Bardo Package Instructions

 

Departing from this world is a fact that all living beings have to face one day.  If we are not prepared, death can be a confusing and terrifying experience.  But if we are prepared, the interim between death and rebirth (Bardo) can become an opportunity for attaining higher rebirth and liberation.   There are six ways by which the consciousness can attain Liberation during the Bardo stages (Liberation through hearing, seeing, tasting, wearing, touching and remembering).

 

Bardo should be taken seriously, as impermanence causes events to be always unpredictable and often surprising to oneself and others. This Bardo package is extremely rare and precious.  Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche personally consecrated the various items and gave specific instructions on what to do with each item.  The package will bring benefit when the moment of death requires immediate action and will enable us to step forward to take control of the death situation without fear or confusion.  If we can apply what we learned in this life regarding dying, death and Bardo, and also have the package at our disposal, it will give us a greater opportunity for higher rebirth and liberation.  This package is one of the most important items that one can have in this life and also one's journey to the next life.

 

Please read the entire instruction carefully and treat the package with great respect.  If you have a shrine room, you should put the package in the shrine or place it on a shelf or table above or near your bed.  The best place would be placing the package above your head where you sleep.

 

      Contents:

Ø       Liberation CD (liberation through hearing) – If the dying person is religious and don’t mind listening, you can play the CD to the person.  But if the dying person is not open to the concept, then you should not play the CD until they pass away.  The CD can be played until the body’s cremated.   Individuals who wish to listen to the CD can play the CD at all times and it will greatly benefit the listener.

Ø       Amrita pill (liberation through tasting) – should be given before the person passes away, approximately 2 to 3 days before death.  If the person already passed away, you need to grind the pill and mix it with the Liberating sand to apply on top center of the deceased head.   Enclosed is a booklet listing the contents of the Samaya substances.

Ø       Liberating sand (liberation through tactile) – It’s best to have a lama or three-year retreatant put the sand on the top center of the deceased’s head after they passed away.  But if you can not find a lama, then a family member can place the sand for the deceased.  The sand doesn’t have to stick or stay on the deceased’s head, it just needs to touch the top center of the head.  If there is a lama performing Phowa for the deceased, the sand should be put before Phowa is performed.

Ø       The 100 Peaceful and Wrathful deities mandala (liberation through tactile) comes in two sizes.  The large Mandala (Bardo blanket)  is to be placed on the deceased body  (Please note:  Do not place the bardo blanket on the person if they are still alive because everyone wants to live till the last moment even if it’s a fraction of a second.  We need to be extremely sensitive to the dying individual during this time). After the deceased passed away, one must make sure the Bardo blanket is placed accordingly on the vital points of the body as indicated in the diagram attached.  The Bardo blanket will be buried or cremated with the remains of the deceased.     The small mandala (liberation through wearing) in a plastic pouch should be worn like a necklace at all times.

 

The most important thing before moving the deceased is to request a lama to perform Phowa.  One can chant mantras, do prayers or practices quietly.  One should refrain from crying out loud or making too much noise.  A quiet and peaceful setting should be maintained so not to disturb the deceased.  If possible, make sure not to touch the deceased’s body at any time other than placing the liberating sand on top of the head or placing the Bardo blanket on the deceased.  If possible, the body should be left untouched for 4 days and 3 nights.  You can start counting from midnight when the deceased passed away up to the fourth morning when the sun just rose and the temperature starts to warm up.

 

One thing to remember, due to health regulations, many hospitals will not allow keeping the body for 4 days.  You should contact local authorities to find out what regulations are in place regarding handling of corpse and make appropriate decisions based on your findings.

 

For most people the experience after stop breathing is like fainting and they will loose consciousness.  However, for advanced practitioners, having waked up after the 4^th day, by recognizing clear light they can be liberated.  Some people may be in meditation posture and enter Samadhi state for one, three or seven days, it varies for each individual.

 

Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche gave concise teachings on dying, death and the Bardo.  You can order the teachings at vajraechoes.com or Namzebangzo.com.  The Commentary on dying, death and the Bardo will be available by middle of 2006 at Namzebangzo.com.