Francesca Fremantle

In this classic scripture of Tibetan Buddhism—traditionally read aloud to the dying to help them attain liberation—death and rebirth are seen as a process that provides an opportunity to recognize the true nature of mind. This translation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead emphasizes the practical advice that the book offers to the living. The insightful commentary by Chögyam Trungpa, written in clear, concise language, explains what the text teaches us about human psychology. This book show more will be of interest to people concerned with death and dying, as well as those who seek greater spiritual understanding in everyday life. show less

A great book that provides an understanding of the highly important book of Tibetan Buddhism. More a guide to living than a book for the dying - hence the original name "Liberation Through Hearing." It is no great surprise that I spent more than 5 months with this book - and I intend on reading it a few more times to get a greater understanding.

Great quote from the book... "In relation to everyday life, the bardo of existence represents each new moment just as it is about to arise; every show more thought, every action, and every form of expression we make. It is conditioned by the past and in turn shapes the future. " show less

This centuries old scripture was traditionally read aloud to the dying to help them attain liberation. This translation emphasizes the practical advice that the book offers to the living as well.

The Bardo Thotrol is a Tibetan Buddhist scripture of the Nyingma or old traditon. It concerns the nature of the mind and its projections-beautiful or terrible, peaceful or wrathful-which seem to exist objectively and inhabit the external world. In particular it describes these projections as they appear immediately after death, in a much more overwhelming form since the consciousness is no longer grounded and shielded by its connecton with a physical bodiy. It teaches recognition of these show more terrifying and seductive forms, and through recognition atttainment of the state of enlightenment.

Contents

List of illustrations
Foreword, by Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche
Introduction, by Francesca Fremantle
Commenary
The Great Liberation Through Hearing in the Bardo
Inspiration-Prayers
Inspiration-Prayer calling on the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for rescue
The main verses of the six Bardos
Inspiration-prayer for deliverance form the dangerous pathway of the Bardo
The Bardo prayer which protects from fear
Pronunciation of Sanskrit words
Glossary of Sanskirt words
Bibliography
Index show less