The Tibetan Book of the Dead

The Bardo Thodol, commonly known in the West as the Tibetan Book of the Dead, is perhaps the most important Buddhist text for dying, Bardo and rebirth. The Tibetan word Bardo refers to the intermediate state between death and rebirth.

This ancient text is a guide for practitioners to embrace death and transition the consciousness to another life through rebirth.

Believed to be written and hidden as a terma or treasure text by the 8th-century Buddhist master Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, the Bardo Thodol was revealed by Karma Lingpa in the 14th century.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is the first complete translation of this classic Buddhist text, translated by Gyurme Dorje, edited by Graham Coleman with Thupten Jinpa, and is graced with an opening commentary by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

The book was donated by a generous supporter, Jeffery, who purchased it for this mother. “I read from it as she was dying,” he said. “So, I offer this up for the auction. It is an opportunity to practice non-attachment. My mother would have approved.”

The front piece dedication is as follows: 

“May all sentient beings,
Children of Buddha nature,
Realise
The ultimate nature of mind:
Insight and compassion,
In blissful union.”