Dream Bardo Teachings By
Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche
Saturday, March 6th, 2021

Perhaps nothing so clearly illustrates our impermanence and the unpredictability of our lifespans than the global pandemic. Out of lovingkindness for his students at this unprecedented time, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche will help us prepare for the transition beyond this life by giving both the Shitro empowerment and Phowa transmission. The moment of our death is a unique opportunity to recognize the nature of our minds and liberate from samsara.

 The Shitro Empowerment introduces the practitioner to experiences described in the Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodrol) and further enhances the companion practice of Phowa. It includes teachings of the Peaceful & Wrathful Deities and the true nature of mind. It is said that merely hearing this teaching cuts through birth in the lower realms and by bringing its meaning to mind, one is able to accomplish the irreversible state of the spontaneously arisen awareness holder.

 The Great Drikung Phowa Transmission helps us prepare to face our death with confidence. This Phowa  is a special practice of the Drikung Kagyu lineage and traditionally, its transmission is highly sought after. The practice of Phowa at the time of death can help us be free from suffering and it is considered the easiest way to reach Buddha Amitabha’s pureland of Dewachen.  Phowa can be practiced for ourselves and others, which is especially important during this time of pandemic.

Dream Bardo awareness gives us the opportunity to understand that  dreams and the waking state are illusions.  Milerapa said about the dream bardo;   Last night’s dreams arise from habitual patterns. We know them to be false when we awaken. These states are one in being Illusion-like. This is the bardo of dreams. Practice recognizing the illusory nature of both states.