These prayers were written down by the fourteenth century tertön Karma Lingpa, and are traditionally recited as guidance to the dead and dying. The "Prayer Requesting Assistance from the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas," requests all enlightened beings to comfort those who are dying or who are suffering in the intermediate states after death (Bardos). "Root verses of the Bardo Tödral (Liberation on Hearing in the Bardo)" encapsulates the essential instructions on each phase of the Bardos. The "Prayer that protects from fear in the Bardos" appeals for the Buddhas' and bodhisattvas' compassionate refuge from fear. The "Prayer for Deliverance from the Bardo's Narrow Passage" outlines the experiences of the Bardo of Reality or Dharmata, in order to help the dead person to recognize the true nature of the visions that arise there.
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