TANTRIC BUDDHISM (INCLUDING CHINA AND JAPAN)Karma-dbang-'dzin (I A: 38 ff)
I remember thinking (my Guru) Grub-chen Nor-bu-bkra-shis said that
at the time of death, this and that vision of the way it is in Bardo would
occur. Thinking I had died, I looked to see whether my body had any
smell and there was none. Taking some steps up and down, there was
no sound of walking. I thought, "Alas, I've definitely died."
While she waits for the yamas to seize her, regretting not having
done more religious deeds while she lived, a woman dressed in white,
carrying a cfamaru, and her hair tied up in back arrives. She takes hold
of her by the shoulder and picks her up, saying, "Get up! Do not suffer!When affliction occurs, things that counteract it do not come.
And those that say they have the dharma to do so, speak lies and
rough words.
To be born and to die are man's fortune.
Birth and death come again and again, and men get them.
This is not your only death.
Upon this great path which all must tread.
I will accompany you. Let us go happily."
Somewhat comforted, Karma-dbang-'dzin follows her and meets an
uncle who also tries to set her in the right direction, giving her instruc-
tions on the renunciation of hate and jealousy. Arriving at the "plain
and city" of Bardo, the 'das-log makes a final break with her fond
memories for the world of men. Remembering her parents, friends and
relatives she calls out to them, but receives no answer. The white
woman comes and Karma-dbang-'dzin seizes her robe and says, "Elder
sister! What is this plain called? Whose great city is that? What is it
called? Even though I've parents and many dear friends, relatives and
servants, no one advised me whether to go or remain. I arrived here
against my will. Now, A-lee, you take my ornaments and please tell me
how to return to my own place!" The woman said, "Because you are
ignorant and greatly troubled, your own visions arise as your enemy.
This plain, which is like the space of heaven, is called the Desert of
Razors. It is the path of those great sinners who go to stay in hell. That
great city is Klong-thang City, also called Dmar-khams-sgang or the
City of the Dead ... "
Karma-dbang-'dzin tours Bardo and views many people being
rewarded for their virtues and punished for their sins. Such encounters
are made all the more poignant as she meets persons known to her,
hears their pitiful circumstances and takes messages for the living, e.g.,
(109 ff.) "Then I arrived in the south, and, from a small monastery, out
came my own brother (ming-po), Tshangs-pa-rgyal-mtshan. I was very
sad. I took my brother's hand and cried, "Alas, younger brother! Why