Mark Griffin

The Bardo Thodol - the Golden Opportunity Mark Griffin 1st edition

The Bardo Thodol - The Golden Opportunity comes from four 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 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 Buddhism 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 Bodhicitta and the Bardo given six days later. There are also excerpts from a question and answer session held in October 2001. (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.)