The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) is traditionally believed to be the work of the legendary Padma Sambhava in the 8th century A.D. The Bardo Thodol teaches that once awareness is freed from the body, it creates its own reality as one would experience in a dream. This dream occurs in various phases (bardos) in ways both wonderful and terrifying. Overwhelming peaceful and wrathful visions and deities appear. Since the deceased’s awareness is in confusion, it needs help and guidance in order for enlightenment and liberation to occur. The Bardo Thodol acts as the guide that helps the individual recognize the true nature of mind and thus attain Nirvana – liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This lecture will draw from two of Lama Glenn’s books: Living in the Face of Death: The Tibetan Tradition, and The Tibetan Book of the Dead: An Illustrated Edition.
Thank you Theosophical Society
