The Metaphysical View of Death and Life After Death Part 7

head – Formless realms of the gods

Crown of head – Devachan

We shall now consider the three bardos, or the three phases of the Bardo–the Chikai, Chonyid, and Sidpa. Below we give the bardo-phases and stages, and the approximate number of days that the soul may linger in them:

1) Chikai Bardo, first stage – First to third day

2) Chikai Bardo, second stage – Third to fourth day

3) Chonyid Bardo, first stage – Fourth to eleventh day

4) Chonyid Bardo, second stage – Eleventh to nineteenth day

5) Sidpa Bardo, first stage – Nineteenth to fortieth day

6) Sidpa Bardo, second stage – Fortieth to forty-ninth day

It should be noted that not all of these bardos may be experienced by the one undergoing transition. Liberation and illumination may occur in the first or second phase making the undergoing of the succeeding stages unnecessary; it all depends upon the purity, the spirituality, and the karma of the dying pilgrim. Each succeeding stage makes it more improbable that liberation be gained; however, with the correct faith, humility, knowledge, attitude, behaviour, and awareness, the grace of the Cosmos may pour upon the one experiencing the bardo and offer attainment of the long sought-for salvation. Our understanding, awareness and reactions in the Bardo determines whether we attain enlightenment or prolong our existence in samsara.

Chikai Bardo, First Stage

In this first stage of the bardo the Clear Light of the Void dawns upon the consciousness or awareness-principle. In Vajrayana teachings this Clear Light is none other than the

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