Death and Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism
The In-Between
Registration closes on October 22nd.
In Tibetan Buddhism, a funerary text is recited to ease the consciousness of a recently deceased person through death and assist it into a favorable rebirth. Human beings are bound to the process of death and rebirth. Those who have attained enlightenment are released from this process, attaining liberation. Those who remain unenlightened are drawn by karma, whether good or bad, into a new life in one of six realms of existence. They are as follows:
- As a sufferer in hell (enduring horrible torture)
- As a hungry ghost (driven by insatiable craving)
- As an animal (ruled by instinct)
- As a demigod (lustful for power)
- As a human being (balanced in instinct and reason)
- As a god (deluded by their long lives believing they are immortal)
The period between death and rebirth last 49 days and involves three bardos:
- The moment of death itself. The consciousness of the newly deceased becomes aware of and accepts the fact that it has recently died.
- The deceased encounters frightening apparitions and must depend upon its karma, may be drawn into a rebirth.
- The transition into a new body.
The importance of this workshop is to have a deeper understanding of an ancient belief system that celebrates death rather mourns it.
What to bring: a journal for notes, water bottle, and/or travel mug for hot beverages.
Fee: $75
