Fearless Death

1. Death is a transition, not an end: Mind is indestructible and timeless

"If one leaves the understanding of the world that was taught up to now and follows the latest insights of quantum physics, neuroscience, and near-death research, rebirth becomes comprehensible."

Mind transcends physicality. According to Buddhist teachings and supported by modern scientific research, consciousness is not produced by the brain but is unlimited in terms of time, space, and location. The mind, as the experiencer of all things, is timeless and indestructible. It continues beyond death, transitioning into new states of existence.

Death as a gateway. Rather than viewing death as an end, it can be seen as a transition into another state of consciousness. This perspective aligns with near-death experiences, where individuals consistently report feelings of calm, peace, and light perception. Understanding death as a transition can significantly reduce fear and anxiety associated with dying, allowing for a more peaceful and meaningful approach to both life and death.

Key aspects of mind's nature:

• Timeless and indestructible
• Not limited by physical constraints
• Continues beyond death
• Capable of experiencing various states of consciousness

2. The cycle of life: Understanding the six bardos and their significance

"Generally understood, bardo designates the intermediate state between the present life and rebirth into the following life. Only the state where the knower recognizes his own timelessness—liberation or enlightenment—is not a bardo."

The six bardos explained. In Buddhist philosophy, life is understood as a continuous cycle of six intermediate states or bardos. These include the bardos of life, dream, meditation, dying, ultimate nature (suchness), and becoming. Each bardo represents a different state of consciousness and offers unique opportunities for spiritual growth and liberation.

Navigating the bardos. Understanding these states can profoundly impact one's approach to life, death, and rebirth. The bardo of life is where most spiritual practice occurs, preparing one for the challenges of the other bardos. The bardo of dying and the bardo of suchness are particularly crucial, as they offer powerful opportunities for liberation or enlightenment if one is prepared.

The six bardos:

1. Bardo of life: From birth to the beginning of the dying process
2. Bardo of dream: Experiences during sleep
3. Bardo of meditation: Deep meditative states
4. Bardo of dying: The dying process
5. Bardo of suchness: Immediate post-death state
6. Bardo of becoming: State leading to rebirth

3. Preparation for death begins in life: Cultivating awareness and positive impressions

"To die without fear and to use death as a springboard into the all-liberating space, one must start early—that means now."

Mindful living as preparation. Preparing for death is not about morbid contemplation but about living life with greater awareness and purpose. This involves cultivating positive mental states, performing beneficial actions, and developing a deep understanding of the nature of mind and reality through meditation and study.

The Four Basic Thoughts. Buddhist teachings emphasize four fundamental contemplations that help orient the mind towards liberation: recognizing the precious opportunity of human life, understanding impermanence, comprehending the law of cause and effect (karma), and seeing the disadvantages of cyclic existence. Regular reflection on these thoughts can profoundly shift one's perspective and priorities in life.

Key practices for preparation:

• Regular meditation to familiarize oneself with the nature of mind
• Cultivating compassion and performing beneficial actions
• Studying Buddhist teachings to gain wisdom
• Reflecting on the Four Basic Thoughts
• Developing a fearless and open attitude towards death

4. The art of dying: Mastering one's mind during the dying process

"The actual art of dying means being calm and relaxed and staying undistracted and one-pointed at the same time."

Conscious approach to dying. The art of dying involves maintaining mental clarity and stability during the dying process. This requires developing the ability to remain aware and focused even as the body begins to shut down. By mastering one's mind in this way, it's possible to navigate the dying process with grace and potentially use it as an opportunity for spiritual realization.

Stages of dying. Understanding the Buddhist perspective on the stages of dying can help one prepare for and navigate this process. These stages involve the dissolution of the elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) and corresponding experiences. Being familiar with these stages can help reduce fear and confusion during the dying process.

Key aspects of mastering the dying process:

• Maintaining mental clarity and stability
• Familiarity with the stages of dying
• Ability to focus on positive thoughts or visualizations
• Letting go of attachments
• Cultivating a peaceful and accepting attitude

5. Buddhist perspectives on rebirth and the six realms of existence

"The range of phenomena generated by mind may be perceived most memorably during a visit to the psychiatric ward. In the smallest area one finds the traits and characteristics of the six realms."

Six realms of existence. Buddhism describes six realms of rebirth: gods, demigods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings. These realms are not seen as physical places but as states of mind or consciousness. Each realm is characterized by specific mental states and experiences, ranging from intense pleasure to extreme suffering.

Karmic influences on rebirth. The realm into which one is reborn is determined by one's karma - the accumulated effects of past actions, words, and thoughts. Understanding this can motivate one to cultivate positive actions and mental states in the present life. The human realm is considered particularly precious as it offers the best opportunity for spiritual growth and liberation.

Characteristics of the six realms:

1. God realm: Intense pleasure, but eventual fall
2. Demigod realm: Jealousy and conflict
3. Human realm: Mix of pleasure and pain, opportunity for growth
4. Animal realm: Ignorance and survival instincts
5. Hungry ghost realm: Intense craving and dissatisfaction
6. Hell realm: Extreme suffering and negativity

6. Phowa: The practice of conscious dying and its transformative power

"Whoever was honest, mature, and compassionate in his life, stylishly avoiding political correctness and constantly looking for the experiencer behind the experiences, has the possibility, when dying, to become one with the Clear Light that appears."

Phowa explained. Phowa, or conscious dying, is a powerful Buddhist practice that involves transferring one's consciousness at the moment of death. This practice aims to direct the consciousness to a pure realm or a higher state of being, potentially leading to liberation or a favorable rebirth. Phowa can be practiced for oneself or performed on behalf of others who are dying.

Benefits beyond death. The practice of Phowa is not only beneficial at the time of death but can also have profound effects on one's current life. It can reduce fear of death, increase confidence in one's spiritual path, and deepen one's understanding of the nature of mind. Regular Phowa practice can lead to a more fearless and compassionate approach to both life and death.

Key aspects of Phowa practice:

• Visualization of a pure realm or enlightened being
• Focused concentration on transferring consciousness
• Development of devotion and trust in the practice
• Physical signs of successful practice (e.g., warmth or openness at the crown of the head)
• Potential for immediate liberation at the time of death

7. Lessons from enlightened masters: Extraordinary examples of conscious dying

"High Buddhist accomplishers have already recognized the nature of mind during this or previous lives, thus for them dying is nothing extraordinary."

Mastery over death. Enlightened masters demonstrate extraordinary control and awareness during the dying process. These accounts serve as powerful inspirations and validations of Buddhist teachings on death and the nature of mind. They show that with sufficient realization, death can be approached with complete equanimity and even used as an opportunity for further spiritual accomplishment.

Miraculous phenomena. Many accounts of enlightened masters' deaths include descriptions of miraculous phenomena, such as the body remaining fresh for days after death, shrinking in size, or even dissolving into rainbow light. While these accounts may seem fantastical, they point to the profound mastery these individuals had over their minds and bodies, challenging our conventional understanding of death.

Examples of extraordinary deaths:

• The 16th Karmapa: Demonstrated control over vital signs and remained warm for days after clinical death
• Kalu Rinpoche: Consciously chose the moment of his death
• The 12th Pandito Hambo Lama: Body remained uncorrupted for decades
• Various masters: Reports of rainbow body phenomena, where the physical body dissolves into light

Last updated: August 12, 2024