Difference between revisions of "The Six Bardos and Five Elements"
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− | The [[word]] [[bardo]] literally means "an interval between two things." Bar means 'interval' and do means 'two'. We can think of this interval in a spatial or temporal way. If there are two houses, the [[space]] between them is a [[bardo]]. The period between sunrise and sunset, the interval of daylight, is a [[bardo]]. A [[bardo]] can be of long or short [[duration]], of wide or narrow expanse. | + | |
− | To a large extent our [[experience]] is made up of intervals between one thing and another. Even in the case of the momentary [[thoughts]] that arise in our [[mind]], there is an interval between one [[thought]] arising and fading and the next [[thought]] appearing. Such a gap, even if infinitesimal, is part of every process. Everything we [[experience]] has this quality of intervals between states. | + | |
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+ | A Very Short but Exellent Explanation by [[Kalu Ripoche]], given in {{Wiki|New York}} 1982 | ||
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+ | The [[word]] [[bardo]] literally means "an {{Wiki|interval}} between two things." Bar means '{{Wiki|interval}}' and do means 'two'. We can think of this {{Wiki|interval}} in a spatial or {{Wiki|temporal}} way. If there are two houses, the [[space]] between them is a [[bardo]]. The period between sunrise and sunset, the {{Wiki|interval}} of daylight, is a [[bardo]]. A [[bardo]] can be of long or short [[duration]], of wide or narrow expanse. | ||
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+ | To a large extent our [[experience]] is made up of intervals between one thing and another. Even in the case of the momentary [[thoughts]] that arise in our [[mind]], there is an {{Wiki|interval}} between one [[thought]] [[arising]] and fading and the next [[thought]] appearing. Such a gap, even if infinitesimal, is part of every process. Everything we [[experience]] has this [[quality]] of intervals between states. | ||
The Six [[Bardos]] | The Six [[Bardos]] | ||
− | [[Wheel | + | |
− | Certain aspects of [[bardo]] are more important than others. One of the most crucial is our waking [[existence]], from the moment of [[birth]] to the [[time]] we [[die]]. This waking [[existence]] is the first great [[bardo]] on our [[experience]], the '[[Bardo]] between [[Birth]] and [[Death]]' ('che shi bar do'). | + | ===[[Wheel of Life/The Six Realms]]=== |
− | The [[bardo]] of the [[dream]] state, which lasts from the moment we go to [[sleep]] at night until the moment we wake in the morning is another example. The state of [[consciousness]] that obtains during that interval is termed the '[[Dream]] [[Bardo]]' ('mi lam bar do'). | + | |
− | For an [[ordinary person]], the trauma of [[death]] produces a state of {{Wiki|unconsciousness}}, which lasts for an indefinite [[time]]: it may be very brief or quite long. [[Traditionally]], this period of blackout is considered to last three and a half days. Afterwards, the [[consciousness]] of the {{Wiki|individual}} begins [[ | + | |
− | The next phase of the after-death [[experience]] is the reawakening of [[consciousness]], which includes the many days that can be spent experiencing the fantastic projections of [[mind]], the hallucinations produced and [[experienced]] by the [[mind]] in the after-death state. From the moment of this reawakening of [[consciousness]] (the end of '[[chö]] nyi [[bardo]]') to the moment we take actual [[physical]] [[rebirth]] in one of the [[six realms of samsara]], is known as the 'si pa [[bardo]]', the '[[Bardo]] of | + | |
− | These are the four major instances of the [[Bardo]] principle. Another example is a state of [[meditation]]: when someone who practices begins to [[meditate]] effectively, there is a certain | + | Certain aspects of [[bardo]] are more important than others. One of the most crucial is our waking [[existence]], from the [[moment]] of [[birth]] to the [[time]] we [[die]]. This waking [[existence]] is the first great [[bardo]] on our [[experience]], the '[[Bardo]] between [[Birth]] and [[Death]]' ('che shi [[bar do]]'). |
− | These six kinds of [[bardo]] that we [[experience]] as [[human]] or [[sentient beings]] in [[samsara]] can be changed for the better, but the [[power]] to do this lies in the waking state. It is in the [[bardo]] of our present [[lives]] that we can make the most progress in developing the ability to deal effectively with all the others. What we usually mean by the [[word]], [[bardo]], however, is the '[[Bardo]] of | + | |
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+ | The [[bardo]] of the [[dream]] [[state]], which lasts from the [[moment]] we go to [[sleep]] at night until the [[moment]] we wake in the morning is another example. The [[state]] of [[consciousness]] that obtains during that {{Wiki|interval}} is termed the '[[Dream]] [[Bardo]]' ('mi lam [[bar do]]'). | ||
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+ | For an [[ordinary person]], the [[trauma]] of [[death]] produces a [[state]] of {{Wiki|unconsciousness}}, which lasts for an indefinite [[time]]: it may be very brief or quite long. [[Traditionally]], this period of {{Wiki|blackout}} is considered to last three and a half days. Afterwards, the [[consciousness]] of the | ||
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+ | {{Wiki|individual}} begins to [[awaken]] again and [[experience]] things in a new way. The {{Wiki|interval}} of {{Wiki|unconsciousness}} into which the [[mind]] is plunged by the [[trauma]] of [[death]], and which lasts till the [[awakening]] of [[consciousness]] again, is referred to in [[Tibetan]] as the '[[chö]] nyi [[bardo]]', the {{Wiki|interval}} of the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[nature]] of [[phenomena]]; here the [[mind]] is plunged into its [[own]] [[nature]], though in a confused or [[ignorant]] way. | ||
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+ | The next phase of the [[after-death]] [[experience]] is the reawakening of [[consciousness]], which includes the many days that can be spent experiencing the fantastic {{Wiki|projections}} of [[mind]], the [[hallucinations]] produced and [[experienced]] by the [[mind]] in the [[after-death state]]. From the [[moment]] | ||
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+ | of this reawakening of [[consciousness]] (the end of '[[chö]] nyi [[bardo]]') to the [[moment]] we take actual [[physical]] [[rebirth]] in one of the [[six realms of samsara]], is known as the 'si pa [[bardo]]', the '[[Bardo]] of Becoming'. Another way of interpreting the [[Tibetan]] is as the [[bardo]] of possibility, since at this point we have not taken [[physical]] [[birth]] and there are numerous possibilities for various kinds of [[existence]]. | ||
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+ | These are the four major instances of the [[Bardo]] [[principle]]. Another example is a [[state]] of [[meditation]]: when someone who practices begins to [[meditate]] effectively, there is a certain change in [[consciousness]]; when that [[person]] rises from the [[meditation]] and goes about wordly [[activities]] again, there is a [[cessation]] of that [[state]] of [[consciousness]]. The {{Wiki|interval}} of actual formal [[meditation]] is called the | ||
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+ | '[[Bardo]] of [[Meditative]] Stability', '[[sam ten]] [[bar do]]'. The sixth [[bardo]] we distinguish is the '[[Bardo]] of Gestation', 'che nay [[bar do]]'. This {{Wiki|interval}} begins at the end of the '[[Bardo]] of Becomig' when the [[consciousness]] of the [[being]] unites with the sperm and egg in the [[womb]] of the mother and lasts until the [[time]] of [[physical]] [[birth]], the beginning of the '[[Bardo]] between [[Birth]] and [[Death]]'. | ||
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+ | These six kinds of [[bardo]] that we [[experience]] as [[human]] or [[sentient beings]] in [[samsara]] can be changed for the better, but the [[power]] to do this lies in the [[waking state]]. It is in the [[bardo]] of our {{Wiki|present}} [[lives]] that we can make the most progress in developing the ability | ||
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+ | to deal effectively with all the others. What we usually mean by the [[word]], [[bardo]], however, is the '[[Bardo]] of Becoming', the phase of [[hallucinations]] before new [[physical]] {{Wiki|conception}}. | ||
The [[Five Elements]] and the [[Nature of Mind]] | The [[Five Elements]] and the [[Nature of Mind]] | ||
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− | In both cases we are talking about [[mind]], which [[essentially]] [[embodies]] what in our [[physical]] [[universe]] we term the [[five elements]]. The potential for these [[elements]] [[exists]] in the [[mind]] and always has - it is not something created at some particular [[time]]. In its inheerent nature, [[mind]] always has the five [[elemental]] qualities, and it is from this potential that the [[experiences]] of the after-death state arise. | + | |
− | When we speak of [[mind]], we speak of something that is not a thing in itself. In its most fundamental [[sense]], [[mind]] is not something we can limit. We cannot say it has a particular [[shape]], size or location, color or [[form]], or any other limiting [[characteristic]]. The [[element]] we call [[space]], which in our perceptual situation also has no limiting characteristics, is this very [[emptiness]] of [[mind]]; this is the [[elemental]] quality of [[space]] in the [[mind]]. | + | Our {{Wiki|present}} unenlightened [[state]] is based on a fundamental [[state]] of [[ignorance]], a fundamental discursive [[consciousness]], 'kun shi nam she'. It is the fundamental [[consciousness]] which is distorted and confused. There is, however, a possibility of experiencing the [[true nature]] of [[mind]], and when that [[pure]] [[awareness]] is {{Wiki|present}} we no longer have 'kun shi nam she' but 'kun shi yeshe' ([[wisdom]] [[consciousness]]). That change of a single {{Wiki|syllable}} from 'nam' to 'ye', makes a tremendous [[difference]], because now we are referring to fundamental [[Primordial Awareness]] rather than [[fundamental ignorance]]. |
− | But [[mind]] is not simply [[empty]]; it has the [[illuminating]] potential to perceive anything whatsoever. This [[unlimited]] ability of [[mind]] to perceive is its [[illuminating]] nature, and corresponds to the [[element]] of [[fire]]. | + | |
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+ | In both cases we are talking about [[mind]], which [[essentially]] [[embodies]] what in our [[physical]] [[universe]] we term the [[five elements]]. The potential for these [[elements]] [[exists]] in the [[mind]] and always has - it is not something created at some particular [[time]]. In its inheerent [[nature]], [[mind]] always has the five [[elemental]] qualities, and it is from this potential that the [[experiences]] of the [[after-death state]] arise. | ||
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+ | When we speak of [[mind]], we speak of something that is not a thing in itself. In its most fundamental [[sense]], [[mind]] is not something we can limit. We cannot say it has a particular [[shape]], size or location, {{Wiki|color}} or [[form]], or any other limiting [[characteristic]]. The [[element]] we call [[space]], which in our {{Wiki|perceptual}} situation also has no limiting {{Wiki|characteristics}}, is this very [[emptiness]] of [[mind]]; this is the [[elemental]] [[quality]] of [[space]] in the [[mind]]. | ||
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+ | But [[mind]] is not simply [[empty]]; it has the [[illuminating]] potential to {{Wiki|perceive}} anything whatsoever. This [[unlimited]] ability of [[mind]] to {{Wiki|perceive}} is its [[illuminating]] [[nature]], and corresponds to the [[element]] of [[fire]]. | ||
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[[File:14.Bardo-mandala.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:14.Bardo-mandala.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | This [[mind]], [[essentially]] [[empty]] and [[illuminating]], gives rise to all [[experiences]] which, wether [[samsara]] or [[Nirvana]], is [[rooted]] in [[mind]] just as [[plants]] are [[rooted]] in soil. This [[function of the mind]] as the origin of all [[experience]] corresponds to the [[elemental]] quality of [[earth]]. | + | |
− | Another aspect of the [[mind]] is its dynamic quality. [[Mind]] is never still: no single [[experience]] in it lasts, but quickly passes to another. Wheter one is undergoing an [[emotional]] reaction, an [[experience]] of [[pleasure]] or [[pain]], or a sensory [[perception]] such as [[seeing]] or [[hearing]], the contents of the [[mind]] are always in a state of flux. This continual [[activity]] of [[mind]] is the [[elemental]] quality of wind ([[air]]). | + | |
− | [[Mind]] with these four [[elemental]] qualities has always been so and always will be. This very continuity, and the fact that [[mind]] adapts itself to different situations, corresponds to the [[element]] of [[water]]*. Just as [[water]] sustains its continuity and adapts itself to every contour as it flows, the [[mind]] too is fluent, continuous, and adaptable. | + | This [[mind]], [[essentially]] [[empty]] and [[illuminating]], gives rise to all [[experiences]] which, wether [[samsara]] or [[Nirvana]], is [[rooted]] in [[mind]] just as [[plants]] are [[rooted]] in soil. This [[function of the mind]] as the origin of all [[experience]] corresponds to the [[elemental]] [[quality]] of [[earth]]. |
− | (* p.s. Following various [[Tibetan]] [[tantras]] the colors of [[space]], here blackblue, and [[water]], here white can | + | |
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+ | Another aspect of the [[mind]] is its dynamic [[quality]]. [[Mind]] is never still: no single [[experience]] in it lasts, but quickly passes to another. Wheter one is undergoing an [[emotional]] {{Wiki|reaction}}, an [[experience]] of [[pleasure]] or [[pain]], or a sensory [[perception]] such as [[seeing]] or [[hearing]], the contents of the [[mind]] are always in a [[state]] of flux. This continual [[activity]] of [[mind]] is the [[elemental]] [[quality]] of [[wind]] ([[air]]). | ||
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+ | [[Mind]] with these four [[elemental]] qualities has always been so and always will be. This very continuity, and the fact that [[mind]] adapts itself to different situations, corresponds to the [[element]] of [[water]]*. Just as [[water]] sustains its continuity and adapts itself to every contour as it flows, the [[mind]] too is fluent, continuous, and adaptable. | ||
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+ | (* p.s. Following various [[Tibetan]] [[tantras]] the colors of [[space]], here blackblue, and [[water]], here white can change to the opposite.) | ||
The [[Five Elements]] and the [[Physical Body]] | The [[Five Elements]] and the [[Physical Body]] | ||
− | The origin or [[basis of all]] [[experiences]] is [[mind]], characterized by the five [[elemental]] qualities. Our particular situation at the moment is that of [[physical]] waking [[existence]], in which we [[experience]] what is termed the [[body]] of 'Completely Ripened [[Karma]]' ('nam min ji lü'). The meaning here is that completely ripened [[karmic]] tendencies have given rise to this seemingly solid, concrete projection of [[mind]] that is our [[physical body]]. | + | |
− | The connection between the [[body]] we now [[experience]] and the [[mind]] which produced it is as follows. The solid [[elements]] of our [[body]], such as flesh and bone, represent the [[element]] of [[earth]], just as the "solidity" of [[mind]] - its [[function]] as the basis and origin of all [[experience]] - reflects the [[element]] of [[earth]]. Similarly, the [[bodily]] fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, lymph and so forth, represent the [[element]] of [[water]]. The {{Wiki|biological}} warmth of the [[body]] is the [[element]] of [[fire]], while the [[element]] of [[space]] is represented by the orifices of the [[body]], and by the spatial separation of the organs, which, instead of forming a homogeneous mass, are distinct and separate from each other. Finally, there is the [[element]] of wind ([[air]]) which is connected with the [[breath]], and maintains the organism by way of the respiratory process. | + | |
− | In short, it is from [[mind]], which [[embodies]] the five [[elemental]] qualities, that the [[physical body]] develops. The [[physical body]] itself is imbued with these qualities, and it is because of this mind/body complex that we perceive the outside [[world]] - which in turn is composed of the five [[elemental]] qualities of [[earth]], [[water]], [[fire]], wind ([[air]]), and [[space]]. | + | The origin or [[basis of all]] [[experiences]] is [[mind]], characterized by the five [[elemental]] qualities. Our particular situation at the [[moment]] is that of [[physical]] waking [[existence]], in which we [[experience]] what is termed the [[body]] of 'Completely Ripened [[Karma]]' ('nam min ji lü'). The meaning here is that completely ripened [[karmic]] {{Wiki|tendencies}} have given rise to this seemingly solid, concrete projection of [[mind]] that is our [[physical body]]. |
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− | Right now we are at a pivotal point between [[impure]], unenlightened states of [[existence]] and the possibility of [[enlightenment]]. For ordinary [[beings]] the '[[chö]] nyi' [[bardo]] is [[experienced]] as a period of deep {{Wiki|unconsciousness}} following the moment of [[death]]. There is no [[mental]] [[activity]] or [[perception]], only a blank state of fundamental {{Wiki|unconsciousness}}. This [[bardo]] ends with the first glimmer of [[awareness]] in the [[mind]]. In the interval between the end of the '[[chö]] nyi' [[bardo]] and before the beginning of the 'si pa' [[bardo]] there arises what is called the '[[Vision]] of the Five Lights'. The appearance of these is connected with the five [[elemental]] qualities. (- Compare [[Bardo]] vs. Chiron/Link see below) | + | |
− | The different colors which the [[mind]] in the [[bardo]] state [[perceives]] are the natural expression, the radiance, of the fundamental, intrinsic qualities of [[mind]]. The [[element]] of [[water]] is [[perceived]] as white [[light]]; [[space]] as | + | |
− | As [[consciousness]] begins to develop and perceive more, the [[experience]] of the [[elemental]] qualities also becomes more developed. What was formerly the simple [[impression]] of different rays or colors of [[light]] now undergoes a | + | The [[connection]] between the [[body]] we now [[experience]] and the [[mind]] which produced it is as follows. The solid [[elements]] of our [[body]], such as flesh and bone, represent the [[element]] of [[earth]], just as the "{{Wiki|solidity}}" of [[mind]] - its [[function]] as the basis and origin of all [[experience]] - reflects the [[element]] of [[earth]]. Similarly, the [[bodily]] fluids such as {{Wiki|blood}}, saliva, {{Wiki|urine}}, {{Wiki|lymph}} and |
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+ | so forth, represent the [[element]] of [[water]]. The {{Wiki|biological}} warmth of the [[body]] is the [[element]] of [[fire]], while the [[element]] of [[space]] is represented by the orifices of the [[body]], and by the spatial separation of the {{Wiki|organs}}, which, instead of forming a homogeneous {{Wiki|mass}}, are {{Wiki|distinct}} and separate from each other. Finally, there is the [[element]] of [[wind]] ([[air]]) which is connected with the [[breath]], and maintains the {{Wiki|organism}} by way of the respiratory process. | ||
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+ | In short, it is from [[mind]], which [[embodies]] the five [[elemental]] qualities, that the [[physical body]] develops. The [[physical body]] itself is imbued with these qualities, and it is because of this mind/body complex that we {{Wiki|perceive}} the outside [[world]] - which in turn is composed of the five [[elemental]] qualities of [[earth]], [[water]], [[fire]], [[wind]] ([[air]]), and [[space]]. | ||
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+ | ===[[The Five Elements in the Bardo]]=== | ||
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+ | Right now we are at a pivotal point between [[impure]], unenlightened states of [[existence]] and the possibility of [[enlightenment]]. For ordinary [[beings]] the '[[chö]] nyi' [[bardo]] is [[experienced]] as a period of deep {{Wiki|unconsciousness}} following the [[moment]] of [[death]]. There is no [[mental]] [[activity]] or [[perception]], only a blank [[state]] of fundamental {{Wiki|unconsciousness}}. This [[bardo]] ends with the first glimmer of [[awareness]] in the [[mind]]. In the {{Wiki|interval}} between the end of the '[[chö]] nyi' [[bardo]] and before the beginning of the 'si pa' [[bardo]] there arises what is called the '[[Vision]] of the Five Lights'. The [[appearance]] of these is connected with the five [[elemental]] qualities. (- Compare [[Bardo]] vs. Chiron/Link see below) | ||
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+ | The different colors which the [[mind]] in the [[bardo]] [[state]] [[perceives]] are the natural expression, the radiance, of the fundamental, intrinsic qualities of [[mind]]. The [[element]] of [[water]] is [[perceived]] as white [[light]]; [[space]] as blue (blackblue); [[earth]] as [[yellow]]; [[fire]] as [[red]]; and [[wind]] ([[air]]) as [[green]]. These colors are simply the natural expression of the [[elemental]] qualities in the [[mind]] when the first glimmer of [[consciousness]] begins to appear. | ||
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+ | As [[consciousness]] begins to develop and {{Wiki|perceive}} more, the [[experience]] of the [[elemental]] qualities also becomes more developed. What was formerly the simple [[impression]] of different rays or colors of [[light]] now undergoes a change. The [[light]] begins to integrate itself and cohere into 'tig le', points or balls of [[light]] in varying sizes. It is within these [[spheres]] of [[concentrated]] [[light]] that we [[experience]] the '[[Mandalas]] of the [[Peaceful]] and [[Wrathful Deities]]'. | ||
[[File:891.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:891.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
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− | ( p.s. The 3 upper [[realms]] are: [[endless]] and varying [[realms]] of all kind of [[gods]], human-like [[beings]], [[Demons]] ([[Asuras]]), the 3 [[lower realms]] are: [[endless]] and varying [[realms]] of [[magical]] and [[physical]] [[animals]], [[ghosts]] ([[Pretas]]) and [[hell beings]]. Sometimes there is added a seventh [[realm]], inhabited by various [[magical]] snake-like [[beings]] ([[Nagas]]). All those [[realms]], also the [[gods]] [[realms]], are seen by [[Buddhists]] as [[samsaric]] ([[illusionary]]) places of [[rebirth]]. The [[beings]] there are bound to the [[laws of cause]] and effect ([[karma]]), and, due to [[ignorance]] (- not understanding the [[illusionary]] [[essence]] of this [[mind]] projections and caught in [[dualistic]] [[thinking]]) not [[fully enlightened]] places. | + | In this context we speak of the five [[realms]] of [[existence]] in any one of which we may be [[reborn]], because of the [[impure]] level of our [[experience]]. The usual description is of the six *) [[realms]] of [[existence]], the six [[principal]] [[emotions]] that lead to them, and the six [[Buddhas]] who appear in them. In the context of the five-fold [[mandala]] pattern, however, [[desire]] and [[avarice]] are combined, because they share the same basic [[nature]] of [[clinging]], and so the [[realm]] of the '[[Asuras]]' * is eliminated, the higher [[Asuras]] [[being]] re-classified with [[desire]] [[gods]] in the [[god]] [[realm]], and the lower [[Asuras]] included in the [[animal realm]]. |
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+ | ( p.s. The 3 upper [[realms]] are: [[endless]] and varying [[realms]] of all kind of [[gods]], human-like [[beings]], [[Demons]] ([[Asuras]]), the 3 [[lower realms]] are: [[endless]] and varying [[realms]] of [[magical]] and [[physical]] [[animals]], [[ghosts]] ([[Pretas]]) and [[hell beings]]. Sometimes there is added a seventh [[realm]], inhabited by various [[magical]] snake-like [[beings]] ([[Nagas]]). All those [[realms]], also the [[gods]] [[realms]], are seen by [[Buddhists]] as [[samsaric]] ([[illusionary]]) places of [[rebirth]]. The [[beings]] there are [[bound]] to the [[laws of cause]] and effect ([[karma]]), and, due to [[ignorance]] (- not [[understanding]] the [[illusionary]] [[essence]] of this [[mind]] {{Wiki|projections}} and caught in [[dualistic]] [[thinking]]) not [[fully enlightened]] places. | ||
