BardoTibetan Art of the Afterlife

According to the Tibetan text Bardo Thodrol, known in the West as The Tibetan Book of the Dead, death provides an important opportunity for spiritual enlightenment. Upon the moment of physical death a 49-day period divided into three intermediate states begins. During this time one hundred symbolic deities appear to the deceased in a series of visions. In order to attain nirvana, these visions must be recognized as mere illusions. Otherwise the cycle of rebirth continues.

Buddhists work to embrace impermanence throughout life. By familiarizing themselves with all forms of illusion during life, they can more easily overcome the death visions.