The ultimate meaning of bardo is found in the precious experience of now, recognizing the clarity and beauty of every moment and making it meaningful. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche begins these talks by introducing the essential meaning of bardo and introducing the more elaborate six stages of bardo:
1) the natural bardo of this life,
2) dream,
3) meditation,
4) death and dying,
5) dharmata, and
6) becoming.
In talks two and three, Rinpoche teaches extensively on the natural bardo of this life, providing moving and uplifting methods for making this life beneficial and meaningful in every moment. In talk four, Rinpoche introduces the bardo of dream, the bardo of meditation, and the bardo of dying. In the final talk, Rinpoche teaches on transforming our fear of dying into an experience of open spacious curiosity and using death as an opportunity to experience the nature of min. The weekend included opportunities for students to ask questions on this emotionally difficult topic.

Mind Beyond Death, Ponlop Rinpoche, Vajra Echoes, 5 DVDs, 8 hours, $60.00.

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is acknowledged as one of the foremost scholars of his generation in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Fluent in English and well-versed in Western culture, Rinpooche has worked to develop and adapt traditional Tibetan education curriculums for Western audiences. Nitartha Institute (www.nitharthainstitute.org), where Rinpoche is the main teacher, provides a focused Buddhist studies program. Rinpoche is a visiting professor of buddhist philosopy at Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado. In 1997, Rinpoche founded Nalanabodhi to preserve the genuine lineage of the Nyingma and Kagyu Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. There are Nalandabodhi centers in North America and Europe, and curriculum materials are available to people worldwide.