The [[Mandalas]] of the [[Peaceful]] and [[Wrathful Deities]] | The [[Mandalas]] of the [[Peaceful]] and [[Wrathful Deities]] | ||
− | From an [[absolute]] level, the [[mind]] that [[perceives]] a [[deity]] and the [[deity]] itself are not two separate things, but are [[essentially]] the same. As long as we have no direct [[realization]], however, the [[mind]] has the [[impression]] of [[being]] an "I" which [[experiences]] and takes as "other" that which is [[experienced]]. During the after-death [[experience]], this split results in a tendency of the [[mind]] [[ | + | |
− | After the [[mandala]] of the [[peaceful]] [[deities]] comes the '[[Mandala]] of the [[Wrathful Deities]]'. Ingnorance again [[causes]] the brilliance and [[power]] of these [[forms]], spontaneous expressions of the mind's own nature, to be [[perceived]] as something {{Wiki|external}} and threatening. At this point the after-death [[experience]] becomes terrifying and repellent, instead of an [[experience]] of the unity of the perceiver and the [[perceived]]. | + | |
− | The Possibility of | + | |
− | The cycle of teachings known in [[Tibetan]] as the 'BARDO TÖDRÜL' and the [[empowerments]] connected with it are designed to help practitioners receive the [[blessing]] and develop the understanding that will benefit them in the after-death [[experience]]. With this support, when the [[pure]] [[forms]] are [[perceived]], they will be seen for what they are - projections of [[mind]] [[essentially]] identical with it and neither {{Wiki|external}} nor threatening. [[Liberation]] arises at that moment in the after-death state when [[consciousness]] can realize its [[experiences]] to be [[nothing]] other than [[mind]] itself. The teachings and [[empowerments]] connected with the [[Bardo]] Tödrül cycle introduce us to the [[deities]] and explanatory concepts and so prepare us for what happens after [[death]]. | + | From an [[absolute]] level, the [[mind]] that [[perceives]] a [[deity]] and the [[deity]] itself are not two separate things, but are [[essentially]] the same. As long as we have no direct [[realization]], however, the [[mind]] has the [[impression]] of [[being]] an "I" which [[experiences]] and takes as "other" that which is [[experienced]]. During the [[after-death]] [[experience]], this split results in a tendency of the [[mind]] to [[feel]] threatened when |
− | The possibility of [[enlightenment]] in the after-death state rests upon three things. The first is the fundamentally [[enlightened]] [[nature of mind]], the seed of [[Buddhahood]], without which [[nothing]] would be possible. The second is the [[blessing]] inherent in the [[pure]] [[forms]] of the [[deities]]. The third is the connection we have established with those [[deities]] through [[empowerment]], and the understanding we have, both intellectually and intuitively, of what is actually taking place. When all three [[elements]] come together, the possibility [[exists]] of achieving [[liberation]] during the instant of confronting the [[mandalas]] of the [[deities]]. | + | |
+ | the first [[mandala]] of the [[peaceful]] [[deities]] arises: the [[Mandala]] of the [[Five Buddha Families]], their [[consorts]] and {{Wiki|attendant}} [[deities]], and a sixth [[family]], that of [[Dorje Sempa]], like a {{Wiki|canopy}} over the whole [[mandala]]. At this [[time]], we {{Wiki|perceive}} enormous spherical concentrations of [[light]], in which we see the [[Mandala]] of the [[Peaceful]] [[Deities]] [[emanating]] a most brilliant radiance. To the | ||
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+ | confused [[mind]], this radiance is quite overpowering, and to confront the [[peaceful]] [[deities]] is rather like trying to stare into the {{Wiki|sun}}. With the [[peaceful]] [[deities]], we also simultaneously {{Wiki|perceive}} the six [[light]] rays connected with the [[six realms of samsara]]. These are far less intensive, so the [[mind]] that is repelled by the [[experience]] of the [[pure]] [[forms]] tends to be attracted by the subdued [[light]] rays leading to the various states of [[rebirth]] in [[samsara]]. In this way the confused [[mind]] is drawn towards [[samsaric]] [[rebirth]]. | ||
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+ | After the [[mandala]] of the [[peaceful]] [[deities]] comes the '[[Mandala]] of the [[Wrathful Deities]]'. Ingnorance again [[causes]] the [[brilliance]] and [[power]] of these [[forms]], spontaneous {{Wiki|expressions}} of the [[mind's]] [[own]] [[nature]], to be [[perceived]] as something {{Wiki|external}} and threatening. At this point the [[after-death]] [[experience]] becomes {{Wiki|terrifying}} and repellent, instead of an [[experience]] of the {{Wiki|unity}} of the {{Wiki|perceiver}} and the [[perceived]]. | ||
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+ | ===[[The Possibility of Enlightenment in the Bardo]]=== | ||
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+ | The cycle of teachings known in [[Tibetan]] as the '[[BARDO]] TÖDRÜL' and the [[empowerments]] connected with it are designed to help practitioners receive the [[blessing]] and develop the [[understanding]] that will [[benefit]] them in the [[after-death]] [[experience]]. With this support, when the [[pure]] [[forms]] are [[perceived]], they will be seen for what they are - {{Wiki|projections}} of [[mind]] [[essentially]] [[identical]] with it and neither {{Wiki|external}} nor threatening. [[Liberation]] arises at that [[moment]] in the [[after-death state]] when [[consciousness]] can realize its [[experiences]] to be [[nothing]] other than [[mind]] itself. The teachings and [[empowerments]] connected with the [[Bardo]] Tödrül cycle introduce us to the [[deities]] and explanatory [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]] and so prepare us for what happens after [[death]]. | ||
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+ | The possibility of [[enlightenment]] in the [[after-death state]] rests upon three things. The first is the fundamentally [[enlightened]] [[nature of mind]], the seed of [[Buddhahood]], without which [[nothing]] would be possible. The second is the [[blessing]] [[inherent]] in the [[pure]] [[forms]] of the [[deities]]. The third is the [[connection]] we have established with those [[deities]] through [[empowerment]], and the [[understanding]] we have, both intellectually and intuitively, of what is actually taking place. When all three [[elements]] come together, the possibility [[exists]] of achieving [[liberation]] during the instant of confronting the [[mandalas]] of the [[deities]]. | ||
[[File:Hina-31.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Hina-31.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | If this [[liberation]] does not happen in the interval between the '[[chö]] nyi' [[bardo]] and the '[[Bardo]] of | + | |
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− | The [[experience]] of confronting the [[mandalas]] of the [[deities]] takes place only briefly and if the opportunity is lost, then the [[mind]] enters the '[[Bardo]] of | + | If this [[liberation]] does not happen in the {{Wiki|interval}} between the '[[chö]] nyi' [[bardo]] and the '[[Bardo]] of Becoming', the benefits of receiving [[empowerment]] and [[understanding]] teachings about the [[nature]] of the [[after-death]] [[experience]], that of the '[[Bardo]] of Becoming'. This means that we can either [[experience]] a positive [[rebirth]] in the cycle of [[samsara]] or, in some cases, achieve [[existence]] in what we term the '[[Buddha]] [[Realms]]', a great and sure step towards [[ultimate]] [[Enlightenment]]. |
