The Egyptian Book of the Dead translation by E.A. Wallis Budge

The Egyptian Book of the Dead is one of the oldest religious texts known to man, originating as far back as 4,000 b.c.e. The text begins with the mummification and purification rituals of dead bodies in Ancient Egypt, and proceeds to describe the journey of the soul into the afterlife, foreshadowing many common archetypes prevalent throughout Western Religions, including Christianity, Hellenistic Greek, Early Paganism, and Zoroastrianism. One of the oldest texts recognizing the existence of an "astral body", The Egyptian Book of the Dead is rich in symbolism and dedications to the Egyptian Pantheon of Gods, primarily Osiris, an early prototype for the Christian figure, Jesus Christ. The text predates other well-known Egyptian literature, including The Pyramid Texts, and Coffin Texts. For any serious student interested in the origins of Western Religion and Culture, as well as spiritual journeys in the guise of Egyptian burial rituals, the text is essential to a well-rounded library.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead with Commentary by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is the seminal work on Tibetan Buddhism. First translated into English in the mid 20th Century, this revised edition is the first FULL version of the text ever translated into English. The sacred scriptures focus on Death as the vehicle for release from Samsara--endless suffering--into ultimate liberation in the nature of Buddha Mind. The Tibetan Book of the Dead calls on serious practitioners of the eightfold path to take the Bodhisattva stance to liberate all sentient beings from suffering and place them on the level of perfect enlightenment. The text can be seen as a manual for practice, offering mantras, mandala meditation, Phowa practice, and more, while continually stressing the importance of receiving true instruction from a Guru or Master. Following the ideas of compassion, mindfulness, right speech, and right action, The Tibetan Book of the Dead is an essential manual for any serious student of spirituality or Buddhism.