title: Good Life, Good Death
author/editor: Gelek Rimpoche
reviewed by: Palma
GOOD LIFE, GOOD DEATH
Recently, I went to a local bookstore to attend a book-signing for Gelek Rimpoche . His most recent work is, Good Life, Good Death. He was a wonderful speaker and the bookstore was brimming over with people of all ages--sitting on the floor and standing in the aisles.
Rimpoche is a lama-holy man -- of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. In this book he addresses living life to the fullest by accepting one's feelings and transforming negative emotions to positive ones.
Reincarnation is an integral part of the Buddhist belief system. They believe it is through the "good life" that "good death" occurs. The process of living a good life is at the core of the author's comments.
Gelek Rimpoche describes himself as, "very Americanized." He has studied in this country, typically wears our clothing and speaks very good English.
I found many thoughts to meditate on in this book: Attachment--Pure love was very pertinent to my current situation. His chapter on Ego - Compassion was helpful to me, too. There is also a good description of the types of meditation and the purposes of each.
This book read easily and though I found Gelek a better speaker than writer, it was still a worthwhile, thought-provoking volume.
Palma (Apr. '03) wrote: We're not human beings on a spiritual journey, We're spiritual beings on a human journey!