Navigating the Six Bardos: A Guide to Conscious Transitions
Thoughts are momentary. When the consciousness leaves the body, the thought of that moment is the predominant thought determining the destination to which you will be drawn. For example, suppose you have a vase filled with water which then breaks: unless there is another pot beneath it to catch the water, the water flow onto the ground and will soak into it. Similarly, when consciousness leave the body, it can easily fall into the lower realms. The moment of death is a very crucial time, and the presiding thought of the moment of death is highly consequential. Therefore, we must have an instruction, which is like the vessel that can keep you afloat in this sinking moment. Ideally, if you have a root guru that you trust and are devoted to unwaveringly, and this guru loves you, then you should think of this guru, and it will be sufficient. Or if you have a yidam-deity, you can think of the deity. If you habituate your mind to this image now, then even if death happens suddenly, for example, if you get into a car accident, you will instantly remember the guru or the yidam- deity and be safe. Then you will also be able to remember the guru or the yidam in the bardo, since the thought of the guru or yidam, as the presiding thought at death, has carried you along. For this purpose, we train while alive. If there is bodhicitta at the time of death, the mind will follow this propensity. When self grasping is predominant, you will have no choice but to die with a negative state of mind. Then the consciousness will leave the body through an impure door. You should consider this. A moment of virtue, of bodhicitta, can make you a Buddha. A moment of non virtue will make you plunge into the three lower realms. Therefore, it is crucial that you habituate the instructions that you have received without delay. - Instructions on the Six Bardos (A Guide to Samsara & Nirvana) commentary by Garchen Rinpoche.
Introduction:
In the vast tapestry of Buddhist teachings, the Instructions on the Six Bardos offer profound insights into the transitional states between life and death. Garchen Rinpoche, a revered spiritual teacher, provides a commentary shedding light on the importance of conscious awareness during these pivotal moments. This article explores the key concepts presented by Garchen Rinpoche, emphasizing the significance of thought and consciousness in determining one's spiritual destination.
The Fragility of Thought:
Garchen Rinpoche underscores the fleeting nature of thoughts, emphasizing their decisive role during the transition from life to death. Drawing an analogy to a vase breaking and water flowing, he suggests that without a vessel to catch our thoughts, they may scatter and potentially lead the consciousness to lower realms. This metaphor highlights the vulnerability of the mind and the need for a guiding force to navigate this delicate period.
The Crucial Moment of Death:
The moment of death becomes a crucial juncture where the dominant thought can shape the trajectory of one's afterlife. Garchen Rinpoche advises practitioners to cultivate a mental vessel, an instruction or focal point, capable of sustaining them in this pivotal moment. Whether it be a trusted guru or a yidam-deity, these spiritual anchors serve as lifelines, ensuring a safe passage through the transition from life to death.
The Role of Training:
The training while alive becomes instrumental in preparing for the uncertainties of death. Habituation to the image of a guru or yidam-deity serves as a powerful tool to instantly recall a positive and guiding force, even in sudden and unexpected situations like a car accident. The training is not merely theoretical but a practical means of fortifying the mind against the turbulence of death.
Bodhicitta as a Compass:
Garchen Rinpoche introduces the concept of bodhicitta, the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. At the time of death, the presence of bodhicitta becomes a guiding force, steering the mind towards a positive and virtuous state. In contrast, a mind dominated by self-grasping leads to a departure through an impure door, potentially resulting in a negative afterlife.
Virtue and Non-virtue:
The dichotomy between virtue and non-virtue is pivotal in Garchen Rinpoche's teachings. A single moment of virtue, fueled by bodhicitta, has the transformative potential to elevate one to the state of a Buddha. Conversely, a moment of non-virtue can plunge an individual into the depths of the three lower realms. This stark contrast underscores the urgency of cultivating positive states of mind through dedicated practice.
Conclusion:
The Instructions on the Six Bardos, as elucidated by Garchen Rinpoche, serve as a profound guide for practitioners navigating the intricate landscapes of life, death, and beyond. The emphasis on conscious awareness, the cultivation of virtuous states of mind, and the importance of a guiding focal point underscore the transformative power of mindfulness and spiritual training. In understanding and applying these teachings, individuals are empowered to navigate the transitional states with wisdom and compassion, ensuring a positive journey through the cycles of existence.
