Bardo Thodol: The Secrets of the Tibetan Book of the Dead

Introduction

The Bardo Thodol (Bardo Thödol), is a Tibetan funerary text describing the experience of death and dying from the Buddhist perspective. The text serves as a profound roadmap for the journey of consciousness through the transitional states or bardos. It is read to the deceased and serves as a guide to the experiences of consciousness while in the transitional stages between death and rebirth. The purpose is to assist the recently deceased person into a more favorable rebirth. According to the beliefs and traditions of Tibet, the time period between death and the next rebirth is 49 days.

In the West, the Bardo Thodol is commonly known as the “Tibetan Book of the Dead”. However, the title “Bardo Thodol” actually translates as “liberation through hearing during the intermediate state” or “liberation through hearing in the bardo” and it is a text from a larger corpus of teachings, known as the “Profound Dharma of Self-Liberation through the Intention of the Peaceful and Wrathful Ones”.

The Bardo Todol consists of two parts: the “Great Liberation through Hearing: The Supplication of the Bardo of Dharmata” and the “Great Liberation through Hearing: The Supplication Pointing Out the Bardo of Existence”. According to Tibetan tradition, only advanced Buddhists were granted exclusive access to comprehend and utilize the teachings of the book.

The text is a masterpiece of Tibetan Buddhist tradition, offering unique insights into the nature of reality and the human experience. Its teachings not only illuminate the afterlife but also provide profound wisdom applicable to the challenges of everyday life.

^{Featured Image: Dr. Hans-Günter Wagner, Yama, the Lord reigning over the realm of Death (Tibetan figure) (29343514824), CC BY-SA 2.0}

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Introduction
Bardo Thodol Origins
Bardo Thodol: The 6 States of Consciousness
Bardo Thodol: The Six Lokas of Rebirth
Bardo Thodol: Core Concepts & Teachings
Bardo Thodol Rituals & Practices
Bardo Thodol Interpretations & Criticisms
Bardo Thodol Influence Beyond Tibetan Buddhism
Contemporary Relevance of the Bardo Thodol
Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Bardo Thodol Origins

The Bardo Thodol emerged during a pivotal period in Tibetan history marked by the spread of Buddhism from India into the Himalayan region. The text is believed to have been composed in the 8th century CE by the legendary Tibetan Buddhist master Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. Padmasambhava (meaning “lotus born”) is revered as the “Second Buddha” for his instrumental role in establishing Buddhism in Tibet.

According to legend, Padmasambhava concealed numerous texts, including the Bardo Thodol, as “terma” – hidden spiritual treasures – to be revealed at specific times when the teachings would be most needed. The discovery of these treasures centuries later by “tertons” (treasure revealers of past knowledge), played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Tibetan Buddhist teachings. However, Padmasambhava is said to have first imparted these teachings to Yeshe Tsogyal, the consort of the Tibetan emperor Trisong Detsen.

The text was discovered by Karma Lingpa and disseminated in its current form in the 14th century. Karma Lingpa was a renowned Tibetan saint and scholar, believed to be an incarnation of Padmasana.

English Translation

The first English translation of the Tibetan text was completed by Walter Evans-Wentz in 1927 and published by Oxford University Press. He named it “The Tibetan Book of the Dead” due to perceived parallels he identified between it and the “Egyptian Book of the Dead”.

However, in reality, the true translator of the text is Kazi Dawa Samdup, an educator at a local school. Evans-Wentz not only claimed authorship of the translation but also substantially altered it, depating from the original translation. His modifications transformed the text and veered away from the Buddhist teachings, aligning instead with his own concocted spiritualist notions.

According to many researchers and scholars the foremost translation of the “Bardo Thodol” is “The Book of Natural Liberation Through Understanding in the Between”, as translated by the notable academic Robert Thurman.

Bardo Thodol: The 6 States of Consciousness

Central to the Bardo Thodol is its division of the afterlife journey into three distinct bardos, or intermediate states, traversed by the consciousness of the deceased. Each bardo presents unique opportunities for spiritual realization and liberation.Within each bardo, the Bardo Thodol provides detailed instructions and guidance to help navigate the challenges presented by the transitional states of consciousness. These teachings offer profound insights into the nature of reality, karma, and the path to liberation. In essence, they serve as a profound roadmap for spiritual awakening.

The Chikhai Bardo (Bardo of the Moment of Death)

This bardo marks the moment of death itself. Here, the individual experiences the disentanglement of the mind from the sensory perceptions of the physical realm. The Chikhai Bardo consists of three phases:

Initially, there is the dissolution of all physical sensations and awareness of the material world. Once all elements and their attributes have dissolved, only pure awareness, devoid of earthly attachments, remains.

