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The Bardo Thodol , commonly known in the West as the , is a foundational text of Tibetan Buddhism. Originally titled "Liberation Through Hearing during the Intermediate State," it serves as a spiritual roadmap for the consciousness as it transitions through the bardo —the interval between death and the next rebirth. Historical Significance & Origins

The Bardo Thodol identifies specific stages that a soul traverses over a period of 49 days after death: The Tibetan Book of the Dead | Summary & Quotes - Study.com

In 1927, published the first English translation, coining the title The Tibetan Book of the Dead due to perceived similarities with the Egyptian Book of the Dead . Core Teachings: The Stages of the Bardo

The text is categorized as a terma or "hidden treasure". Tradition attributes its composition to the 8th-century master (Guru Rinpoche), who reportedly hid the teachings to be discovered when humanity was ready. It was eventually revealed in the 14th century by the terton (treasure-finder) Karma Lingpa .