Have you ever pondered the meaning of Bardo?
What is Bardo? It's the state of liminality, a liminoid experience, and an unusual intermediate phase between two earthly lives.
The concept of Bardo has its origins in Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhists believe that Bardo is a transitional state that occurs between death and rebirth.
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, there's a transitional period between death and rebirth where the consciousness is detached from the physical body. During this time, various phenomena can occur that can be both beneficial or frightening, but should be utilized for spiritual connection with the universe. Consequently, followers typically ready themselves for Bardo by practicing rituals & contemplating concepts that will optimize their experience.
Bardo is also a metaphorical construct that symbolizes the temporary pause of 'ordinary time' or ordinary existence, such as during or recovering from a serious illness, or during a period of withdrawal & retreat.
At such times, it's believed the period of reflection can be beneficial for spiritual growth.
How does Bardo compare with the Christian notion of Limbo?
Limbo (from the Latin word limbus meaning edge or boundary) is a temporary state of “being” for all those who, despite their sins here on earth, died in the friendship of God though cannot enter Heaven until redemption by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Limbo therefore reinforces the belief that all humans can enter Heaven, but only with Christ’s intervention. Therefore, for Catholic Christians, Limbo is a place between life on earth and eternal life, whereas, for Christians, Bardo is a period of reflection that occurs here on earth!
The concept of Limbo, and the idea of a neutral state of existence that occurs before enlightenment, judgement, or reward in paradise, is present in other denominations and religions.
Within the DC Comics universe, Limbo is a dimension where old characters reside if they have been removed or forgotten.
George Saunders’ 2017 novel “Lincoln in the Bardo” explores President Abraham Lincoln’s profound grief following the death of his beloved son, William “Willie” Wallace Lincoln. The prize-winning novel delves into the idea of Bardo, exploring the intermediate space between life & rebirth over the course of one evening.
Any comments?
Neil Mach is highly regarded in the field of fantasy studies and authored So You Want to Write Fantasy? His book is an enlightening easy-to-read manual that delves into fantasy perspectives.
