The Great Matter of Life and Death
( 生死大事 )
( 生死大事 )
Yuan Ying Laoren
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The Great Matter of Life and Death: An Exploration of Yuan Ying Laoren’s "The Secret Manual for Bardo Realization" and the Esoteric Teachings of Bardo Liberatio
In the Buddhist tradition, life and death are considered profound matters that demand careful attention and understanding. Known as “生死大事”, or "the great matter of life and death", this phrase encapsulates the central existential issue that all beings face—birth, death, and the continuous cycle of existence, samsara. These issues lie at the heart of many Buddhist teachings, but perhaps none more so than the esoteric instructions of Tibetan Buddhism’s bardo teachings. |
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The bardo (中有) refers to the intermediate state between death and rebirth, and within these teachings lies a key to liberation. Yuan Ying Laoren’s work, 《中有成就秘笈（中有聞教得度釋義）》, or The Secret Manual for Bardo Realization: Explanation of Liberation through Hearing in the Bardo, offers profound insights into how one can achieve liberation during this critical phase. These teachings are based on the traditional Tibetan text, The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thödöl), which emphasizes the possibility of attaining enlightenment during the bardo state through hearing sacred teachings.
The Bardo and Liberation through Hearing In Tibetan Buddhism, the bardo represents the intermediate state between death and rebirth. It is viewed as a transitional stage where the mind, no longer bound by the physical body, encounters vivid visions, lights, and experiences. There are six types of bardos:
The Supreme Secret Dharma: No Need for Intensive Practice Yuan Ying Laoren’s commentary on the bardo teachings, The Secret Manual for Bardo Realization, presents this Dharma as an esoteric treasure—described as a "secret within a secret" (密中密). It is considered a supreme method because, unlike many other practices in Buddhism, it does not require the practitioner to engage in years of meditation, contemplation, or deep samadhi (meditative absorption) to realize the nature of the mind. In other Buddhist traditions, such as Zen, Pure Land, or Vajrayana, practitioners typically need to practice diligently, quieting the mind and eliminating delusions to see the true nature of reality and attain enlightenment. But with this bardo teaching, Yuan Ying Laoren emphasizes that no such long-term practice is required. Instead, understanding the secret of life and death—how to transcend the cycle of birth and death—is enough. Grasping this teaching means that, at the moment of death, one can attain liberation directly, even if they have not spent years in meditative practice. As Yuan Ying Laoren explains, this Dharma offers a precious opportunity for those who receive it: “As long as you understand what becoming a Buddha and transcending life and death truly means, and you grasp this secret, you can be liberated at the moment of death.” This makes the teaching especially valuable, as it offers a way to resolve the “great matter of life and death” without the need for extended spiritual practice. The Great Matter of Life and Death The teachings on the bardo and liberation through hearing directly address one of the most pressing concerns for human beings—what happens after we die. Life, while varying in length from person to person, passes quickly, and death is inevitable for all. As Yuan Ying Laoren writes: “Every day, people are born, and every day, people die. Some live over a hundred years, while others pass away after only a few decades, or even shortly after birth. Although lifespans differ, life always passes in the blink of an eye. So where do we come from at birth, and where do we go after death? These are questions that most people cannot answer. This is why life and death are such profound matters.” The Buddha himself came into the world for this very reason—to address this great existential concern and offer a path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Through his teachings, we can understand where we come from and where we go after death, thereby breaking through the mysteries and confusion surrounding life and death. Practical Instructions for Liberation Yuan Ying Laoren’s work provides practical guidance for those seeking to use the bardo as a means to liberation. While the teaching does not require years of preparation, it does involve understanding the essential nature of life, death, and enlightenment. Some of the key practices mentioned include:
Conclusion: A Path of Liberation for All The teachings of the bardo offer a unique path to liberation, one that can be accessed even at the moment of death. Yuan Ying Laoren’s The Secret Manual for Bardo Realization serves as a profound guide to these teachings, offering practical insight into how one can transcend the cycle of life and death through understanding and practice. This Dharma, described as the "secret within the secret," provides an opportunity for all beings, regardless of their previous spiritual achievements, to find liberation at the critical juncture of death. For those fortunate enough to encounter these teachings, they offer a rare chance to resolve the great matter of life and death once and for all. |
6) The most convenient method of liberation for people with lower capacities, ordinary people, or those with great sins
– Part 1/2 – Part 2/2 Fourteen Points of Attention During the Period of Transmigration for the Deceased:
8) Points 1 and 2 9) Point 3 10) Point 4 11) Point 5 12) Points 6 and 7 13) Points 8 and 9 14) Point 10 15) Point 11 16) Point 12 17) Point 13 18) Point 14 19) Phowa Practice 20) Guidelines for Chanting Scriptures 1/2 21) Guidelines for Chanting Scriptures 2/2 21.1) Guidelines for the Practice of Death and Dying 21.2) Four Stages Implementation of the Practice: 22) 1st Stage of the Practice 23) 2nd Stage of the Practice |