Anus - Hell realm

Genital - Animal realm

Mouth - Hungry ghost realm

Nose - Human realm

Navel - Desire-gods realm

Ears - Asura/Titan realm

Eyes - Form realms of the gods

Top of head - Formless realms of the gods

Crown of head - Devachan

We shall now consider the three bardos, or the three phases of the Bardo--the Chikai, Chonyid, and Sidpa. Below we give the bardo-phases and stages, and the approximate number of days that the soul may linger in them:

1) Chikai Bardo, first stage - First to third day

2) Chikai Bardo, second stage - Third to fourth day

3) Chonyid Bardo, first stage - Fourth to eleventh day

4) Chonyid Bardo, second stage - Eleventh to nineteenth day

5) Sidpa Bardo, first stage - Nineteenth to fortieth day

6) Sidpa Bardo, second stage - Fortieth to forty-ninth day

It should be noted that not all of these bardos may be experienced by the one undergoing transition. Liberation and illumination may occur in the first or second phase making the undergoing of the succeeding stages unnecessary; it all depends upon the purity, the spirituality, and the karma of the dying pilgrim. Each succeeding stage makes it more improbable that liberation be gained; however, with the correct faith, humility, knowledge, attitude, behaviour, and awareness, the grace of the Cosmos may pour upon the one experiencing the bardo and offer attainment of the long sought-for salvation. Our understanding, awareness and reactions in the Bardo determines whether we attain enlightenment or prolong our existence in samsara.

Chikai Bardo, First Stage

In this first stage of the bardo the Clear Light of the Void dawns upon the consciousness or awareness-principle. In Vajrayana teachings this Clear Light is none other than the dharmakaya, the highest principle within the microcosmic being of man. In Theosophy, this is the Monad; or the "I AM Presence," as some esoteric schools of thought would call it; or "Yechidah" in the Qaballa, the oral tradition of Judaism.

The Clear Light is like a mirror that reflects our Divine Self, our true Buddha nature. This Clear Light is said to be resplendent and scintillating, of a brightness that surpasses a thousand suns. Recognizing, being aware, and merging with one's true nature confers upon one a new spiritual status. The experience expands one's consciousness, not unlike the "Cosmic Consciousness" of Richard M. Bucke. Fundamentally, the Clear Light is experienced when one abides in one's true primordial nature in stillness without being moved by thoughts or emotions. This usually occurs in a deep state of meditation. Experiencing the Clear Light in full awareness liberates oneself from samsara, from Maya, and the dualistic state of mind and conception. The Clear Light and liberation implies a non-dual state, a non-thought-formation, and an abidance in one's Divine nature.

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