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− | [[Makara]], Archetype of [[Time]] The [[purity]] of [[enlightenment]] is [[embodied]] by the [[mandala]] of [[deities]]. For example, what we normally [[experience]] as the five [[Skandhas]] (the [[aggregates]] of the mind/body complex) we [[recognize]] on the [[pure]] level as the [[Buddhas]] of the [[Five Families]] * ([[earth]], [[water]]...). The mind's [[elemental]] qualities, which we [[experience]] as the [[elements]] in our [[physical body]] and the outer [[universe]], on the [[pure]] level are the five {{Wiki|female}} [[consorts]] of the five [[Buddhas]]. On the ordinary level we [[experience]] eight types of confused [[consciousness]], while on the [[pure]] level these are eight {{Wiki|male}} [[Bodhisattvas]] **. On the [[impure]] level we speak of the eight [[objects]] of those different kinds of [[consciousness]], and on the [[pure]] level *** we speak of the eight {{Wiki|female}} [[Bodhisattvas]]. Each one of these [[pure]] [[forms]] expresses an [[enlightened]] perspective of a part of our [[impure]] [[experience]]. It is not only possible to connect the different aspects of our [[impure]] [[consciousness]] with the [[pure]] [[forms]], but also to connect these [[pure]] [[forms]] with the [[nature of mind]] itself. | + | |
− | There has been and could still be much commentary on the relationship between these different levels of expression and our own [[experience]]. For our present purposes, it is sufficient | + | |
+ | ===[[The Bardo of Becoming]]=== | ||
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+ | The [[experience]] of confronting the [[mandalas]] of the [[deities]] takes place only briefly and if the opportunity is lost, then the [[mind]] enters the '[[Bardo]] of Becoming'. Here the situation becomes roughly analogous to what we [[experience]] now - many varied [[impressions]] continually arise in the [[mind]] and we [[cling]] to them, taking them all to be ultimately {{Wiki|real}}. This hallucinatory [[state]] is [[traditionally]] said to last for a period | ||
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+ | of forty-nine days before the [[consciousness]] takes [[physical]] [[form]] again as an [[embryo]]. At the end of each [[week]] there is the [[trauma]] of [[realizing]] that we are [[dead]] and our [[minds]] plunge into another [[state]] of {{Wiki|unconsciousness}} like the one immediately after [[death]], but not quite as intense. After each of these very short periods of {{Wiki|unconsciousness}}, [[consciousness]] returns, and once more the [[mandalas]] of the [[deities]] {{Wiki|present}} themselves, but now in a fragmentary and fleeting way. The successive opportunities afforded by these [[appearances]] are not as great as at the first stage, but the possibility of [[liberation]] does recur throughout the [[after-death]] [[experience]]. | ||
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+ | ===[[The Symbolism of the Mandala of Deities]]=== | ||
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+ | [[Makara]], {{Wiki|Archetype}} of [[Time]] The [[purity]] of [[enlightenment]] is [[embodied]] by the [[mandala]] of [[deities]]. For example, what we normally [[experience]] as the five [[Skandhas]] (the [[aggregates]] of the mind/body complex) we [[recognize]] on the [[pure]] level as the [[Buddhas]] of | ||
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+ | the [[Five Families]] * ([[earth]], [[water]]...). The [[mind's]] [[elemental]] qualities, which we [[experience]] as the [[elements]] in our [[physical body]] and the outer [[universe]], on the [[pure]] level are the five {{Wiki|female}} [[consorts]] of the five [[Buddhas]]. On the ordinary level we | ||
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+ | [[experience]] eight types of confused [[consciousness]], while on the [[pure]] level these are eight {{Wiki|male}} [[Bodhisattvas]] **. On the [[impure]] level we speak of the eight [[objects]] of those different kinds of [[consciousness]], and on the [[pure]] level *** we speak of the eight {{Wiki|female}} | ||
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+ | [[Bodhisattvas]]. Each one of these [[pure]] [[forms]] expresses an [[enlightened]] {{Wiki|perspective}} of a part of our [[impure]] [[experience]]. It is not only possible to connect the different aspects of our [[impure]] [[consciousness]] with the [[pure]] [[forms]], but also to connect these [[pure]] [[forms]] with the [[nature of mind]] itself. | ||
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+ | There has been and could still be much commentary on the relationship between these different levels of expression and our [[own]] [[experience]]. For our {{Wiki|present}} purposes, it is sufficient to understand that the six [[bardos]] we've discussed briefly are the six major phases of [[experience]] for | ||
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+ | any [[being]] wandering in the cycle of [[rebirth]]. In every one of them the practice of [[Dharma]] (= [[Buddhist teachings]]) is of the greatest possible value, for through it we can {{Wiki|purify}} ourselves of {{Wiki|confusion}}, [[obscurations]], and [[negative emotions]], and further develop our [[awareness]] and [[merit]]. | ||
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+ | [[File:Id-wilmot.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
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+ | : [[Earth element]] = [[Buddha]] [[Ratnasambhava]] [[family]] or [[precious]] [[gem]] [[family]]; [[Water element]] = [[Buddha]] [[Akshobhya]] [[family]] or [[dorje]] (cepter) [[family]]; [[Fire element]] = [[Buddha]] [[Amithaba]] or lotos-family; [[Air]] [[element]] = [[Amoghasiddhi]] or karma-family; Space/Ether [[element]] = [[Vairocana]] or [[dharma-wheel]] [[family]]. Many [[tantras]] include a sixth [[element]]: the [[Primordial]] [[element]] or [[Vajradhara]] [[family]]. | ||
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+ | [[Bodhisattvas]] = states of [[mind]] close or just before full [[Buddhaship]]. Those states of [[mind]] are often [[visualized]] as havinga [[rainbow]] or dreamlike [[bodies]] | ||
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+ | p.s. [[Pure]] level = the [[experience]] of [[seeing]] things with [[enlightened]] [[eyes]] or [[enlightened]] [[senses]] in general. No [[distortions]] by [[impure]] [[ego]] {{Wiki|projections}}. | ||
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+ | ===Questions and Answers=== | ||
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− | + | Question | |
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− | + | Aren't the [[mandalas]] of the [[peaceful]] and [[wrathful deities]] related to one particular {{Wiki|cultural}} [[tradition]]? How do those schooled in other [[traditions]] {{Wiki|perceive}} them? | |
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- Answer | - Answer | ||
− | In the [[tradition]] of these teachings it doesn't matter wether you're a [[Buddhist]] or not: you will still have the [[experience]] of the [[wrathful]] and [[peaceful]] [[deities]]. The advantage of [[being]] a [[Buddhist]] or having practiced this particular approach is that you will [[recognize]] the [[experience]] for what it is. But the [[experience]] is fundamentally the same, even for non-humans. Every [[being]] that goes through the [[bardo]] has some [[perception]] of the lights, of the [[concentrated]] spheres of [[light]], and the [[mandalas]] appearing within them. Usually, however, there is no [[recognition]] and no attempt at [[recognition]], just a [[feeling]] that the [[experience]] is threatening and repellent. The [[mind]] is terrified and [[retreats]] from the [[experience]]. | + | |
− | In the [[traditional]] texts it is stated that even the [[consciousness]] of an insect in the [[bardo]] state has the same [[experience]]. Each and every [[being]] in the [[six realms]] of [[existence]] has what is called '[[Tathagatagarbha]]', the 'Seed of [[Enlightenment]]', which is fundamental [[awareness]] of the [[ultimate nature]] of [[mind]]. It is from this that [[bardo]] [[experiences]] arise as natural projections of [[mind]], not as something produced by cultural conditioning. | + | |
+ | In the [[tradition]] of these teachings it doesn't {{Wiki|matter}} wether you're a [[Buddhist]] or not: you will still have the [[experience]] of the [[wrathful]] and [[peaceful]] [[deities]]. The advantage of [[being]] a [[Buddhist]] or having practiced this particular approach is that you will | ||
