The Tibetan Book of the Dead

The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Composed by Padmasambhava

First complete translation, by Gyurme Dorje, with an introductory commentary by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Penguin Books, 2005; ISBN 13: 9780140455298

‘Normally in our lives, if we know that we are going to be confronted by a difficult or unfamiliar situation, we prepare and train ourselves for such a circumstance in advance, so that when this event actually happens we are fully prepared. As I have outlined, the rehearsal of the processes of death, and those of the intermediate state, and the emergence into a future existence, lies at the very heart of the path in Highest Yoga Tantra. These practices are part of my daily practice also and because of this I somehow feel a sense of excitement when I think about the experience of death. At the same time, though, sometimes I do wonder whether or not I will really be able to fully utilise my own preparatory practices when the actual moment of death comes!

…Carrying out the first complete translation of this cycle of teachings (the Bar-do Thos-grol Chen-mo, the Tibetan Book of the Dead), has been an extraordinary accomplishment undertaken with great care over many years. I hope that the profound insights contained in this work will be a source of inspiration and support to many interested people around the world, as they have been in my own culture’.

From the introduction by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Extract from Chapter 4: Importance of the Introduction to Awareness

EMAHO!
Though the single (nature of) mind, which completely pervades both cyclic existence and nirvana,
Has been naturally present from the beginning, you have not recognised it.
Even though its radiance and awareness have never been interrupted,
You have not yet encountered its true face.
Even though it arises unimpeded in every facet (of existence),
You have not as yet recognised (this single nature of mind).
In order that this (single) nature might be recognised by you,
The Conquerors of the three times have taught an
Inconceivably (vast number of practices),
Including the eighty-four thousand aspects of the (sacred) teachings.
Yet, (despite this diversity), not even one of these (teachings)
has been given by the Conquerors,
Outside the context of an understanding of this nature!
(And even) though there are inestimable volumes of sacred
writings, equally vast as the limits of space,
Actually, (these teachings can be succinctly expressed in) a few
words, which are the introduction to awareness.
Here (is) the direct (face to face) introduction
To the enlightened intention of the Conquerors.
Here is the method for entering (into actual reality),
(In this very moment), without reference to past or future
events).