During this time, the deceased encounters pure awareness, appearing as boundless luminosity and light. This phase is often referred to as “the clear light of reality” or the “luminous mind”. It can be conceived as the fundamental substrate of reality, akin to the enlightenment experience in life.

If the deceased can recognize this Pure Light of Consciousness as their true essence, they attain enlightenment and break free from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. Alternatively, the ego begins to reassert itself as it subsequently enters the Chonyid Bardo.

The Chonyid Bardo (Bardo of the Experiencing of Reality)

Following the dissolution of the physical body, the consciousness enters the Chonyid Bardo. Here, it encounters various realms and deities representing the karmic imprints accumulated throughout life.

This bardo offers an opportunity for the recognition of the illusory nature of reality, as well as the potential for spiritual transformation and liberation. This state comprises several phases, like encounters with wrathful and peaceful deities (Buddhas), a spectral voyage through barren expanses and a harrowing encounter with the Lord of Death. During this last encounter, past deeds and virtues are weighed, determining one’s ultimate destiny.

Bardo Thodol — ^{Vision of Serene Divinities}

The Sidpa Bardo (Bardo of Becoming)

In the final bardo, the consciousness prepares to take rebirth based on the karmic propensities and aspirations of previous lives. The Sidpa Bardo is a state of potentiality and transition, where the individual’s actions and intentions shape their future existence. Maintaining mindfulness during this juncture is critical, as the choices made in this bardo can profoundly influence the trajectory of future lives.

It is here that one’s consciousness will be reborn into one of six realms or Lokas (states of rebirth), ranging from a god-like existence of pure pleasure to the burning torments of hell. It goes without saying that one should strive to be reborn into the highest possible state of rebirth.

In Tibetan Buddhism, “bardo” means a state of transition, so whenever the consciousness enters such a state we say it is in a bardo. Apart from the three after-death bardos, there are also three other bardos of consciousness experienced during one’s lifetime. These are:

The Kyenay Bardo (The Bardo of Life)

This bardo encompasses the entirety of one’s life, from birth to death. It involves experiences and transitions encountered during the course of living. Life is a transition process, so life itself is a bardo, hence, the first bardo is the bardo of life. It starts from the time of birth until the start of the death process.

The Milam Bardo (Bardo of Dream State)

This is the state that our consciousness enters when we fall asleep and dream. During this bardo individuals experience dreams and subconscious phenomena. It is considered a period of opportunity for spiritual practice and insight.

The Samten Bardo (The Bardo of Meditation)

This bardo refers to the states experienced during deep meditation, where the practitioner may encounter profound insights and spiritual experiences.

Bardo Thodol: The Six Lokas of Rebirth

In Buddhist cosmology, there are six realms of rebirth (Lokas). These represent different states of existence individuals may be reborn into based on their karma. These realms are often depicted in a cyclic existence known as the cycle of samsara. The six Lokas of rebirth are:

Deva Loka (Realm of the Devas or Gods)

This realm is inhabited by celestial beings or gods who experience great pleasure and enjoy long lifespans. However, despite their blissful existence, they are still subject to impermanence and eventual rebirth.

Asura Loka (Realm of the Asuras or Demi-gods)

Asuras are often depicted as semi-divine beings who are powerful but plagued by jealousy, aggression, and constant strife. They are perpetually engaged in conflict with the Devas.

Manushya Loka (Realm of Humans)

This realm is the realm of human existence, characterized by a mixture of pleasure and pain, happiness, and suffering. Humans have the opportunity to pursue spiritual growth and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Tiryak Loka (Realm of Animals)

Beings in this realm are subject to instinctive behavior, limited cognitive abilities, and suffering due to their ignorance. They are driven primarily by survival instincts.

Preta Loka (Realm of Hungry Ghosts or Pretas)

Pretas are depicted as beings with insatiable hunger and thirst, yet they are unable to satisfy their desires. They suffer from constant craving and dissatisfaction.

Naraka Loka (Realm of Hell)

This realm is characterized by intense suffering and torment. Here, beings endure various forms of punishment for their past negative actions. The suffering in Naraka is believed to be temporary, but extremely severe.

Bardo Thodol: Core Concepts & Teachings

The Bardo Thodol offers profound insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the human experience. Its teachings, rooted in the Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, offer guidance on navigating the complexities of existence and achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Key concepts and teachings include:

The Nature of Reality and Consciousness

Emptiness (Shunyata): The Bardo Thodol teaches that all phenomena, including the self, are ultimately empty of inherent existence. Recognizing the emptiness of phenomena is essential for transcending attachment, aversion, and ignorance.
Interdependence (Pratityasamutpada): The text emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and phenomena. Understanding the interdependent nature of reality allows one to cultivate compassion and wisdom.

