The Process of Dying in "The Tibetan Book of the Dead": A Detailed Explanation
In Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Nyingma tradition, the process of life's end is meticulously divided into the "Four Bardos." This is not merely a physiological transition but a profound spiritual journey aimed at guiding the dying individual to recognize the true nature of their mind and achieve liberation.
The Four Bardo Stages
The Natural Bardo of This Life (The State of Being Alive): This refers to our everyday existence, the entire life cycle from birth to death.
The Painful Bardo of Dying (The Moment of Death): This describes the transitional period just before death, as the body's functions gradually decline.
The Luminous Bardo of Dharmata (Consciousness Entering the Clear Light of Reality): This is a brief phase after death when consciousness separates from the body and enters into the pure nature of reality (dharmata).
The Karmic Bardo of Becoming (Searching for Parents for the Next Rebirth): If liberation is not achieved in the Bardo of Dharmata, consciousness enters this stage, propelled by karmic forces to seek a place for its next rebirth.
Among these, the descriptions of the dying process and the post-death experience are particularly detailed. Here are the core aspects:
The Dissolution of the Four Elements at the Time of Death
During the painful bardo of dying, the "four great elements" of the human body—earth, water, fire, and wind—gradually dissolve. This process is accompanied by a series of physiological and mental changes:
Dissolution of the Earth Element:
Physiological Sensations: The body feels weak, limbs become heavy, and it becomes difficult to move. The body loses its support, as if being pressed down by a heavy object.
Mental Changes: Vision becomes blurred, as if a mist or veil covers the eyes, or various illusions are perceived.
Dissolution of the Water Element:
Physiological Sensations: Saliva may flow from the mouth and nose, and bodily fluids (like urine and tears) become difficult to control.
Mental Changes: The voice becomes hoarse, and hearing gradually declines. The mind feels agitated and restless.
Dissolution of the Fire Element:
Physiological Sensations: Body temperature gradually drops, starting from the feet and spreading upwards.
Mental Changes: Consciousness becomes hazy, and memories begin to scatter. Breathing shortens, and heart function gradually fails.
Dissolution of the Wind Element:
Physiological Sensations: Breathing becomes rapid and weak, eventually ceasing completely.
Mental Changes: The sensation is like being scattered by a strong wind; both the body and consciousness feel ethereal and unstable.
The "Inner Landscape" Experience of Consciousness
After the dissolution of the four elements is complete, or shortly after death occurs, the consciousness of the deceased undergoes a series of unique "inner landscape" experiences. These are pure manifestations of consciousness once it has separated from the body:
Appearance of White Light: First, a brilliant white light manifests, which is said to arise from the father's essence, representing a display of energy.
Appearance of Red Light: Subsequently, a brilliant red light manifests, said to arise from the mother's blood, representing another display of energy.
Darkness: After these two lights combine, consciousness briefly falls into a state of unconsciousness, entering a realm of pure darkness.
Clear Light of Dharmata (dharmata): This is the most crucial moment in the dying process. When consciousness awakens from its unconscious state, a clear, pure radiance appears. This is the inherent nature of the "natural mind" and the true face of reality. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes that if the dying person can recognize this as the true nature of their own mind and abide within it, they can achieve liberation at that very moment, thereby escaping the cycle of rebirth (samsara).
The Bardo Experience
If liberation is not attained within the Bardo of Dharmata, consciousness will enter the Bardo of Becoming. In this stage, consciousness is akin to a "soul-like" state and will undergo a variety of complex experiences:
Fear and Illusions: Driven by the karma (positive and negative actions) accumulated during life, the deceased may experience terrifying visions, bizarre illusions, or even feel chased or trapped. These are all projections of their inner karma.
Karmic Pull: Ultimately, consciousness is drawn by the karma accumulated during its past life, as if guided by an invisible force, to seek the parents for its next rebirth. This process determines the form and environment of its next life.
In summary, "The Tibetan Book of the Dead's" description of the dying process is not just a guide to physiological changes. It is a profound teaching on how consciousness undergoes transformation and how it confronts reality. Its core purpose is to instruct people on how to prepare themselves in this life, so that at the critical moment of death, they can recognize their own mind and seize the opportunity for liberation.
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