Preparation for Death (Link #603)

Speaker: Bob Reid. Bob explores the importance of cultivating a positive attitude to death and a clear vision for our rebirth. Dying will be easier if we have confidence in our genuine, warm-hearted connection to the Three Jewels. Beings passing through the bardos will encounter four opportunities to influence their rebirth. Generally, only advanced practitioners are prepared to seize the first two opportunities, which offer the possibility to attain enlightenment. But less advanced practitioners may seize the third and fourth opportunities: to take rebirth either in the Pure Lands or in the human realm. Pure Land traditions, which are practiced by the majority of Buddhists, are also woven into Tibetan Buddhism and play a significant role in the ngondro and tsok practices of the MSB Sangha. We can cultivate the intention to be reborn in the pure lands or in the human realm through prayer, aspiration, and dedicating our merit.