Buddhism · Buddhist Funeral rites and ceremonies · Death
The Book of the Dead (Tibetan) by Karma Lingpa — Summary, Key Ideas & Quotes
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What is The Book of the Dead (Tibetan) about?
A classic of Buddhist wisdom, this book was composed in the eighth century to prepare souls for the afterworld, it has become influential in the West for its psychological insights into the processes of death and dying, and also of grieving.
A glimpse inside
The Bardo States
Central to the book is the concept of 'bardos'—intermediate states between death and rebirth. The text describes the experiences one encounters in these bardos, emphasizing that awareness continues beyond physical death. Each bardo presents opportunities for liberation or further entanglement, depending on one’s recognition of the true nature of mind. This framework is not just metaphysical but also psychological, inviting readers to reflect on transitions and liminal spaces in life as well as after death.
The Power of Recognition
A recurring theme is the importance of recognizing the true nature of reality—emptiness, luminosity, and the mind’s projections. The book instructs the dying to recognize visions and experiences as manifestations of their own mind, rather than external threats or promises. This recognition is key to achieving liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and the text serves as a guide for training the mind to see through illusion, both in life and death.
Ratings at a glance
Open Library
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Get smart in 3 min
6 key ideas, distilled
- 1The Bardo States
- 2The Power of Recognition
- 3Practical Guidance for the Dying and the Living
- 4Confronting Fear and Desire
- 5The Illusory Nature of Reality
Popular quotes from The Book of the Dead (Tibetan)
“O child of noble family, listen without distraction.”
“Now, when the bardo of dying dawns upon me, I will abandon all grasping, yearning, and attachment.”
“Recognize whatever appears as a projection of your own mind.”
Frequently asked
A classic of Buddhist wisdom, this book was composed in the eighth century to prepare souls for the afterworld, it has become influential in the West for its psychological insights into the processes of death and dying, and also of grieving.