According to the Lama, our real problem in this realm and what generally keeps these teachings just out of our reach is that we are "hung up with objects of temporal pleasure."

Hence: "Necesssary preparation for this practice is developing the mind that is unattached to possessions, friends, and so forth. This is the real preparation for this practice."

An ounce of preparation is worth about 15 tons of theory when it comes to death and dying work, so the Lama gives exercises to work with. It is good to practice these exercises now (during times of good health) because "if we do not prepare ourselves before hand it will be imopossible to practice the transference of consciousness when death actually comes."

The phowa exercises can be done on any of a number of different levels and here the level is basic, a good introduction to the subject.

Yet, the practice itself is not the main concern here. The Lama is more concerned that we develop an attitude of non-attachment and dedication of our efforts for the benefit of all beings:
"By practicing po-wa we should at least realize that there is no reason for hanging on to things the way we do. At the very least we should gain this realization. By training in the po-wa and preparing for death we become more easy going. We can learn to accept the impermanent nature of our lives, our relationships, and so forth. Therefore, I am not really concerned whether or not you become experts in po-wa but rather that your attitude towards life and death becomes more easy-going and realistic."

In addition to presenting the teachings Lama Yeshe answers many of the questions which westerners have about this type of practice, and the final talk details many of the Tibetan signs and symptoms of approaching death.

All in all it is really quite an amazing little monograph. I hope that it is still in print through Wisdom Publications, Boston Mass, or Foundation for Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (above website).