Liberation Upon Hearing

Liberation Upon Hearing (Thödrol) is an extraordinary text that serves as a singular guide for practitioners, leading them through the intricate stages (bardos) they encounter during the journey after death. This text meticulously delineates the dimensions of post-death experiences while simultaneously shedding light on the path to liberation inherent within them. In this capacity, it adeptly readies practitioners for the inevitable transition of death. For the departed, the oral recitation of this text by a master or spiritual companion extends a guiding hand and serves as a mnemonic device, recalling the methodologies for achieving liberation as the practitioner navigates the realms of the after-death states.

The origins of Liberation Upon Hearing trace back to its initial transmission by Guru Padmasambhava, later unveiled as a treasure within the teachings of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (1829–1870), specifically within the comprehensive cycle known as The Guru’s Heart Practice: Dispeller of All Obstacles (Tukdrup Barché Künsel). Liberation Upon Hearing belongs to the teachings of Guru Pema Jungné (also known as Padmakara or Lotus-Born), the sixth emanation among the twelve forming The Dispeller of All Obstacles mandala.

Embedded within the Guru Pema Jungné cycle, Liberation Upon Hearing is identified as one of the “six extraordinary teachings” distinct to the lineage of the Great Perfection (Dzogchen), leading to liberation through the senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and even wearing.
Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé arranged this Liberation Upon Hearing liturgy, drawing from Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa’s treasure root text, The Essence Manual of Oral Instructions (Sheldam Nyingjang).