The Bardo Thodol ~ A Golden Opportunity

This teaching comes from five different discourses given by Mark Griffin. Griffin is a master of meditation and speaks from the direct experience of the state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Finally we have a westerner who is able to explain what the Bardo - the interval between death and rebirth - is about in terms that are easy for the western mind to understand. Mark Griffin is well-versed in the study of religions, spiritual traditions, metaphysics and physiology, and weaves this knowledge into his teachings. But of utmost importance is that he speaks with the authority of someone who has the direct experience, and is not simply repeating book knowledge.

This book/audiobook gives a thorough explanation of what happens in the period between death and rebirth. Though much of this material is covered in books such as the Tibetan Book of the Dead it has remained difficult for the western mind to comprehend. Now with this fresh look at the afterlife condition, Griffin brings the subject into clear focus in a manner surprisingly accessible and riveting, without recourse to many Buddhist or Sanskrit terms. The books also includes 8 full color plates to help the explanation. Through profound states of meditation and during the process of achieving realization, Griffin has repeatedly had direct experience of the Bardo itself, and is well-versed in traversing its many paths. His talk comes not merely from study, but from this experience.

In the talk we learn that of those who gain enlightenment, 99% do so in the Bardo Thodol. How to do this is the subject of this book - important information for any spiritual seeker indeed!

The content of the book comes from a special study session (the Bardo Kunda) held over six hours in March 2007, plus a two hour question and answer session five days later, and followed up with a recap and meditation session focusing on the connection of the Bodhicitta and the Bardo given six days later. There are also excerpts from a question and answer session held in October 2001, and the recent question and answer session held at the Joshua Tree Summer Retreat June 2008. (Kunda is a Sanskrit word meaning "wellspring, a source of continuous supply". In the Kunda Series, meditation master Mark Griffin explains and demonstrates the nature and experience of profound subjects dealing with advanced consciousness in the human form.)

The unabridged audiobook is 5 CDs, and includes a 12 page color booklet with the illustrations from the book. It is also available as a digital download, which includes the booklet.

The soft cover book is perfect bound and 240 pages, and includes 8 illustration plates. Second edition published September 1, 2008, 8.2 x 6.1, ISBN-13: 978-0975902028, and is also available as an e-book in PDF format, 109 pages.