Bardo Thodol - "The Great Liberation upon Hearing in the Intermediate State," was first put into written instruction form by the legendary Padma Sambhava in the 8th century A.D., who then concealed the book because he knew the world was not yet ready for its teachings. In the 14th century, these instructions were discovered and developed into a systematic teaching presented through a religious text. In Tibetan Buddhism this text serves as a guide to assist the dead and dying.

Six kinds of states between death and reincarnation are differentiated in the Bardo Thodol. These intermediate states between lives are divided into three bardos, and the bardos themselves are further subdivided. The text teaches how a dead or a dying person can attain Nirvana by recognizing the heavenly realms instead of entering into the lower realms where the cycle of birth and rebirth continues. Traditionally, lamas recite the text aloud to the recently deceased to help those in the in-between state recognize the nature of mind and attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Manjushri Empowerment

Manjushri Bodhisattva has the supreme wisdom, thus being called the Buddha of Wisdom, the embodiment of the wisdom of all the Buddhas. Manjushri Bodhisattva holds a sharp sword on his right hand that can be wielded to eliminate ignorance and stupidity and his Prajna wisdom is as profound as the Scriptures. By receiving his empowerment and reciting his Mantra: om a arapatsa nadhi, an individual will become more intelligent and enjoy greater happiness, improved memory and increased wisdom. Many well-known Buddhist scholars and accomplished practitioners are known to have practiced or received the Manjushri Empowerment and initiation.

Gongloma is the Praise and Admiration Prayer of Manjushri Bodhisattva composed by five hundred Panditas and Siddhas from India. Rinpoche will perform an oral transmission of Gongloma after the empowerment.

Karma Thegsum Chöling-New Jersey is very fortunate to host the Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, one of the most accomplished Buddhist teachers and a teacher of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. We hope everyone will take advantage of this rare opportunity. Refuge is not required.

The Very Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a master of the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and one of the foremost living scholars and meditation masters. He is one of the principal teachers of His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwa Karmapa- Ogyen Trinly Dorjee, as well as the teacher of many lamas in the Kagyu Lineage.

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