The Tibetan book of the dead (English title)
Subtitle: the great liberation by hearing in the intermediate states (Tibetan title)
By: composed by Padmasambhava ; revealed by Terton Karma Lingpa ; translated by Gyurme Dorje ; edited by Graham Coleman with Thupten Jinpa ; introductory commentary by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Contributors: Padma Sambhava, ca. 717-ca. 762.; Gyurme Dorje.; Coleman, Graham.; Thupten Jinpa.; Bstan-ʾdzin-rgya-mtsho, Dalai Lama XIV, 1935-
Edition: 1st American ed.
Publisher: Viking
Published: 2006
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 535
Subjects: Intermediate state -- Buddhism -- Early works to 1800.; Death -- Religious aspects -- Buddhism -- Early works to 1800.; Spiritual life -- Buddhism -- Early works to 1800.; Buddhism -- China -- Tibet -- Doctrines.
Genres: Early works to 1800.
Other titles: Great liberation by hearing in the intermediate states.; Tibetan book of the dead.
Work titles: Bar do thos grol.
Description: This scripture (The Bardo Thotrol) from Tibetan Buddhism was traditionally read aloud to the dying to help them attain liberation. It guides a person to use the moment of death to recognize the nature of mind and attain liberation. It teaches that awareness once freed from the body, creates its own reality like that of a dream. This dream projection unfolds in predictable ways in ways both frightening and beautiful. Peaceful and wrathful visions appear, and these visions can be overwhelming. Since the awareness is still in shock of no longer being attached to and shielded by a body, it needs guidance and forewarning so that key decisions that lead to enlightenment are made. The Tibetan Book of the Dead teaches how one can attain heavenly realms by recognizing the enlightened realms as opposed to being drawn into the realms of seduction that pull incorporeal awareness into cyclic suffering.
Notes: Translation of: Bar do thos grol.

Includes bibliographical references and index.