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+ | [[recognize]] the [[experience]] for what it is. But the [[experience]] is fundamentally the same, even for [[non-humans]]. Every [[being]] that goes through the [[bardo]] has some [[perception]] of the lights, of the [[concentrated]] [[spheres]] of [[light]], and the [[mandalas]] appearing within them. Usually, however, there is no [[recognition]] and no attempt at [[recognition]], just a [[feeling]] that the [[experience]] is threatening and repellent. The [[mind]] is terrified and [[retreats]] from the [[experience]]. | ||
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+ | In the [[traditional]] texts it is stated that even the [[consciousness]] of an insect in the [[bardo]] [[state]] has the same [[experience]]. Each and every [[being]] in the [[six realms]] of [[existence]] has what is called '[[Tathagatagarbha]]', the 'Seed of [[Enlightenment]]', which is fundamental [[awareness]] of the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[nature]] of [[mind]]. It is from this that [[bardo]] [[experiences]] arise as natural {{Wiki|projections}} of [[mind]], not as something produced by {{Wiki|cultural}} {{Wiki|conditioning}}. | ||
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- Question | - Question | ||
− | The [[mind]] is [[traditionally]] described as having three aspects; are the three [[elements]] that correspond to these aspects more important than the remaining two? | + | |
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+ | The [[mind]] is [[traditionally]] described as having three aspects; are the three [[elements]] that correspond to these aspects more important than the remaining two? | ||
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- Answer | - Answer | ||
− | In the presentation of [[mind]] as having three aspects - its [[essence]] is [[empty]], its nature is clarity, and its [[manifestation]] is unimpeded - we reckon the [[Emptiness]] and the Clarity of [[mind]] as the [[elements]] of [[space]] and [[fire]]. The [[element]] of wind ([[air]]), the continual movement of [[mind]], is the third aspect, unimpeded [[manifestation]]. Now the [[element]] of [[earth]] is the [[function]] of [[mind]] as the origin and [[basis of all]] [[experience]], and the [[element]] of [[water]] is the continuity of [[mind]]. These two functions (continuity and basis) apply to all three aspects. [[Thus]], the [[mind]] is [[essentially]] [[empty]] ([[space]]), has Clarity ([[fire]]) and the ability to [[manifest]] unimpededly (wind/air), and throughout all three there is continuity ([[water]]) and the ability to provide a basis ([[earth]]). | + | |
+ | In the presentation of [[mind]] as having three aspects - its [[essence]] is [[empty]], its [[nature]] is clarity, and its [[manifestation]] is unimpeded - we reckon the [[Emptiness]] and the Clarity of [[mind]] as the [[elements]] of [[space]] and [[fire]]. The [[element]] of [[wind]] ([[air]]), the continual {{Wiki|movement}} of [[mind]], is the third aspect, unimpeded [[manifestation]]. Now the [[element]] of [[earth]] is the [[function]] of [[mind]] as the | ||
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+ | origin and [[basis of all]] [[experience]], and the [[element]] of [[water]] is the continuity of [[mind]]. These two functions (continuity and basis) apply to all three aspects. [[Thus]], the [[mind]] is [[essentially]] [[empty]] ([[space]]), has Clarity ([[fire]]) and the ability to [[manifest]] unimpededly (wind/air), and throughout all three there is continuity ([[water]]) and the ability to provide a basis ([[earth]]). | ||
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- Question | - Question | ||
− | I've [[heard]] that the [[body]] should not be disturbed for three or four days after [[death]]. In the {{Wiki|West}} the custom is to embalm the [[body]] very soon after [[death]]. How important is it that the [[body]] be undisturbed, and for how long? | + | |
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+ | I've [[heard]] that the [[body]] should not be disturbed for three or four days after [[death]]. In the {{Wiki|West}} the {{Wiki|custom}} is to embalm the [[body]] very soon after [[death]]. How important is it that the [[body]] be undisturbed, and for how long? | ||
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- Answer | - Answer | ||
− | Generally speaking, it's good to leave the corpse undisturbed as long as possible. But in many circumstances this is difficult, because we simply don't have the [[attitude]] towards [[death]] reflected in the [[bardo]] teachings. Once a [[person]] has [[died]], we [[feel]] that the [[mind]] no longer has any need for the corpse. We don't have the same kind of [[respect]] for the corpse that [[Buddhists]] in [[Tibet]] did. | + | |
− | But it's not easy to explain these ideas, and if you simply say, "Don't move or touch the [[body]]", without giving any [[reason]], you may only make [[people]] [[angry]]. On the other hand, perhaps you could explain some of these ideas. [[People]] might at least appreciate the importance to you of what you're saying, and since they have some [[feeling]] of [[respect]] towards the corpse, might do their best not to disturbe it. It's hard to tell. The general principle of not disturbing a corpse for a short period after [[death]] could be encouraged. It is beneficial. | + | Generally {{Wiki|speaking}}, it's good to leave the corpse undisturbed as long as possible. But in many circumstances this is difficult, because we simply don't have the [[attitude]] towards [[death]] reflected in the [[bardo]] teachings. Once a [[person]] has [[died]], we [[feel]] that the [[mind]] no longer has any need for the corpse. We don't have the same kind of [[respect]] for the corpse that [[Buddhists]] in [[Tibet]] did. |
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+ | But it's not easy to explain these [[ideas]], and if you simply say, "Don't move or {{Wiki|touch}} the [[body]]", without giving any [[reason]], you may only make [[people]] [[angry]]. On the other hand, perhaps you could explain some of these [[ideas]]. [[People]] might at least appreciate the importance to you of what you're saying, and since they have some [[feeling]] of [[respect]] towards the corpse, might do their best not to disturbe it. It's hard to tell. The general [[principle]] of not {{Wiki|disturbing}} a corpse for a short period after [[death]] could be encouraged. It is beneficial. | ||
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{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.abuddhistlibrary.com/Buddhism/A%20-%20Tibetan%20Buddhism/Authors/Kalu%20Rinpoche/The%20Six%20Bardos/The%20Six%20Bardos%20by%20Kalu%20Rinpoche.htm www.abuddhistlibrary.com] | [http://www.abuddhistlibrary.com/Buddhism/A%20-%20Tibetan%20Buddhism/Authors/Kalu%20Rinpoche/The%20Six%20Bardos/The%20Six%20Bardos%20by%20Kalu%20Rinpoche.htm www.abuddhistlibrary.com] | ||
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[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Bardo]] | [[Category:Bardo]] | ||
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Latest revision as of 13:26, 1 February 2020
A Very Short but Exellent Explanation by Kalu Ripoche, given in New York 1982
The word bardo literally means "an interval between two things." Bar means 'interval' and do means 'two'. We can think of this interval in a spatial or temporal way. If there are two houses, the space between them is a bardo. The period between sunrise and sunset, the interval of daylight, is a bardo. A bardo can be of long or short duration, of wide or narrow expanse.
To a large extent our experience is made up of intervals between one thing and another. Even in the case of the momentary thoughts that arise in our mind, there is an interval between one thought arising and fading and the next thought appearing. Such a gap, even if infinitesimal, is part of every process. Everything we experience has this quality of intervals between states.
The Six Bardos
Wheel of Life/The Six Realms
Certain aspects of bardo are more important than others. One of the most crucial is our waking existence, from the moment of birth to the time we die. This waking existence is the first great bardo on our experience, the 'Bardo between Birth and Death' ('che shi bar do').
The bardo of the dream state, which lasts from the moment we go to sleep at night until the moment we wake in the morning is another example. The state of consciousness that obtains during that interval is termed the 'Dream Bardo' ('mi lam bar do').
