Takdrol

Takdrol (Wyl. btags grol) is one of the “five methods that lead to liberation without the need for meditation”. These are sometimes given as:

• liberation through seeing (chakras) (Tib. tongdrol);
• liberation on hearing (mantra) (Tib. tödrol);
• liberation by tasting (amrita) (Tib. nyongdrol);
• liberation by touch (mudra) (Tib. takdrol); and
• liberation by recollection or thinking (phowa) (Tib. drendrol).

Numerous kinds of takdrol exist: many are mantras in diagrams (Skt. yantra) related to the Dzogchen teachings, and others belong to the tantras. The takdrol can form part of a more detailed empowerment, or it can be given independently as a simple empowerment on its own. Sometimes a text of a tantra is used as a takdrol and worn, for example, in a locket on the top of the head.

Takdrols can also be placed on a deceased persons’ body after death—and either buried or burned with the body—in order to help alleviate their suffering during the bardo. 

Alternative Lists

• liberation by touching (Tib. regdröl) is sometimes added to the list, making six methods that lead to liberation .

Sources

• Endnotes to Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection, by The Dalai Lama, page 231—Information kindly given by Tulku Thondup Rinpoche.
• Songtsen: Kyabje Kangyur Rinpoche’s Tagdröl yantra