What is Phowa?

The practice of Conscious Dying, or Phowa, is one of the profound teachings of Diamond Way Buddhism (Vajrayana). In the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism it is taught in the context of the Six Yogas of Naropa. During Phowa practice, one learns to direct one's mind toward Buddha Amitabha and transfer one's consciousness into the Pure Land of Great Bliss. Thus it is possible to establish a definite connection with the Buddha Amitabha and to arrive at a direct experience of this extremely pure and joyful state. This is especially useful at the time of death. Instead of being driven through the intermediate state (tib. Bardo) into a new rebirth in the cycle of existence, one goes directly into the state of highest bliss. Being in the state of the Buddha himself, one receives further teachings and develops very quickly towards the state of full enlightenment.

However, through this kind of practice it is even possible to realize more and more the pure nature of one's mind, which means to manifest the pure land here and now. In this case one does not need to send one's energy and awareness to the Pure Land and one need not wait for the result to come when one builds up the causes. Instead, one can develop, in this lifetime, a huge capacity to benefit others and to liberate them from all suffering. This is the actual meaning of the Phowa practice. It is a great gift, and the most powerful of all the different forms of Amitabha practice.

Dear friends!

The practice of Phowa was traditionally taught only after lengthy preparations and meditation practice. We have the unique opportunity to complete this powerful practice in a 4-day retreat with Lama Ole Nydahl, who was asked to transmit this practice in western countries by important teachers of the Kagyu Lineage. Since 1987 he has successfully taught the Phowa to over 50,000 people worldwide.