very candid account of his experience during the first few weeks of being a mendicant monk. I don't want to give too much away, because reading the book is such a thought-provoking and contemplative experience as the story unfolds. Mingyur reveals all of his thoughts, hopes, and fears to us as he embarks upon his wandering retreat and encounters difficulties from the outset. Some of these difficulties are caused by his own conditioning, and some are of a more practical and severe nature. What makes the book stand out is Mingyur's honesty - he doesn't try to hide behind a facade of perfect enlightenment, but instead shares with us the highs and lows of his experience. We are treated to many passages of spiritual reflection and insight, and also some descriptions of the Tibetan Buddhist views of life and death.

One thing to note - the book does only cover the initial few weeks of Mingyur's wandering retreat. This may not be what you are expecting, but don't let that put you off as the story as told reaches a very satisfactory conclusion.

The book will have obvious appeal to those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, but it should also satisfy...

Canada on May 23, 2020

Guy VervilleGuy Verville: I finished reading In Love With the World by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, written with Helen Tworkov, a disciple. This monk is the son of a long line of Buddhist monks and has already made himself known for other books that I have not read. His most recent book intrigued me. Under the title, it reads A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying.

The story is simple, modeled on that of the Buddha. Rinpoche, a monk, already well established in his functions as a wise man, decided to leave everything to reach his full potential. We quickly get to the heart of the matter. The monk leaves on the sly because he knows very well that no one would have let him do it. He is a tulku, a reincarnation, and although his teaching was rigorous and ascetic, he was no less elevated in the cotton wool. Like Buddha. Poor, he remains rich, used to fine fabrics and impeccable food. His teaching is revered; Rinpoche never travels without his helper. Leaving all this to live in misery is madness, yet necessary according to the monk, in order to achieve the ultimate enlightenment that all Buddhists seek.

The book is exciting for this aspect. Having been around...

Canada on Sep 30, 2019

Michael Erlewine: This is a different sort of book by Mingyur Rinpoche than he has written before. I have met Mingyur Rinpoche and seen him a number of times, both in person at an interview at our monastery (KTD Monastery) in upstate New York, and here and there. I remember standing with Mingjur Rinpoche in Toronto as a fierce storm, perhaps a small tornado, passed just about half a block away. My wife and I stood in a small bookstore with doors open to the outside where it poured rain and fierce winds howeled, with Mingyur Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, Lama Namse Rinpoche, and my own teacher Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, while the storm raged around us. I experienced Mingyur rinpoche “up close and personal.”

I had always been attracted to Mingjur Rinpoche. He seemed ultra-sensitive, very bright, kind, and open, and (from my point of view as an elder) young. I have read some of his teachings and listened to some You-Tube videos of his teachings. And I had identified enough with him enough to add him personally to my daily prayers as I recite the Precious Garland of all the key teachers of the Kagyu Lineage each day in succession. One of our retreat lamas had pointed out to me that Mingyur...

United States on May 26, 2019