Karma and Rebirth

Law of Cause and Effect: The Bardo Thodol elucidates the principle of karma, whereby actions, intentions and thoughts have consequences that shape future experiences. Practitioners are encouraged to purify negative karma and cultivate virtuous qualities to create favorable conditions for spiritual growth.
Cycle of Rebirth: The process of death and rebirth is governed by the law of karma. Through the bardos, individuals navigate the transitional states between lives, guided by their karmic propensities and aspirations.

Liberation and Enlightenment

Awakening (Bodhi): The ultimate aim of the Bardo Thodol teachings is to attain enlightenment, or awakening from the cycle of samsara (the endless cycle of living and dying). This entails transcending the limitations of ego and delusion and realizing one’s true nature.
Nirvana: The Bardo Thodol describes nirvana as the state of ultimate peace and liberation from suffering. Through diligent practice and insight, practitioners can attain liberation from the cycle of life and death and abide in the state of nirvana.

Role of Meditation and Spiritual Practices

Mindfulness: The Bardo Thodol emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, or present-moment awareness, in cultivating wisdom and insight. Practitioners are encouraged to cultivate mindfulness in everyday life and during the transitional states of death and rebirth.
Meditation: The text prescribes various meditation practices, including visualization, mantra recitation, and deity yoga, as means to purify the mind, develop concentration, and realize the nature of reality.

By integrating these core concepts and teachings into their spiritual practice, practitioners of the Bardo Thodol can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, leading to profound insights, liberation from suffering, and ultimately, enlightenment.

Bardo Thodol Rituals & Practices

In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Bardo Thodol is often recited aloud to the dying and deceased as a means of guiding their consciousness through the bardos. However, the text also serves as a spiritual guide not only for the dying but also for the living. It offers a framework for spiritual practice and preparation for the transition into death and beyond. Rituals and practices associated with the Bardo Thodol are designed to facilitate the journey of the consciousness through the bardos and to support practitioners in their quest for liberation.

Practitioners undergo training in meditation techniques specifically tailored to navigating the bardos. This training involves cultivating mindfulness, developing concentration, and familiarizing oneself with the visions and experiences encountered in the bardos.

Bardo Thodol in Death Rituals

Reading the Bardo Thodol: The text provides instructions, prayers, and visualizations aimed at assisting the deceased in recognizing and navigating the transitional states.
Deathbed Practices: Rituals such as the Phowa (transference of consciousness) are performed by qualified practitioners to facilitate the smooth transition of the consciousness at the moment of death. This practice aims to direct the consciousness towards a favorable rebirth or liberation.

Bardo Thodol Meditation Techniques & Visualization Practices

Tonglen: This is a meditation practice involving the exchange of suffering and happiness. It is used to cultivate compassion and alleviate the suffering of oneself and others. Practitioners visualize taking in the suffering of others and sending out love and happiness.
Deity Yoga: This advanced tantric practice involves visualizing oneself as a deity and embodying the qualities and attributes associated with that deity. Deity yoga aims to purify the mind, generate positive qualities, and realize the inseparability of oneself and the enlightened deity.
Phowa: Phowa is a Tibetan Buddhist practice that focuses on the transference of consciousness at the time of death.

The Practice of Phowa

In the practice of Phowa, practitioners aim to direct their consciousness to a pure realm or an enlightened state at the moment of death. In this way, they can bypass the ordinary process of rebirth in the six realms of samsara. Mastering Phowa allows individuals to attain a favorable rebirth or even liberation from the cycle of birth and death altogether. The practice typically involves visualizations, meditation techniques and recitation of mantras. Phowa is considered one of the most advanced and profound practices in Tibetan Buddhism. It is a powerful method for achieving a positive outcome in the dying process and advancing on the path toward enlightenment.

Bardo Thodol Interpretations & Criticisms

The Bardo Thodol has been subject to varied interpretations and criticisms across different contexts and perspectives. While many practitioners and scholars view the text as a valuable guide to navigating the afterlife journey, others have raised questions and concerns regarding its teachings and implications. Key interpretations and criticisms include:

Varied Interpretations Across Different Schools of Tibetan Buddhism

Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretations: Some practitioners interpret the teachings of the Bardo Thodol as literal descriptions of the afterlife journey. However, others view them as symbolic representations of psychological and spiritual processes.
Emphasis on Liberation: All schools of Tibetan Buddhism uphold the goal of liberation from suffering. However, interpretations of the specific practices and techniques prescribed in the Bardo Thodol may vary among different lineages and traditions.
Cultural and Historical Context: Critics have highlighted the cultural and historical context in which the Bardo Thodol emerged. They emphasize the influence of indigenous Bon traditions, as well as the syncretic blending of Indian Buddhist and Tibetan cultural elements.

Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding the Bardo Thodol

Cultural Appropriation: Critics have raised concerns about the appropriation of Tibetan Buddhist teachings and practices by Western audiences, particularly in the context of commercialization and commodification.
Dogmatism and Fundamentalism: Some detractors argue that rigid adherence to the teachings of the Bardo Thodol may lead to dogmatism and fundamentalism, hindering critical inquiry and open-minded exploration of spiritual truths.

Bardo Thodol Influence Beyond Tibetan Buddhism

The profound teachings of the Bardo Thodol extend far beyond the boundaries of Tibetan Buddhism. Its timeless wisdom and insights into the nature of consciousness, death, and rebirth have inspired individuals and movements around the world. Key areas of influence include:

Impact on Western Thought & Culture

Spiritual Exploration: The Bardo Thodol has captured the imagination of Western seekers interested in exploring alternative spiritual traditions and perspectives. Its teachings on consciousness, death, and rebirth resonate with individuals seeking meaning and purpose in life.
Influence on Western Literature and Art: The imagery and themes of the Bardo Thodol have found expression in Western literature, art, and popular culture. Writers, artists, and filmmakers draw inspiration from its vivid descriptions of the afterlife journey and the human experience.

Incorporation into Psychology & Thanatology

Psychospiritual Exploration: Psychologists have drawn upon the teachings of the Bardo Thodol to explore the intersection of psychology and spirituality. Concepts such as the stages of death and rebirth, offer insights into the human psyche and the process of transformation.
End-of-Life Care: Hospice workers, caregivers and professionals have integrated practices from the Bardo Thodol into end-of-life care. The text provides guidance and rituals for assisting the dying and their loved ones through the process of dying and transition.

Popular Culture References & Adaptations

Literary References: The Bardo Thodol has been referenced in numerous works of literature, including novels, poetry, and essays. Writers such as Aldous Huxley, Hermann Hesse, and Timothy Leary have drawn upon its teachings in their own explorations of consciousness and spirituality.
Cinematic and Musical Adaptations: Filmmakers, musicians, and artists have adapted themes and imagery from the Bardo Thodol into their works. Films, music and visual art explore themes of death, rebirth, and the afterlife, drawing inspiration from the profound teachings of the text.

Contemporary Relevance of the Bardo Thodol

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, societal change, and global interconnectedness, the teachings of the Bardo Thodol remain remarkably relevant and applicable to the challenges and opportunities of modern life. Despite the passage of centuries, the profound insights encapsulated within the text continue to offer guidance, solace, and inspiration to individuals seeking meaning, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment. Key aspects of the Bardo Thodol’s contemporary relevance include:

Application of Bardo Thodol Teachings in Modern Life

Coping with Change and Uncertainty: The Bardo Thodol offer insights into navigating the transitions and uncertainties of life with mindfulness and resilience.
Cultivating Compassion and Connection: In a society often marked by division and conflict, the Bardo Thodol emphasizes the importance of cultivating compassion and interconnectedness. Its teachings on the interdependence of all beings resonate with contemporary efforts to foster social harmony and collective well-being.

Addressing Existential and Spiritual Questions

Finding Meaning and Purpose: The Bardo Thodol invites individuals to reflect deeply on the nature of existence and the pursuit of genuine happiness and fulfillment beyond material possessions.
Confronting Mortality and Impermanence: The Bardo Thodol offers a profound perspective on the inevitability of death and the transformative potential of facing mortality with courage, acceptance, and awareness.

Continuing Relevance in the 21st Century

Integration into Mindfulness and Wellness Practices: The teachings of the Bardo Thodol have been integrated into contemporary mindfulness and wellness practices, offering individuals tools and techniques for cultivating presence, self-awareness, and inner peace.
Exploration of Consciousness and Transpersonal Psychology: The insights of the Bardo Thodol continue to inspire explorations of consciousness, transpersonal psychology and the nature of reality. Its teachings on the nature of consciousness and the afterlife offer fertile ground for interdisciplinary inquiry and dialogue.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Since it was first published in 1927, the Bardo Thodol has emerged as the most influential piece of Buddhist literature in the Western world. As one of the eminent religious texts throughout history, its worldwide influence is profoundly remarkable. Its significance resonates across various domains, including the theories of psychoanalysis by Carl Jung, Timothy Leary’s exploration of psychedelics (“The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead”), the literary works of Aldous Huxley, the musical compositions of The Beatles and Leonard Cohen, and the emergence of new age spiritual movements.

Beyond these spheres, it has evolved into a vital resource for hospices and a source of comfort and solace for individuals confronting mortality. The Bardo Thodol treats death not as something terminal, but as a transformative stage. It is not simply a text to guide one through the labyrinth of the afterlife, but a timeless compass in the human quest for meaning, purpose, and spiritual realization.

The Bardo Thodol is a profound guide for spiritual transformation and realization.
– Dalai Lama