The Bardo

The Art of Living in Limbo

For those who have heard the term before, “bardo” normally conjures up questions about what happens in the afterlife. According to certain accounts, most people, not everyone, go through an intermediary period between “life” as we currently know it and the “afterlife” as we perhaps imagine it to be. This journey is typically said to last 49 days. With respect for the deceased, whether a family member, friend, or pet, I normally create an altar with flowers, statue, a candle, and sometimes a picture. I try to put aside my own feelings of helplessness and loss so as not to interfere with the journey from which reports are seldom delivered. Those who died on Maui on August 8th may be currently in the Bardo, and maybe some are still earthbound because their deaths were so unexpected. Hawaiians have held ceremonies for the departed, several different types of ceremonies, one for the ghosts and another to help the living let go of grief. These were typically held either on the shore or in the ocean on canoes, surfboards, and anything that will float.

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The River Lethe: Artist Ken "Doc Mojo" Musgrave, used with permission

Though there are many books on death and dying, the reality is that no accounts are verifiable. Yes, we may have complete faith in the accuracy by virtue of hypnotic regressions, entering into altered states of consciousness, listening to the accounts of those who have had near death experiences, and listening to what clairvoyants and psychics tell us, but beliefs and proof are different. While there is no reason to dismiss what we believe to be true, it is obvious that accounts vary tremendously so what is reasonable to expect for one person may not be the same for another.

I have seen ghosts from time-to-time so I feel certain they not only exist, but they may visit or choose to stay long-term because they are not aware they have died, have not passed through the Bardo, or they have chosen to stay out of attachment or service to the living.

There is a second meaning of the word bardo that resembles our use of the word “limbo” in that it describes a state of indetermination, not exactly a void but one in which activity is at a near standstill, and the way forward as well as the way back are unclear. Interestingly, this concept of limbo sometimes occurs in theological contexts in Western cultures. It is not the same as purgatory yet the conditions of existence are lacking definition.

As noted, we cannot verify what happens after our bodies cease to inhale and exhale. However, except for those who do not know what they believe, most people believe in an afterlife. We have all different notions of what that might be like, but one often accepted thesis is that our consciousness takes us to a state to which it has affinity. If one loves peace, the afterlife will be peaceful. We can only imagine what might be the case for those who neglected their souls while exploring the perks of being incarnate.

Love is a very strong bond and will attract those beings one has loved. I hope this includes many feathered and furry friends. Others are certain there is only energy without form in the afterlife so we might have trouble recognizing other beings unless retaining some of the consciousness of at least the bardo state.

If you are expecting me to provide details about the afterlife, you will be disappointed. I can share what I believe to be true; but, as noted, there will not be any way to corroborate anything. This said, I have clearly heard voices speaking to me from the other side. I have also seen a very wide variety of auras of both pets and people. For example, when my first Akita died, the other two dogs did not seem as upset as I was. I asked his daughter, Runeka, if she missed her father. She looked at me like I was a bit bonkers, and then I saw a pink aura with a green center jump onto my bed, something that was not permitted when Keoki was alive. He had big issues about this, but I had a waterbed and he had strong toenails. After this, whenever I picked up the car keys, I saw the pink cloud jump through the window and position itself on the passenger seat. Morrnah corroborated this when asking one day which one of my dogs died. I said, Keoki. She knew him well because she had visited often, and he had attended the retreat mentioned in the last post. That’s when Morrnah told me that Keoki said it was his pleasure to stay with me until the end of time. Obviously, that suited me just fine also.

This may be a little hard to see, but there are actually three white Akitas and a wolf in this picture, taken in Santa Fe quite a few years ago. The third Akita and Brio, the wolf, are way in the back where there is a bright light (left) in front of the trees, maybe actually the aura?

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In a world in which time seems like a reality, limbo is an awkward state. In many cases, we cannot go back, except with our memories held by the lunar self that is a companion throughout an endless series of incarnations. However, sometimes, like this time with six planets retrograding, we also cannot go forward. We might have a vague idea of the future and even believe it is a continuation of the past, but sometimes, it is so misty that we cannot really see ahead. This is perhaps the best time to go within, listen to the inner self. The self has both explanations of the past and a sense of destiny, albeit the two are not at the same frequency levels. So, we have to traverse uncharted territories to access what is hidden.

Before incarnation, we drink the waters of Lethe and forget. For many, “oblivion” defines most of the incarnation; but for those who distance themselves from distraction, little bits and pieces tend to fall into place. If we have a sound spiritual practice, the goals of life may reveal themselves, a surprise to some but usually very familiar once the mist is dispersed.

The present world situation is precarious. There are fires and floods, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, sudden deaths and chronic illnesses . . . and with this comes uncertainty and all the challenges thereof. There have already been many losses of life, possessions, homes, and jobs. With this goes insecurity, uncertainty, and limbo!

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I do not have a magic wand, but there is a story from Tibet about a poet saint who misused some talents in his early life. He worried about his karma and sought a teacher who was wise enough to save him a future of miserable incarnations. Marpa turned out to be quite strict. Milarepa became a monk and begged for food. Late in life, his bowl broke, and he thought, “Now my begging bowl has become a great guru. It just taught me the impermanence of all things.”

Not all of us can release our attachments, but when Alexander the Great was dying, he instructed his soldiers to leave his hands outside the coffin so all would know that he was not only born empty handed, but he left without anything . . . despite his vast conquests.

Attachments in my view have value. We appreciate the sound of a beautiful musical instrument or works of art. We appreciate the companionship and sharing of friends and family. We appreciate the books that contain the knowledge of our forbears, often going back centuries and millennia. However, what we take with us when we leave is our merit and wisdom.

After studying countless religions and spiritual teachings, I am convinced that bonds are important. It remains to be seen whether we can escape the wheel of rebirth through detachment. I doubt it. I think that when we are at the point that everything is clear and our hearts and souls are full of compassion, we will forego the opportunity to escape and return to help others. At this time, we need such souls in great numbers because the suffering exceeds anything we have known in the past. Yes, there have been wars. There have been horrible diseases like leprosy and now Lyme and many kinds of toxic overloads. We have never, however, seen so many cataclysms and variety of threats at one time. If we stand together and refuse to surrender our integrity, then at least we will have one remaining asset that will put us in good standing on the other side of the veil.

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Copyright by Dr. Ingrid Naiman 2023 || All Rights Reserved

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