the great liberation by hearing in the intermediate states (Tibetan title)
535 pages
English language
Published Aug. 10, 2006 by Viking.
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.
I loved all the introductory commentary but when the main bulk of the book started I wasn't as much into it because it was too much effort decipher the meanings and symbolism behind every little detail when the bulk of it was coming down to ways in which you carry yourself basically. I still very much recommend at least the introductory part of the book.
