Free Buddhist Audio Tibetan Book of the Dead - The Six Bhardos
Sep 6, 2025
Padmavajra, an experienced Buddhist teacher from the Triratna tradition, delves into the Tibetan Book of the Dead, focusing on the transformative concept of the Six Bardos. He explains the significance of these 'intermediate states' between death and rebirth, revealing how they offer profound insights into life. Padmavajra discusses the text's journey to the West, its cultural impact, and the practical applications of bardos in daily life and meditation. His thoughts on using life transitions for spiritual growth are particularly enlightening.
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Powerful Effect Of Repeating The Root Verses
- Padmavajra recounts Sangharakshita leading repeated recitation of the six root verses on a 1970s retreat.
- A retreatant felt so affected that he reported starting to feel as if he were dead during the recitations.
Western Cultural Impact
- The Tibetan Book of the Dead received notable Western attention via translations and cultural figures like Jung and Timothy Leary.
- Its influence extended beyond Tibetan ritual into psychology and the psychedelic movement.
Not A Universal Buddhist Text
- The Bardo Tadol was used primarily by certain Tibetan schools and shouldn't be treated as the universal Buddhist death doctrine.
- Different Buddhist traditions employ various death rituals and views, so treat this text as a specific synthesis, not definitive for all Buddhists.
