འཕོ་བ
Consciousness Transfer (Phowa)
破瓦法 · Saṃkrānti-siddhi
Supreme Siddhi 最高成就Phowa (Consciousness Transfer) is the practice of directing one's own consciousness out through the crown of the head at the moment of death, transferring it directly to a pure realm (Buddha-field) and thereby achieving liberation without going through the bardo states. This is one of the Six Yogas of Naropa and is considered one of the most essential and widely practised of all Tibetan completion stage practices. The 'siddhi' aspect of Phowa is evidenced by two physical signs: during intensive Phowa practice retreats, practitioners report the appearance of a hole in the crown of the skull through which a grass blade can be inserted, and after advanced Phowa practitioners die, their skulls are sometimes found with this opening. The practice involves visualising the central channel, the consciousness as a red and white drop, and projecting it upward with specific syllables (HIC/PHAT).
Essentials 6.7 - Transference (Phowa)
🧘 Associated Practice
Six Yogas of Naropa (Phowa is one of the six); specifically the fourth yoga; combined with Amitābha Buddha practice in certain traditions
☸ Relationship to the Path
Phowa belongs to the completion stage practices, specifically the practices that relate to the moment of death and the bardo. It uses the practitioner's developed ability to work with the subtle winds and drops within the central channel to guide consciousness through the crown rather than allowing it to exit through other openings (which lead to lower rebirths or confused bardo wandering).
📜 Classical Source
Six Yogas of Naropa; Kālacakra Tantra; Amitābha Pure Land practices integrated with Phowa; Karma Kagyu Phowa manuals
Associated Masters
⚖ Ethical Note
Phowa for oneself (at one's own death) is considered an essential and highly recommended practice. Performing Phowa for others (transference of another's consciousness at their death) requires high realisation and proper authorisation from a qualified teacher. The practice must be learned from a qualified teacher who has verified signs of realisation.