Process of dying (Buddhism, Tibetan)

The process of dying, together with instructions for leading the dying person through the experience to liberation, are contained in the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

The experience of the self as body and mind dissolves. First the five senses or [skandha]

deteriorate and one is less and less aware of external reality. At the actual moment of death there is awareness of a clear and brilliant light, [chikhai-bardo]

(death-bardo clear-light awareness) or [dharmakaya]

(absolute-body awareness). Identification with this light leads to liberation. If this does not arise there is a state of unconsciousness lasting three to four days while a "consciousness body" forms with which to experience the bardo states to follow. There then follow 14 days in the [chonyid bardo]

(death-bardo heaven-reality awareness) or [sambhogakaya]

(enjoyment-body awareness). During this stage a mandala unfolds including the appearance of peaceful (42) and angry (58) deities, the former as [sunyata]

(emptinesses, void) and the latter as clarity or light. If these are seen as projections of the consciousness body, liberation may be obtained. Otherwise there follows another stage, [sridpa bardo]

(death-bardo rebirth-seeking awareness) or [nirmanakaya]

(bardo of becoming, emanation-body awareness). This final stage before rebirth lasts 28 days, 21 reliving the karma of the previous life and then 7 days of preparation for rebirth.