As discussed earlier, when we think of the stages of dying it is easy to get confused with Kubler-Ross’s 5 stages of grieving when facing death which are widely known as “the 5 stages of loss” as put forth by her almost 50 years ago. They are not stages of dying, they are psychological states; anger, denial, bargaining, depression, acceptance, that her patients were generally noted to go through as they faced death. They have now been widely accepted in describing some aspects of the grieving process, but please note that there is little uniformity in how we grieve, either our own loss or the loss of a loved one.
Here we want to discuss the actual physical stages of dying. And, per relevance to doing readings from a sacred text like the Bible, Ars Moriendi, the Tibetan Book of the Dead or the American Book of the Dead, there are times during the dying process where the consciousness can benefit from being reminded of it’s innate luminous, (enlightened) nature.
This is not to be forced. There is no dogma or doctrine here. It is very important to realize that at these times, just the simple presence of another being who is grounded in a calm disposition is as helpful as anything. If we have an opportunity to do readings, fine, but most importantly is to always practice equanimity, simple awareness. Be the calm person in the rescue boat out in the howling seas, and everyone around you, especially he or she who is dying, will benefit.
According to the Tibetan tradition: “The bardo of dying begins the moment at which the body will definitely not recover and survive and it lasts until the last breath is exhaled. This bardo is accompanied by certain subjective experiences. In the Buddhist tradition these experiences are explained as the dissolution of the elements. These dissolution experiences include a feeling of heaviness, feeling cold and drying up of the mouth and nostrils. These are a part of the specific signs that death is near. Finally, outer breathing, our normal respiration is distinguished from inner breathing, which is more like circulation of energy. First the breathing stops, then the inner circulation of energy stops.”
“The next bardo is the luminous bardo of our innate nature. In this stage, our innate nature – the basic nature of mind- is totally unobscured for a short while. We can glimpse our basic nature of mind at that moment. This is the same for every sentient being. This quality of mind , this “luminous wakefulness” is revealed to us at that moment- but it may be only a brief glimpse. The tendency to cling to duality is poised to reassert itself, and for most of us, it immediately moves in and obscures the experience of our basic nature.”
From Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, p. 154 in Medicine and Compassion– Wisdom Publications.
Especially at the time right after dissolution of the elements and now entering the Luminous Bardo of our innate nature, when we get a glimpse of what is called our ground luminosity, we may benefit from readings, prayers and a presence of equanimity, calmness and Clear Light awareness on the behalf of those around us. According to the Tibetan Buddhist teachings, we want to recognize and remain in the experience of this luminous awareness for as long as possible.
In short form here is the instruction: “Now the basic luminosity is shining before you; recognize it, and rest in the practice.” Tibetan Book of the Dead, Trungpa, p. 37.
The Clear Light instructions or whatever religious preference one has can be repeated 3 to 7 times. Here is another version:
Now I am experiencing the Clear Light of objective reality. Nothing is happening, nothing ever has happened or ever will happen. My present sense of self, the voyager, is in reality the void itself, having no qualities or characteristics. I remember myself as the voyager, whose deepest nature is the Clear Light itself; I am one; there is no other. I am the voidness of the void, the eternal unborn, the uncreated, neither real nor unreal. All that I have been conscious of is my own play of consciousness, a dance of light, the swirling patterns of light in infinite extension, endless endlessness, the Absolute beyond change, existence, reality. I, the voyager, am inseparable from the Clear Light; I cannot be born, die, exist, or change. I know now that this is my true nature.
–From American Book of the Dead by E.J. Gold.
Let’s expand our discussion of the stages of dying so we may know approximately when the ground luminosity is occurring. A more detailed description of the stages is given by Margaret Coberley, RN in her excellent book, Sacred Passage.
Dissolution of the elements
- Earth dissolves into Water. The mind is now starting to separate from the body. The dying person experiences a feeling of powerlessness and deep heaviness that feels like sinking. He or she complains about weakness and exhaustion. The eyes may roll back and the person experiences mental turmoil. Caregivers may notice that the person actually feels heavier during transfers or when moving in bed. Caregivers can help by elevating the patient’s head, eliminating heavy covers, providing reassurance in clear and direct speech and avoiding emotional heaviness and anxiety (as well as needless conversation) at the bedside.
2. Water dissolves into Fire. Initially the feeling here is of drowning, but it is quickly replaced by dehydration, heat and parchedness. The person may likely withdraw and lose interest in worldly affairs. Her perception of pain may decrease and she will have difficulty swallowing. Ice chips made of water or juice and a damp cloth on the neck or forehead will help. The caregivers should protect the dying from confusion and fright, at the same time informing upset friends and relatives that the dying person is not rejecting or turning away from them, but naturally turning inward.
3. Fire dissolves into Wind. Initially a feeling of being consumed by fire is replaced by a feeling of being very cold. Digestion and respiration weaken. The extremities mottle and the person may require extra clothing. Ordinary consciousness becomes very dim, the mind becomes even more unfocused and the person may not even recognize family members. At this time it is important to avoid disturbing the dying person’s mind. Keep a positive mental outlook at all times around the dying.
4. Wind dissolves into Space. Respiration becomes slow and rattled. A profound silence envelops the dying. According to western medicine, death has occurred. The dying person is no longer aware of external forces. Visions arise according to the predominant mental tendencies. This would be entering luminous bardo of our innate nature. As discussed above. it is important at this time to do Readings from texts to guide the dying and explain what is happening or speak softly to the dying person, urging him to move onward and merge with the peace, happiness and light (or any religious figure or symbol) that is beckoning.
The final 4 stages of dying involve dissolution of the ordinary mind and the subtle mind. We will talk about these in the next post and need not describe them here except to let the caregiver know that for a period, the dying person is still going through dissolution and that an awareness of some sort exists.
Tibetan Buddhists let the body remain undisturbed for 3 or 4 days to let dissolution occur. This is usually impossible for westerners, but it is important to handle the body with care: avoid jostling, and keep a meditative atmosphere.