For an ordinary person, the trauma of death produces a state of unconsciousness, which lasts for an indefinite time: it may be very brief or quite long. Traditionally, this period of blackout is considered to last three and a half days. Afterwards, the consciousness of the
individual begins to awaken again and experience things in a new way. The interval of unconsciousness into which the mind is plunged by the trauma of death, and which lasts till the awakening of consciousness again, is referred to in Tibetan as the 'chö nyi bardo', the interval of the ultimate nature of phenomena; here the mind is plunged into its own nature, though in a confused or ignorant way.
The next phase of the after-death experience is the reawakening of consciousness, which includes the many days that can be spent experiencing the fantastic projections of mind, the hallucinations produced and experienced by the mind in the after-death state. From the moment
of this reawakening of consciousness (the end of 'chö nyi bardo') to the moment we take actual physical rebirth in one of the six realms of samsara, is known as the 'si pa bardo', the 'Bardo of Becoming'. Another way of interpreting the Tibetan is as the bardo of possibility, since at this point we have not taken physical birth and there are numerous possibilities for various kinds of existence.
These are the four major instances of the Bardo principle. Another example is a state of meditation: when someone who practices begins to meditate effectively, there is a certain change in consciousness; when that person rises from the meditation and goes about wordly activities again, there is a cessation of that state of consciousness. The interval of actual formal meditation is called the
'Bardo of Meditative Stability', 'sam ten bar do'. The sixth bardo we distinguish is the 'Bardo of Gestation', 'che nay bar do'. This interval begins at the end of the 'Bardo of Becomig' when the consciousness of the being unites with the sperm and egg in the womb of the mother and lasts until the time of physical birth, the beginning of the 'Bardo between Birth and Death'.
These six kinds of bardo that we experience as human or sentient beings in samsara can be changed for the better, but the power to do this lies in the waking state. It is in the bardo of our present lives that we can make the most progress in developing the ability
to deal effectively with all the others. What we usually mean by the word, bardo, however, is the 'Bardo of Becoming', the phase of hallucinations before new physical conception. The Five Elements and the Nature of Mind
Our present unenlightened state is based on a fundamental state of ignorance, a fundamental discursive consciousness, 'kun shi nam she'. It is the fundamental consciousness which is distorted and confused. There is, however, a possibility of experiencing the true nature of mind, and when that pure awareness is present we no longer have 'kun shi nam she' but 'kun shi yeshe' (wisdom consciousness). That change of a single syllable from 'nam' to 'ye', makes a tremendous difference, because now we are referring to fundamental Primordial Awareness rather than fundamental ignorance.
In both cases we are talking about mind, which essentially embodies what in our physical universe we term the five elements. The potential for these elements exists in the mind and always has - it is not something created at some particular time. In its inheerent nature, mind always has the five elemental qualities, and it is from this potential that the experiences of the after-death state arise.
When we speak of mind, we speak of something that is not a thing in itself. In its most fundamental sense, mind is not something we can limit. We cannot say it has a particular shape, size or location, color or form, or any other limiting characteristic. The element we call space, which in our perceptual situation also has no limiting characteristics, is this very emptiness of mind; this is the elemental quality of space in the mind.
But mind is not simply empty; it has the illuminating potential to perceive anything whatsoever. This unlimited ability of mind to perceive is its illuminating nature, and corresponds to the element of fire.
This mind, essentially empty and illuminating, gives rise to all experiences which, wether samsara or Nirvana, is rooted in mind just as plants are rooted in soil. This function of the mind as the origin of all experience corresponds to the elemental quality of earth.
Another aspect of the mind is its dynamic quality. Mind is never still: no single experience in it lasts, but quickly passes to another. Wheter one is undergoing an emotional reaction, an experience of pleasure or pain, or a sensory perception such as seeing or hearing, the contents of the mind are always in a state of flux. This continual activity of mind is the elemental quality of wind (air).
Mind with these four elemental qualities has always been so and always will be. This very continuity, and the fact that mind adapts itself to different situations, corresponds to the element of water*. Just as water sustains its continuity and adapts itself to every contour as it flows, the mind too is fluent, continuous, and adaptable.
(* p.s. Following various Tibetan tantras the colors of space, here blackblue, and water, here white can change to the opposite.) The Five Elements and the Physical Body
The origin or basis of all experiences is mind, characterized by the five elemental qualities. Our particular situation at the moment is that of physical waking existence, in which we experience what is termed the body of 'Completely Ripened Karma' ('nam min ji lü'). The meaning here is that completely ripened karmic tendencies have given rise to this seemingly solid, concrete projection of mind that is our physical body.
The connection between the body we now experience and the mind which produced it is as follows. The solid elements of our body, such as flesh and bone, represent the element of earth, just as the "solidity" of mind - its function as the basis and origin of all experience - reflects the element of earth. Similarly, the bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, lymph and
so forth, represent the element of water. The biological warmth of the body is the element of fire, while the element of space is represented by the orifices of the body, and by the spatial separation of the organs, which, instead of forming a homogeneous mass, are distinct and separate from each other. Finally, there is the element of wind (air) which is connected with the breath, and maintains the organism by way of the respiratory process.
In short, it is from mind, which embodies the five elemental qualities, that the physical body develops. The physical body itself is imbued with these qualities, and it is because of this mind/body complex that we perceive the outside world - which in turn is composed of the five elemental qualities of earth, water, fire, wind (air), and space.
The Five Elements in the Bardo
Right now we are at a pivotal point between impure, unenlightened states of existence and the possibility of enlightenment. For ordinary beings the 'chö nyi' bardo is experienced as a period of deep unconsciousness following the moment of death. There is no mental activity or perception, only a blank state of fundamental unconsciousness. This bardo ends with the first glimmer of awareness in the mind. In the interval between the end of the 'chö nyi' bardo and before the beginning of the 'si pa' bardo there arises what is called the 'Vision of the Five Lights'. The appearance of these is connected with the five elemental qualities. (- Compare Bardo vs. Chiron/Link see below)
The different colors which the mind in the bardo state perceives are the natural expression, the radiance, of the fundamental, intrinsic qualities of mind. The element of water is perceived as white light; space as blue (blackblue); earth as yellow; fire as red; and wind (air) as green. These colors are simply the natural expression of the elemental qualities in the mind when the first glimmer of consciousness begins to appear.
As consciousness begins to develop and perceive more, the experience of the elemental qualities also becomes more developed. What was formerly the simple impression of different rays or colors of light now undergoes a change. The light begins to integrate itself and cohere into 'tig le', points or balls of light in varying sizes. It is within these spheres of concentrated light that we experience the 'Mandalas of the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities'.
In this context we speak of the five realms of existence in any one of which we may be reborn, because of the impure level of our experience. The usual description is of the six *) realms of existence, the six principal emotions that lead to them, and the six Buddhas who appear in them. In the context of the five-fold mandala pattern, however, desire and avarice are combined, because they share the same basic nature of clinging, and so the realm of the 'Asuras' * is eliminated, the higher Asuras being re-classified with desire gods in the god realm, and the lower Asuras included in the animal realm.
( p.s. The 3 upper realms are: endless and varying realms of all kind of gods, human-like beings, Demons (Asuras), the 3 lower realms are: endless and varying realms of magical and physical animals, ghosts (Pretas) and hell beings. Sometimes there is added a seventh realm, inhabited by various magical snake-like beings (Nagas). All those realms, also the gods realms, are seen by Buddhists as samsaric (illusionary) places of rebirth. The beings there are bound to the laws of cause and effect (karma), and, due to ignorance (- not understanding the illusionary essence of this mind projections and caught in dualistic thinking) not fully enlightened places. The Mandalas of the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities
From an absolute level, the mind that perceives a deity and the deity itself are not two separate things, but are essentially the same. As long as we have no direct realization, however, the mind has the impression of being an "I" which experiences and takes as "other" that which is experienced. During the after-death experience, this split results in a tendency of the mind to feel threatened when
the first mandala of the peaceful deities arises: the Mandala of the Five Buddha Families, their consorts and attendant deities, and a sixth family, that of Dorje Sempa, like a canopy over the whole mandala. At this time, we perceive enormous spherical concentrations of light, in which we see the Mandala of the Peaceful Deities emanating a most brilliant radiance. To the
confused mind, this radiance is quite overpowering, and to confront the peaceful deities is rather like trying to stare into the sun. With the peaceful deities, we also simultaneously perceive the six light rays connected with the six realms of samsara. These are far less intensive, so the mind that is repelled by the experience of the pure forms tends to be attracted by the subdued light rays leading to the various states of rebirth in samsara. In this way the confused mind is drawn towards samsaric rebirth.
