The Bardo of Death: Preparation for Recognizing the Clear Light

“If we wish to die well, we must learn how to live well. Hoping for a peaceful death,
we must cultivate peace in our mind, and in our way of life.” 

~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, 1992

Death is described in terms of the elements of body and mind being progressively absorbed from coarse to subtle one by one, and this appears to be a final event. And yet, this transformation is actually taking place all the time: the elements that make up our existence continuously arise and dissolve. Whenever we have the feeling of something coming to an end or of trying to hang on to it, that is a taste of the Bardo of Dying. The first experience of death is about uncertainty, whether one is actually going to die, in the sense of losing contact with the solid world. The second experience is the actual dissolution of the body. And the third is a moment of luminosity that is quick: you can miss it or you can go into it.

Most people miss that moment of luminosity, but if you train to become comfortable with the death-rebirth cycles encountered while alive and cultivate meditative stability in the inherent uncertainty that arises, there is the opportunity to encounter the clear light of the primordial ground, and at dissolution, the Clear Light of Death. An example of this type of inquiry might include:

-What have I given death to in my life?
-What is my usual response to endings (freeze, fight, or flight)?.  
-What am I giving death to right now in my life?
-What appears to be coming for me to give death to?

Guided meditations will center on increasing Vipassana Insight, specifically aimed at the Death-Birth-Death cycle in life and the practice of being aware and letting go. The traditional practices of Chöd, Phowa, and Zhitro will also be introduced.

“In life and in death, in meditation and in sleep, every transitional 
stage of consciousness, or bardo, provides an opportunity to 
overcome limitations, frustrations, and fears.” 

~ Padmasambhava, in Natural Liberation, 1998

Life is a constant dance between the known and the unknown, a cycle in which death and birth are always interwoven. The bardo represents this in-between state — the gap where uncertainty thrives, yet where profound transformation occurs. In this retreat, we will explore the nature of these gaps in both our lived experiences and through the lens of traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings.

Through guided meditations, insights, and reflections, you will gain the tools to face the anxiety and uncertainty inherent in these gaps, and learn how to embrace the luminous emptiness that can guide our consciousness toward liberation or a fortunate rebirth.

In this weekend teaching, Lopön Robin Gayle will give a definition in accordance with traditional Buddhadharma, describe how the Bardo is experienced in life, and lead us in traditional and contemporary meditation practices most effective for navigating these transitions.

Join us for this transformative journey to experience peace in the unknown and unlock the possibility of true freedom.

These teachings are part of a six-weekend series, exploring each of the six Bardos. To enroll in the whole series, please visit this link.

Who Should Attend? 
This program is open to everyone.

Program Tuition
$265 Standard Tuition
$195 Community Supported Tuition

Learn more about available financial assistance options and apply for a scholarship here.

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration
Recognizing that everyone’s financial situation is unique, Tara Mandala strives to make its programs as accessible as possible. During registration, participants can either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment Plan. For those choosing the installment plan, a 25% deposit is required at registration, with the remaining balance automatically divided into equal monthly payments. The final payment is due 14 days prior to the program’s start date. If retreat enrollment occurs close to the start date, additional arrangements can be made. For any questions or special requests, the Finance Team is ready to assist at care@taramandala.org.

Sustaining Sangha
If you are currently a member of our Sustaining Sangha, you may apply your Online Program discount to this course. To learn more about Sustaining Sangha membership, benefits, and discounts, click here.

Offering dana to the Teacher
The practice of offering dana, which means “generosity,” is the traditional offering the student makes to the teacher as a symbol of appreciation, gratitude, and reciprocity for receiving the precious teachings. Information on offering dana to the teacher will be provided during the program. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here.

The suggested dana for this program is $40 – $120.

Tentative Schedule
This schedule provides an overview of the retreat’s flow. The sequence of activities and timing may be adjusted before and during the retreat. All times are Mountain Time. Please use this link to view how this daily schedule is translated into your time zone.

Saturday & Sunday, January 16-17, 2027
9:00 am – 12:00 pm MST Teaching, Discussion & Meditation
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm MST Teaching, Discussion & Meditation

Recording Access
All participants will have 1 year of access to the recordings.

Tara Mandala Pricing Guidelines
As we strive to become an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are designed to serve as a map, inviting each of us to assess the resources that contribute to our access to precious dharma teachings. While we do ask you to look inward, please know there is no right or wrong answer. We encourage you to select the range or rate that best suits your circumstances. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines for Online Programs, In-Person Retreats, and Special Promotions, please visit this page.

What is a Tara Mandala Online Program? 
Tara Mandala offers online programming via live and pre-recorded curricula, providing you with the opportunity to access dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience personal retreats and hands-on learning, and connect with other participants through easy-to-use online platforms and an engaged community network. When needed, the program description and schedule will inform you in advance if and when a specific online session must be attended live, if a direct transmission (Tib. lung) may be given. Access to recordings of all sessions will be available for additional viewing for one year.

Mental Health Disclaimer
While Tara Mandala offers profound Buddhist teachings and a supportive spiritual community, we do not provide mental health services, and our teachers are not operating as mental health professionals. Spiritual guidance provided by a Tara Mandala teacher is not a substitute for professional mental health support. We honor the importance of mental well-being and encourage community members seeking support to connect with licensed professionals in their local area. For immediate assistance with mental health concerns, please contact your local crisis resources or emergency services.

Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy