Philosophers Series · Part 6 of 12
The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Words for the Transition
In Tibet, the dying and the dead are read to from a book meant to show them the way. Few texts have fascinated the West as much. Part 6 of our Philosophers Series approaches it with respect.
Liberation through hearing
The Tibetan title is “Bardo Thödol”, roughly “Liberation through Hearing in the Intermediate State”. According to tradition, the text goes back to the master Padmasambhava in the 8th century and was rediscovered in the 14th century by Karma Lingpa as a hidden “treasure text”.
The “bardo” is the intermediate state between death and rebirth, traditionally associated with a period of 49 days. During this time, the text is read to the deceased. The words are meant to help them recognize the appearances they encounter as reflections of their own mind – instead of falling into fear.
The journey to the West
In 1927 an English edition appeared under the title “The Tibetan Book of the Dead”, edited by Walter Evans-Wentz. C. G. Jung wrote a psychological commentary on it and admitted that the book had accompanied him for years. Since then the text has influenced psychology, literature and end-of-life care in the West.
A book for the living
As much as it is about death, in Tibetan Buddhism the Book of the Dead is also a book for the living. Whoever becomes familiar with their own mind during life, so the idea goes, will not be lost in the transition. Dying is practised while living. Some teachings even apply the term “bardo” to every transitional phase – including life itself, between birth and death.
One thing should not be forgotten: the Book of the Dead is a religious text with its own deep tradition, not a self-help guide. One can learn from it without appropriating it.
The logical conclusion
The Book of the Dead shows two things that apply beyond any religion.
First: words can accompany people through difficult transitions. The voice of a familiar person reading aloud is a comfort. What you write down today may one day work in exactly this way – for those who lose you.
Second: preparation happens during life, not at the end. Those who regularly engage with their inner life go through transitions differently. And they leave others something that can carry them through theirs.
Three questions to think further
- Which words would give you something to hold on to in a difficult transition?
- Which transition in your life changed you the most?
- What would you like to say to the people who will one day lose you?