It is often not practical, or even possible, to have a large group of fully trained Bardo specialists in the area of the deceased. At this time, such people are concentrated in the large and small Tibetan monasteries scattered across Bhutan, Nepal and Indian. In secluded mountains and broad valleys, specialized rituals can be carried out in an intense and focused manner.

The Connection

But how does a ritual performed in another city, or across the world, benefit the consciousness of the deceased? Through a variety of means, perfect resonance can be established with the individual, no matter where on the earth they passed from this world.

The Long Ritual Process

While there are a wide range of Bardo rituals that can be performed in the monastic community, is done as at least a three day ritual, but in its full complexity, can be extended to a full 49 days. Some may even be performed for 100 days. However, the duration of the ritual is not the criteria for the effectiveness of the process. If done with precision, the afterlife being can be guided to a pure experience with even one ritual, if it works as it should.
The most common ritual performed is the popular Karling Shitrö, developed by the famous Tibetan master, Karma Lingpa. At our own home monastery in Eastern Bhutan, the more concise and highly effective Shitro ritual of Red Vajrasattva is performed, revealed by the late mater, PeGyal Lingpa. Since he was the direct teacher of Tsewong Rinpoche, having this done by this monastery is particularly powerful.

The Ritual Sequence

The sequence of the long ritual follows a precise and meaningful plan

1. summoning the consiousness of the deceased to the place of the ritual.
2. clearing obstacles, especially the negative karma associated with the individual.
3. gaining postiive karma