After the mandala of the peaceful deities comes the 'Mandala of the Wrathful Deities'. Ingnorance again causes the brilliance and power of these forms, spontaneous expressions of the mind's own nature, to be perceived as something external and threatening. At this point the after-death experience becomes terrifying and repellent, instead of an experience of the unity of the perceiver and the perceived.
The Possibility of Enlightenment in the Bardo
The cycle of teachings known in Tibetan as the 'BARDO TÖDRÜL' and the empowerments connected with it are designed to help practitioners receive the blessing and develop the understanding that will benefit them in the after-death experience. With this support, when the pure forms are perceived, they will be seen for what they are - projections of mind essentially identical with it and neither external nor threatening. Liberation arises at that moment in the after-death state when consciousness can realize its experiences to be nothing other than mind itself. The teachings and empowerments connected with the Bardo Tödrül cycle introduce us to the deities and explanatory concepts and so prepare us for what happens after death.
The possibility of enlightenment in the after-death state rests upon three things. The first is the fundamentally enlightened nature of mind, the seed of Buddhahood, without which nothing would be possible. The second is the blessing inherent in the pure forms of the deities. The third is the connection we have established with those deities through empowerment, and the understanding we have, both intellectually and intuitively, of what is actually taking place. When all three elements come together, the possibility exists of achieving liberation during the instant of confronting the mandalas of the deities.
If this liberation does not happen in the interval between the 'chö nyi' bardo and the 'Bardo of Becoming', the benefits of receiving empowerment and understanding teachings about the nature of the after-death experience, that of the 'Bardo of Becoming'. This means that we can either experience a positive rebirth in the cycle of samsara or, in some cases, achieve existence in what we term the 'Buddha Realms', a great and sure step towards ultimate Enlightenment.
The Bardo of Becoming
The experience of confronting the mandalas of the deities takes place only briefly and if the opportunity is lost, then the mind enters the 'Bardo of Becoming'. Here the situation becomes roughly analogous to what we experience now - many varied impressions continually arise in the mind and we cling to them, taking them all to be ultimately real. This hallucinatory state is traditionally said to last for a period
of forty-nine days before the consciousness takes physical form again as an embryo. At the end of each week there is the trauma of realizing that we are dead and our minds plunge into another state of unconsciousness like the one immediately after death, but not quite as intense. After each of these very short periods of unconsciousness, consciousness returns, and once more the mandalas of the deities present themselves, but now in a fragmentary and fleeting way. The successive opportunities afforded by these appearances are not as great as at the first stage, but the possibility of liberation does recur throughout the after-death experience.
The Symbolism of the Mandala of Deities
Makara, Archetype of Time The purity of enlightenment is embodied by the mandala of deities. For example, what we normally experience as the five Skandhas (the aggregates of the mind/body complex) we recognize on the pure level as the Buddhas of
the Five Families * (earth, water...). The mind's elemental qualities, which we experience as the elements in our physical body and the outer universe, on the pure level are the five female consorts of the five Buddhas. On the ordinary level we
experience eight types of confused consciousness, while on the pure level these are eight male Bodhisattvas **. On the impure level we speak of the eight objects of those different kinds of consciousness, and on the pure level *** we speak of the eight female
Bodhisattvas. Each one of these pure forms expresses an enlightened perspective of a part of our impure experience. It is not only possible to connect the different aspects of our impure consciousness with the pure forms, but also to connect these pure forms with the nature of mind itself.
There has been and could still be much commentary on the relationship between these different levels of expression and our own experience. For our present purposes, it is sufficient to understand that the six bardos we've discussed briefly are the six major phases of experience for
any being wandering in the cycle of rebirth. In every one of them the practice of Dharma (= Buddhist teachings) is of the greatest possible value, for through it we can purify ourselves of confusion, obscurations, and negative emotions, and further develop our awareness and merit.
- Earth element = Buddha Ratnasambhava family or precious gem family; Water element = Buddha Akshobhya family or dorje (cepter) family; Fire element = Buddha Amithaba or lotos-family; Air element = Amoghasiddhi or karma-family; Space/Ether element = Vairocana or dharma-wheel family. Many tantras include a sixth element: the Primordial element or Vajradhara family.
Bodhisattvas = states of mind close or just before full Buddhaship. Those states of mind are often visualized as havinga rainbow or dreamlike bodies
p.s. Pure level = the experience of seeing things with enlightened eyes or enlightened senses in general. No distortions by impure ego projections.
Questions and Answers
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Question
Aren't the mandalas of the peaceful and wrathful deities related to one particular cultural tradition? How do those schooled in other traditions perceive them?
- Answer
In the tradition of these teachings it doesn't matter wether you're a Buddhist or not: you will still have the experience of the wrathful and peaceful deities. The advantage of being a Buddhist or having practiced this particular approach is that you will
recognize the experience for what it is. But the experience is fundamentally the same, even for non-humans. Every being that goes through the bardo has some perception of the lights, of the concentrated spheres of light, and the mandalas appearing within them. Usually, however, there is no recognition and no attempt at recognition, just a feeling that the experience is threatening and repellent. The mind is terrified and retreats from the experience.
In the traditional texts it is stated that even the consciousness of an insect in the bardo state has the same experience. Each and every being in the six realms of existence has what is called 'Tathagatagarbha', the 'Seed of Enlightenment', which is fundamental awareness of the ultimate nature of mind. It is from this that bardo experiences arise as natural projections of mind, not as something produced by cultural conditioning.
- Question
The mind is traditionally described as having three aspects; are the three elements that correspond to these aspects more important than the remaining two?
- Answer
In the presentation of mind as having three aspects - its essence is empty, its nature is clarity, and its manifestation is unimpeded - we reckon the Emptiness and the Clarity of mind as the elements of space and fire. The element of wind (air), the continual movement of mind, is the third aspect, unimpeded manifestation. Now the element of earth is the function of mind as the
origin and basis of all experience, and the element of water is the continuity of mind. These two functions (continuity and basis) apply to all three aspects. Thus, the mind is essentially empty (space), has Clarity (fire) and the ability to manifest unimpededly (wind/air), and throughout all three there is continuity (water) and the ability to provide a basis (earth).
- Question
I've heard that the body should not be disturbed for three or four days after death. In the West the custom is to embalm the body very soon after death. How important is it that the body be undisturbed, and for how long?
- Answer
Generally speaking, it's good to leave the corpse undisturbed as long as possible. But in many circumstances this is difficult, because we simply don't have the attitude towards death reflected in the bardo teachings. Once a person has died, we feel that the mind no longer has any need for the corpse. We don't have the same kind of respect for the corpse that Buddhists in Tibet did.
But it's not easy to explain these ideas, and if you simply say, "Don't move or touch the body", without giving any reason, you may only make people angry. On the other hand, perhaps you could explain some of these ideas. People might at least appreciate the importance to you of what you're saying, and since they have some feeling of respect towards the corpse, might do their best not to disturbe it. It's hard to tell. The general principle of not disturbing a corpse for a short period after death could be encouraged. It is beneficial.