[THE OBEISANCES]
To the assembled Deities, to the Tutelaries, to the Gurus,
Humbly is obeisance paid:
May Liberation in the Intermediate State be vouchsafed by Them.[1]
[INTRODUCTORY VERSES]
Above, in the Great Bardo-Thödol,
The Bardo called Chönyid was taught;
And now, of the Bardo called Sidpa,
The vivid reminder is brought.
[PART I]
[THE AFTER-DEATH WORLD]
[Introductory Instructions to the Officiant]: Although, heretofore, while in the Chödnyid Bardo, many vivid remindings have been given,—setting aside those who have had great familiarity with the real Truth and those who have good karma,—for them of evil karma who have had no familiarity, and for them of evil karma who because of the influence thereof become stricken with fear and terror, recognition is difficult. These go down to the Fourteenth Day; and, to reimpress them vividly, that which follows is to be read.
[THE BARDO BODY. ITS BIRTH AND ITS SUPERNORMAL FACULTIES]
Worship having been offered to the Trinity, and the prayer invoking the aid of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas having been recited, then, calling the deceased by name, three or seven times, speak thus:
O nobly-born, listen thou well, and bear at heart that birth
- ↑ Lit., ‘Act so as to liberate in the Intermediate State’—a direct supplication to the Deities, Tutelaries, and Gurus, rendered by us in the third person to fit the context better.
