O nobly born, that which is called death hath now come. Thou art departing from this world, but thou art not the only one; death cometh to all. Do not cling, in fondness and weakness, to this life. Even though thou clingest out of weakness, thou hast not the power to remain here. Thou wilt gain nothing more than wandering in this Samsara. Be not attached to this world; be not weak. – Padmasambhava

It is claimed that the legendary Indian Tantric master Padmasambhava introduced Buddhism to Tibet in the middle of the eighth century AD, conquering and converting all the native demons and deities in the process. This legend also credits him with building the first Buddhist monastery at Samye in Tibet, developing Tantric or practical Buddhism and writing the Bardo Todrol Chenmo, known to the West as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The title literally means “The Great Liberation Through Hearing in the Between.” Although it is now commonly used in Tibet as a ritual for recitation over the deceased, it reads as though it was intended to apply to any moment of one’s life in resisting the thrall of Maya or illusion. “O Nobly Born,” the Bardo Todrol counsels, “whatever you see, do not be afraid.” The teachings of Padmasambhava gave rise to the life and work of the great Tibetan awakened beings Milarepa and his student Gampopa.