What is the theme in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche?

The theme of enlightenment, a vital concept in Tibetan Buddhism, is a major focus of the novel. Throughout the book, author Sogyal instructs readers on the various ways one can find the nature of the mind, and thus, enlightenment. In order for one to experience the nature of the mind, Sogyal notes three 'authenticities' that must be present. One is the blessing of an authentic master, the second is the devotion of a student, and the third is the authentic lineage of the introduction to the mind. In this practice, the master empowers the student with his wisdom, and introduces the student to the Buddha, or the presence of enlightenment within him or herself. The ordinary mind, or 'sem' in Tibetan, is the dualistic, thinking mind that relates and functions only to external references. It plots, desires, manipulates, angers, and indulges, and is vulnerable to habitual tendencies and conditioning.