That which is called the second stage of the Bardo dawneth upon the thought-body.[1] The Knower[2] hovereth within those places to which its activities had been limited. If at this time this special teaching be applied efficiently, then the purpose will be fulfilled; for the karmic illusions will not have come yet, and, therefore, he [the deceased] cannot be turned hither and thither [from his aim of achieving Enlightenment].
[Part II]
[The Bardo of the Experiencing of Reality]
[Introductory Instructions Concerning the Experiencing of Reality During the Third Stage of the Bardo, Called the Chönyid Bardo, When the Karmic Apparitions appear]
But even though the Primary Clear Light be not recognized, the Clear Light of the second Bardo being recognized, Liberation will be attained. If not liberated even by that, then that called the third Bardo or the Chönyid Bardo dawneth.
In this third stage of the Bardo, the karmic illusions come to shine. It is very important that this Great Setting-face-to- face of the Chönyid Bardo be read: it hath much power and can do much good.
About this time [the deceased] can see that the share of food is being set aside, that the body is being stripped of its garments, that the place of the sleeping-rug is being swept;[3]
- ↑ Text: yid-kyi-lüs (pron. yid-kyi-lü), ‘mental-body’, ‘desire-body’, or ‘thought-body’.
- ↑ Cf. pp. 923, 952, 961.
- ↑ The references are (1) to the share of food being set aside for the deceased during the funeral rites ; (2) to his corpse being prepared for the shroud; (3) to his bed or sleeping-place.
