Thukdam
Literally meaning "heart oath" or "mind commitment," thukdam most commonly refers to the meditative state of profound absorption that realized practitioners enter at the time of death, remaining in either deep mental calm or in the nature of mind and the clear light of death even as coarse physical processes cease. During this state, which can last from days to weeks, the deceased's body shows no signs of decay as the practitioner maintains their meditation and, ideally, the recognition of rigpa until completing their final dissolution process with full awareness before ultimately separating consciousness from the physical form. In other contexts, thukdam can also refer to the sacred oath that binds a protector deity or to a practitioner's lifelong primary practice.
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
