Neon Lotus Read Online Free PDF Page A

reassurance.
    “I . . . I
thought you knew. It is Tashi Drogon, your creator.”
    “I am
sorry,” said the device.
    He put his
head in his hands and finally allowed himself to weep. He was almost sorry to
have the time free to think, So much time lay ahead of him, so much loneliness.
    The Bardo
device, for his benefit as well as that of the dead soul, began to speak:
    “O nobly
born Tashi Drogon, the time has come to set foot once again on the Path known
to all men.
    “Your
breathing has ceased. You have had done with the beating of a heart for now.
You have had enough of flesh, enough of life.
    “Know that
you have faced the Clear Light before, between countless incarnations. Your
spirit has risen and fallen numberless times between the hells and heavens, the
world of animals and the world of men.
    “Once again
you must face the void. Even now you are sinking into it, as earth sinks into
water.
    “The
terrifying visions have not yet dawned. The Lords of Death restrain themselves
until you have crossed the first abyss. Should you lose yourself utterly in the
Clear Light, they will never find you.
    “Therefore,
concentrate on my voice. Look on me as your Lama and your lamp. I will shed
light for you when you find yourself in the dark places. I will offer what
advice I can. You will hear me wherever you are—for the mind is limitless,
luminous, and infinitely aware. Listen for my guidance as you go to meet the
Clear Light.
    “Do not fear
any visions of hell and torment. They are nothing but the vapors of decay,
released by the decomposition of the skandhas. Do not attach yourself to dull
colors or seductive images.
    “In life you
may have seen truth, but you saw it only through the veil of flesh. Now that
veil has fallen away. You go to meet the Mother and not her Child. In a shining
body you fly to her, passing beyond appearance into emptiness.
    “Do not
cling to life. Do not fear the abyss.
    “All that
you will see is a reflection of your consciousness. The Peaceful and Wrathful
Deities alike are your own creations.
    “Therefore,
have no fear of death.
    “Neither
should you fear life, for birth and death alike are great returnings.
    “And if you
are shut out of the Clear Light by vast black doors, if you flee out of terror
and become snared in the Death Bardo—which leads to the Bardo of Life—even then
do not lose hope.
    “For the
doors of the womb also lead into light. And if you travel cautiously through
the realms of horror and confusion, the womb may open to you. You will hear
once again the pounding of a heart; you will taste once again the breath of
life.
    “If you are
not blown out utterly at this time, you will live again.
    “If you fall
not into hell or an animal existence, perhaps you will have a human birth. I
will guide you on that path. And truly, it is better to be a man than a god;
for men may achieve enlightenment, while even gods must fall from their lofty
temples, die in great pain, and take up human form once again if they wish to
escape the wheel.
    “So do not
despair. I will show you the way to avoid hell, the hungry ghosts, and the
animal realm. Perhaps you will even find your way into Dawachen, the land of
bliss, where you will be born from a lotus instead of a womb.
    “So go now,
calling on Chenrezi the Thousand-Armed.
    “Just ahead
of you, the Clear Light is dawning.”
    Dr. Norbu
looked over the dais. The blood had begun to dry on the blanket.
    Where are you , Tashi? he
wondered. Can you hear our device? Can you hear my thoughts , as the dead are supposed to?
I wish you luck, my friend. The device works, it seems; it’s tagged your soul
with no difficulty. Now let’s see if it can guide you through the storm and
hold you safely until we can think what to do with you . If it can , Tashi , then nothing is
lost. We will find you a womb, a new b ody. I will
be your teacher, as you were mine. Your assassin
will have harmed no one but himself. We will show the world that