THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE GREAT LIBERATION
edited by W. Y. Evans-Wentz
reviewed by John Gilbert

"The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation" edited by W.Y. Evans-Wentz (ISBN 0-19-500293-8) is published by Oxford University Press and available through your local bookseller or used bookshop.  "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" edited by the same author is also published by Oxford University Press.  Together with the present book, these two volumes are two of the most important books in the Tibetan Buddhism library.

"The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation" is naturally separated into two sections.  The first discussed Bondage which is the state in which all incarnated beings find themselves.  The author addresses the most important concepts of Tibetan Buddhism: Karma, Ignorance, desires, consciousness, attachment, sorrow, grief, suffering and despair.

The second section sets forth the requirements for liberation from bondage, karma, rebirth, misery, sorrow, grief and despair.  This liberation is attained, according to the editor, by following a step by step formula set forth by the great Tibetan Yogi Saint Milarepa.  Basically the steps involve detachment from desires and the resolution of previous karma.

This book speaks to all yoga students about things important to both meditation and daily practices.  I recommend it for those students interested in comparing Tibetan Buddhism to their own spiritual path and those students still trying to define their own spiritual path.  

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