The Stages of Dissolution
"How We Live is How We Die" by Pema Chödrön
A book about the Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Bardos.
Stage 1: Earth into Water
A shimmering mirage arises, as outer sight begins to depart.
Feeling immovable & heavy, as weight of the world arises.
Stage 2: Water into Fire
A smoky fog arises, as hearing begins to depart.
Feeling an insatiable thirst, while losing control of body fluids.
Stage 3: Fire into Air
Sparks of light arise, as smell begins to depart.
Feeling cold, incapable of getting warm.
Stage 4: Air into Consciousness
An inner image of a torch or lamp arises, as taste begins to depart.
Feeling difficult to breath, shorter inhalations, longer exhalations.
Stage 5: Consciousness into Space
The inner image continues, as touch begins to depart.
Feeling complete cessation of outer respiration.
Then, Inner Dissolution
The body is now dead.
Inner respiration continues, fades, then ceases after stage 3.
Consciousness transitions in 3 stages from subtle, to more subtle, to most subtle:
1. Anger dissolves. White appears, as pure sky filled with moonlight.
2. Passion and craving dissolve. Everything is now Red.
3. Possibility of Attainment. Black. We either black-out or recognize the true nature of mind.
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