In Tibetan Buddhism, bardo refers to an intermediate or transitional state—a phase between two moments in existence. Most commonly associated with the period between death and rebirth, bardo represents a liminal space where consciousness undergoes profound experiences. However, bardo states are not limited to death; they can also occur during life, marking significant transitions in awareness and perception.
Understanding Bardo in Buddhist Thought
The concept of bardo originates from Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Nyingma school. It is detailed in the Bardo Thödol, commonly known in the West as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The word bardo translates to “in-between” or “intermediate state,” emphasizing existence’s impermanent and fluid nature.
Bardo experiences are often characterized by heightened awareness, visionary experiences, and the potential for liberation. Tibetan Buddhist teachings suggest that these transitional states offer an opportunity for spiritual awakening or, conversely, the reinforcement of habitual patterns leading to rebirth.
The Six Bardos: Stages of Transition
Tibetan Buddhism describes six different bardos, divided into those experienced in life and those encountered after death.
1. The Bardo of This Life (Kyenay Bardo)
This is the state of ordinary existence from birth to death. It includes daily experiences and opportunities for spiritual practice. By engaging in mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living, individuals prepare for future transitions.
2. The Bardo of Dreaming (Milam Bardo)
This occurs during sleep and dreaming. Tibetan Buddhist practices, such as dream yoga, teach awareness during dreams, allowing one to navigate dream states consciously. Mastery of this bardo enhances control over the post-death experience.
3. The Bardo of Meditation (Samten Bardo)
This state occurs during deep meditation when the mind is free from distractions. In profound meditative absorption, one can glimpse the nature of reality and attain liberation.
4. The Bardo of the Moment of Death (Chikhai Bardo)
The first post-death bardo is the phase of dying. Tibetan texts describe a dissolution of the body’s elements (earth, water, fire, air, space), culminating in the appearance of the “Clear Light of Reality.” Recognizing this light leads to liberation, but if one does not recognize it, one moves into the next bardo.
5. The Bardo of the Luminous Reality (Chönyid Bardo)
In this stage, the deceased encounters visions of peaceful and wrathful deities. These manifestations are projections of one’s mind, reflecting karmic imprints. Recognizing them as illusions can lead to enlightenment, while fear and attachment cause further transitions.
6. The Bardo of Becoming (Sidpa Bardo)
The final stage before rebirth is consciousness, seeking a new body based on karma. The experiences in this bardo influence the conditions of one’s next life. Tibetan Buddhists perform rituals to guide the deceased toward a favourable rebirth or liberation.
Practical Applications of Bardo Teachings
The teachings of bardo are not merely about death—they serve as a metaphor for change and transformation in life. By understanding bardos, one can cultivate greater awareness of impermanence and develop resilience in times of transition.
1. Mindfulness in Daily Life
Recognizing that life itself is a bardo state encourages mindfulness and presence. Individuals can respond with greater clarity and wisdom by treating every moment as a potential threshold.
2. Dream Yoga and Lucid Dreaming
Bardo teachings emphasize dream yoga, a practice of lucid dreaming to cultivate awareness in both sleep and death. Training in dream recognition helps individuals navigate the after-death bardos with more awareness.
3. Meditation and Preparing for Death
Regular meditation practice prepares the mind for the moment of death. Some Buddhist traditions encourage practitioners to rehearse the dying process, visualize elements’ dissolution and recognize the Clear Light.
4. Rituals and Guidance for the Deceased
Tibetan Buddhism has numerous death rituals and prayers, such as reading the Bardo Thödol to guide the deceased through bardos. Monks and practitioners perform ceremonies to assist in the transition toward enlightenment or a favourable rebirth.
Conclusion: The Wisdom of Bardo Teachings
Bardo teachings offer a profound perspective on impermanence, transformation, and spiritual awakening. By understanding the intermediate states between life, death, and rebirth, practitioners gain insight into their own existence and prepare for inevitable transitions. Whether through mindful living, dream yoga, or meditation, embracing the lessons of bardo can lead to greater awareness, peace, and, ultimately, liberation from suffering.
The journey through bardo is not just about death but about learning to navigate all of life’s changes with wisdom and compassion.