In this three minute video I share a simple but powerful Tibetan Buddhist practice through which we can help those in the vital bardo - transitional - stage, after one life ends and before the next experience of reality unfolds.
We benefit the being who has passed, those we live among, and ourselves.
Despite its great value, this practice is unlikely to be shared on global media at this critical time. So please do share it with anyone you feel may benefit.
Yes, I am in Africa, making plans for our Mindful Safaris to resume next year. I look forward to sharing The Dharma of Elephants in my usual post this coming Saturday.
Great idea David. We feed the birds every day and take great delight in watching them eat.
But now we can dedicate this to the Queen, what a great idea. Thank you
Indeed, Peter. And to all other beings in the bardo realms, or who are suffering.
I am a retired Roman Catholic Priest. I offered my Mass today for the Queen. Thank you for the beautiful and inspiring reflection.
Many thanks indeed, Stewart! I take this as a real compliment. How wonderful that the great traditions can find common ground on these important matters.
Thank you so much for posting this video, David. It is a powerful way to make some good from a sad situation.
Thanks, Wendy. Buddhism has wonderful, psychological tools to reframe our experience of reality.
I live in Moscow, and I am very depressed because I hate the war. I'm trying to do something good and dedicate it to those who died in the war.
Thank you Tiffany, for contributing all the way from Moscow. I feel sure that most subscribers here will offer you their heartfelt support at this very difficult time.
Lovely message you are launching into the world, David! The intention can speak to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. We all can take actions that create more happiness/kindness/compassion/love. Thank you.
Thanks so much Maura. As the Dalai Lama so often says, the purpose of Buddhism is to offer tools to be happier - irrespective of one's beliefs or lack of them.
What can we do to help those who have passed on beyond the 49 days? Is chanting Om Mani Padme Hum daily helpful to them? Is feeding birds on their behalf helpful for them (ie the deceased)?
Excellent question, Keng. After 49 days, all beings are thought to have moved from the bardo state to whatever new framework for reality they create. As such, they are no longer so impressionable to our virtuous acts. However, if we shared close karmas, such as with mothers and other loved ones, they may still be influenced by our virtuous acts. This is exactly why the Buddhist view is that we should treat all beings as if they were our mother from a previous lifetime. We really have no idea how we are connected to all the beings around us, but if we are drawn to animals and other beings in this life, it is probably because we have shared a close connection in the past.
Thank you for the response. I noticed that some of the deceased who had a close connection with the living such as mother and son who share a close bond continues to be connected even after the mommy has passed on. The son would dream about the mommy (these dreams appeared to be very real. One son dreamt about his mother having a reunion eating together with his siblings and parents. Earlier in the week, a young girl (grand niece of the deceased) told her parents that mommy would be having a reunion get together with her family. There are also other realistic dreams even after the 49 days of passing. What does this indicate? Can the deceased continue to watch over the living who share a close bond with them and continue to connect with the living. The living lives a clean life. He doesn't gamble, lie, consume alcohol, womanise, etc... and provides well for his family and does a lot of charitable deeds and he is always pure in his help towards his colleagues, friends and even strangers.
Thank you David, such an important way to show our regard for those who have passed and to assist the living. I'll pass your message on to my daughters whose father passed away recently.
I am glad to be able to share the Dharma, Susan. Thank you.
Beautiful David. Bringing it to what really matters. Thank you as always.
Om shanti
Abby
Namaste, Abby.
A lovely, wonderful thought. 💕
Many thanks Booke.
David, thank you so much for explaining this. It's such a simple thing and so full of meaning.
Funnily, I filled the bird-feeder yesterday...
A great source of dedicated merit!
Such wonderful and positive acts that we can all do, no matter our belief or even for those who don't know much about Buddhism and/or the Bardo. Kindness is always good, and add the intention of helping the Queen through the Bardo, and it becomes so much more powerful and beneficial. Thank you 🙏
Exactly, thank yu Marianne.
Thank you David for reminding us of this simple practice. A beautiful way to thank the Queen for all she has done during her reign and a positive outlet for the sadness felt by all of us who valued her.
My pleasure, Fran!
❤❤ Lead with Love xoxo
Exactly!
We CAN BE the change we want to see in the world... 💜
Wonderful, thank you. Just before I listened to you, I rescued a small dog. This virtue I definitely dedicate the Queen in the bardo.
That's an extraordinary gift, Ayelet, and what a virtue to offer!
Thank you, David. You have helped the world to be a better place!
I feel, very much, that we are all in this together, Vicki! Thank you for your kind message.
What a contrast to mourning! Thank you for the redirection. The birds will be happy and so will I. As I go through the days (39 I believe of Bardo), I will be intentional in my kindness to others by honoring Elizabeth II in transition. Thank you so much for the teaching, David.
Indeed, Penny. And also to the media focus which is on all manner of subjects that are, frankly, unimportant and irrelevant. The bardo is 49 days or 7 weeks, and it's an ongoing opportunity for us all to set our sights on kindness and transcendence. Thanks so much for your message!
Thank you for the correction (it was a bit of a typo). The more we focus on the material world and the past we more we miss Now. Blessings.
Beautiful David and my next task after I had listened to you was going to be topping all all my bird feeders so I dedicated it to Her Majesty whilst I did it 🙏❤️🙏
Beautiful! Thanks Annette. Never let an act of kindness go undedicated!
What an excellent message, and one I shall share. She, HRH ERII, is in my thoughts daily, yet I had not fed the birds or considered an extra act of kindness. I shall head forth now and start. May these multiple acts of kindness not go un-noticed or un-multiplied. I had hoped that the meeting of the many heads of state, including the president of China, at the funeral would spark world peace....
Many thanks Erin. World peace would be nice, but creating happiness in our own worlds is, as you imply, something each one of us can manage.
Most definitely
Thanks Peter!
Thank you. Why not? What a great idea.
Many thanks, Roberta. Like most Buddhist practices, there is no down-side!