Tantras such as the "Guhyagarbha" state that the thought at the moment of death determines one's destination. Phowa is precisely the teaching that points consciousness to a luminous path home—without awaiting future lives' practice, at death or in the bardo, by the guru's and yidam's power, consciousness is transferred out the crown into a pure land.

Sakya's phowa descends from Nāropa and is woven into the Lamdré instruction. When the lama performs it for the dead or dying, he sees himself inseparable from Hevajra and, with the power of the syllable "Hūṃ", opens the crown so the consciousness flies out like a bird from its cage, straight to the light. This is the deepest compassion for a loved one—not mourning, but aiding liberation.

• **Straight to pure land.** Phowa keeps consciousness from drifting with karma, entering a pure realm directly, free of bardo fear.
• **Peace at death.** Performing phowa for the dying eases their fear and settles their consciousness, so they depart pure.
• **No regret for the living.** Aiding a loved one with the power of lineage turns "I didn't see them off well" into "I saw them off ultimately."

Phowa proceeds thus:

• **Set the focus.** Provide the deceased's (or dying one's) name; a tablet or focus is set before the mandala.
• **Visualize transference.** The lama sees himself as Hevajra, intones the phowa heart mantra, and with the "Hūṃ" opens the crown, transferring consciousness into light.
• **Confirm signs.** Traditionally warmth at the crown or a soft fontanelle is a sign of consciousness having departed.
• **Dedicate and settle.** All merit is dedicated, wishing the consciousness rest peacefully in the pure realm.

You need not be present—only pray for that one in your heart; the lama's practice sees them on the final leg.