Bardo is the Tibetan term referring to the intermediate state between the end of this life and the beginning of the next life. Additional bardos include this life and the process of death and dying. As such, bardo states encompass all possible experiences throughout life, death, and rebirth. They are times of transition, uncertainty, and difficulty which require special instructions to pass through without harm or fear. It is therefore crucial for all Dharma practitioners to know what to do at the time of death and afterward. Without proper instruction and training in the bardo states while we are alive now, we may experience disastrous consequences later on. Nonetheless, for a qualified practitioner with understanding and stable meditation, these states offer the possibility of liberation from the fearful ocean of samsara or at least a meaningful rebirth where we can continue on the path to liberation.
The bardo teachings found within the vajrayana are incredibly profound. Especially, the uncommon teachings of the great terma scripture called “Liberation through Hearing in the Bardo” offer the most detailed instructions on the stages of experience of the successive bardos and what we need to know and practice now as preparation.
Lama Tashi Dondup at KTD.
It is an extraordinary opportunity to receive these teachings directly from a lama as qualified and experienced as Lama Tashi Dondup. A gelong or fully ordained monk as well as a tantric ritual master and artist, Lama Tashi has received and practiced a vast array of vajrayana teachings over the course of many years. He now spends his life tirelessly imparting the Dharma to fortunate disciples throughout the world. His center in Toronto, Karma Tekchen Zabsal Ling, has a large, beautiful mandala dedicated to the Buddha of Compassion, the Eleven Faced, One Thousand Armed Chenrezik, that was created and designed by Lama Tashi.
– Lama Zopa Borodin
