Chapter 1 "In the Mirror of Death" Summary

Sogyal is discussing his first experiences with death and dying. At age seven, Sogyal is traveling with his fellow monks through the eastern highlands of Tibet to central Tibet. Samten, an attendant of Master Khyentse, is a kind monk whose love for both Tibet and the Buddhist faith is clear. Samten, a good-natured man, often allows Sogyal to borrow costumes used by Khyentse in his practices and rituals, and is genuinely kind with Sogyal. On the journey, however, Samten falls ill, and the departure of the monks is delayed. Sogyal recalls the smell of death surrounding Samten, but notes the occasion was not one of fear or morbidity, but of learning. As Samten lay ill, breathing laboriously and clearly decaying, Sogyal finds himself saddened and lonely, but realizes Samten is at...