Tibetan Book of the Dead

The Tibetan Book of the Dead teaches that awareness, once freed from the physical body, creates its own reality like that of a dream. This dream unfolds in predictable ways, both frightening and beautiful; peaceful and wrathful visions often appear which can be overwhelming. Since this freed awareness is in a state of shock from being disconnected from the physical body, it needs guidance and forewarning so that key decisions can be made that will ultimately lead to enlightenment. The Book teaches how one can attain “heavenly” realms by recognizing the “enlightened” realms from those of “seduction” that pull the spirit into cyclic suffering. Liberation Through Hearing During the Intermediate State, is recited at the time of death to act as a guide for the dead during the state between death and the next rebirth which is known in Tibetan Buddhism as the “bardo.”