The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol)

The Tibetan Book of the Dead, also known as the Bardo Thodol, is like a spiritual guidebook from Tibetan Buddhism. It's a special text that helps people who have passed away and are going through the stages between death and being born again. The word "Bardo" means this in-between state.

Padmasambhava, an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, is often credited with this book. People think he hid these teachings, and later they were found, becoming a valuable guide for those dealing with death. When someone dies, monks or spiritual guides might read The Tibetan Book of the Dead aloud to help the person who has passed away. The book talks about what the soul might go through and how to handle different situations in the afterlife. It is based on the belief in things like reincarnation, which means being born again, and karma, the idea that our actions affect our future.

The text offers instructions on recognizing various visionary phenomena. It helps the deceased to maintain awareness and avoid being overwhelmed by fear or attachment. It also teaches that the actions and attitudes of the deceased during the bardo profoundly influence their subsequent rebirth. The ultimate goal is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, reaching a state of enlightenment or Buddhahood.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is not only a guide for the deceased but also serves as a contemplative tool for the living. Reading and thinking about the teachings can help people understand important things, like how everything is always changing and the importance of being kind and positive. Even though it talks about serious topics, the Tibetan Book of the Dead is meant to be a helpful and compassionate guide. It reminds everyone about the possibility of spiritual growth and enlightenment, even in the face of big changes like death.

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Tibetan-Book-Dead-Complete-Translation/dp/0143104942
Link to read: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzajA9YZtNNtV3lsRkVKNmNIMnc/edit?resourcekey=0-D2zzYyr5mJ_zx1rtK9anbA