This novel stresses the importance of allowing the dying to pass away with dignity. Using examples from the text, explain how this is accomplished.

Throughout the novel, Sogyal uses reference to ancient Tibetan books of Buddhism. Do you feel these references are helpful in understanding the concepts Sogyal is attempting to explain? Why, or why not?

Compare the bardos of dying to traditional Christian accounts of the death process. How are they similar? What are the primary differences?

Sogyal stresses importance on near death experiences as proof that the bardos exist. Using information from Chapter Twenty, explain how Sogyal concludes this. Do you feel he is justified in his conclusions? What other explanations could be used for the near death experience phenomena?

Using information from the text, define karma and explain its role in the rebirth process. Be sure to use your own examples...