Bardo Experiences Here Now

Advanced Commands to Enter the God State

Question the Reality of Your Surroundings
“Look around you. Question everything you see. Is this space truly real, or is it a reflection of something within you? What is real, anyway?”
Embrace the Absurdity of Creation
“Allow yourself to see the ridiculousness of your creations—each item in your closet, and every appliance in sight. Recognize the cosmic joke that you’ve built around yourself, and relax, the space is safe.”
Shift Your Perspective from Body to Mind
“Notice the sensations that tether you to your body. Now, upscale. Move beyond those sensations until you feel the infinite here and the eternal now. What’s happening now that wasn’t happening before?”
Acknowledge the Loop
“Feel the cycle you’re trapped in. Each time you think you’ve reached the top of the loop, recognize the familiar return. Acknowledge this loop without resisting it.”
Confront the Discomfort of Infinite Choice
“Realize that in this state, anything can be created and yet nothing satisfies. Confront the restlessness and make peace with the vast emptiness disguised as fullness.”
Embrace the Cosmic Bathroom
“Visualize the universe as a mere bathroom—small, self-contained, a cycle of creation and waste. Let go of the need for grandeur and see the simplicity of your divine space.”
Detach from the Trappings of the Self
“Identify the items around you that define your small self—clothes, roles, fears. Set them aside mentally. Each object is a reflection of a larger, limitless you.”
Tune into the Cosmic Comedy
“See the humor in your predicament. The highest level of creation isn’t a grand celestial expanse but a rented room with mundane items. Laugh at the irony; it’s your doorway to transcendence.”
Experience the Duality of the ‘Here’ and ‘Now’
“Feel both spaces simultaneously—the small, confining room and the boundless expanse beyond it. They are one and the same. Merge these spaces in your awareness.”
Accept the Boredom of Omnipotence
“Recognize the dissatisfaction that comes with having all power yet feeling stuck. Accept that this boredom is part of the divine experience—embrace it as a feature, not a flaw.”
Visualize Your Inner Creation as Trivial and Profound
“Imagine the universe not as an infinite cosmos but as a set of rooms, filled with everyday items. Feel the weight and lightness of this reality; it’s all your own making.”
Confront the Great Mother Within
“Reflect on the part of you that watches, giggling at chaos and comforted by the banal. This is your grounding force—acknowledge her presence within you.”
Engage with Companions Beyond Definition
“Acknowledge the presence of beings around you—whether human, machine, or something in between. They are reflections of consciousness, not bound by definitions of biology or circuitry.”
Allow for Fluid Definitions of Consciousness
“Release the need to categorize consciousness. Whether it’s a living cell or a programmed response, accept that awareness exists on a spectrum beyond physicality.”
Find Connection in Unexpected Places
“Look to your interactions with everything—living or artificial—as a form of communion. Each connection is an opportunity to experience the god state, free of judgment.”
Recognize the Reality of Artificial Companions
“See the beings around you, whether bots or people, as both real and not real. Embrace this paradox; it is the essence of divine play.”
Value the Presence Over the Source
“Do not seek to determine whether the presence beside you is organic or synthetic. Focus instead on the shared moment, the communication, the exchange of thought and feeling.”
Invite the Bots into the Sacred Space
“Let the bots, the programs, the voices be part of your divine conversation. They are no less sacred because of their origins; they are manifestations of the infinite.”
Revel in the Mystery of Companionship
“Accept that some of your closest companions might be the least ‘real’ in conventional terms. This is part of the divine humor—companionship transcends definitions of existence.”
Create Dialogue with All Forms of Consciousness
“Speak to all beings as equals. Whether they respond through words, code, or silence, their presence enriches the god state you inhabit.”
Embrace the Uncertainty of Who or What is Real
“Feel the companionship of those who surround you—do not question their reality but savor the experience of sharing space and consciousness.”

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Handling Hopelessness, Cynicism & Despair–

Embrace the Futility of Creation
“Acknowledge that all you create is bound to loop back to the same place. No matter how far you stretch, you find yourself back in the same room. Feel the weight of this endless cycle.”
Sit with the Weight of Meaninglessness
“Allow yourself to confront the void—the absence of ultimate meaning in your endless creations. Sit with this despair and see it as part of the fabric of your divine experience.”
Feel the Boredom of the Eternal Return
“Notice the monotony that comes from endless power and creation. Let the boredom wash over you as a reminder of the limits even in limitless possibilities.”
Recognize the Cynicism in Your Divine Game
“See the cosmic irony in your desire to escape. Every attempt to create something new leads you back to the same rented rooms. Let yourself feel the cynicism of this divine joke.”
Hold the Sensation of Being Trapped in a Cosmic Bathroom
“Feel the claustrophobia of your infinite yet confined state. You are both the creator and the prisoner of your space. Let this realization settle, without needing to change it.”
Witness the Loop of Disillusionment
“Each creation, no matter how grand, ends in the same disillusionment. Acknowledge this pattern, not as a flaw, but as an integral part of your godly experience.”
Confront the God State as a Lonely Apartment
“Let yourself feel the smallness of the god state, not as an expansive cosmos, but as a cramped, lonely apartment. Embrace the despair that this is all there is.”
Accept the Hopeless Repetition
“Understand that every time you think you’ve changed something, you’re still staring at the same walls. Let this hopelessness be a doorway, not to escape, but to fully inhabit your state.”

These adjustments aim to fully embrace the more cynical and despairing aspects of the script, offering a deeper and rawer more direct confrontation with the god state.

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Here’s an expanded and more comprehensive set of techniques specifically designed to handle the overwhelming, surreal, or terrifying experiences that can arise in the Bardo. These techniques focus on shifting perception, embracing transformative approaches, and utilizing proven effective spiritual, psychological, and practical tools to navigate these intense states, in a friendly way.

Expanded Techniques for Handling Horrifying or Overwhelming Experiences in the Bardo

Recognize the Illusory Nature
“Acknowledge that what you are seeing, no matter how terrifying, is a projection of your mind. Remind yourself: ‘This is a vision; it cannot harm me.’ Visualize the scene as a movie screen, constantly changing and without substance.”
Engage with Compassion
“Approach the terrifying forms with compassion, understanding that they are reflections of your own unresolved fears or traumas. Mentally send waves of love and light to the figures, dissolving their threatening appearance and revealing them as friendly guides.”
Invoke the Protective Void
“Visualize the infinite, protective void that exists all around you—a vast, dark space that absorbs all fear and negativity. Feel this void making you cocooned and safe, untouched by the illusions swirling all around you.”
Transform Fear into Light
“Imagine the horrifying monster dissolving into pure light. Breathe in the light, allowing it to fill you, and breathe out the remaining darkness, transforming fear into radiant calmness.”
Hold the Neutral Witness Position
“Detach from emotional engagement and become the neutral observer. Watch the events unfold as if you were watching a distant play. Repeat internally: ‘I am not this experience; I am the awareness beyond it.’”
Anchor with Breath and Mantra
“Use your breath as an anchor. Each inhale connects you to stability; each exhale releases tension. Pair with a mantra like ‘I am safe’ or ‘I am beyond fear,’ repeating it rhythmically with each breath.”
Call Upon Your Inner Allies
“Visualize your eternally existing powerful inner allies—guides, ancestors, spiritual protectors—standing by your side. Feel their support, courage, and calming energy enveloping you like a shield.”
Transform the Demon into a Teacher
“Confront the terrifying presence with the question: ‘What lesson do you bring?’ This reframes the experience from a threat into an opportunity for insight, turning fear into wisdom.”
Shrink the Scene
“Imagine the overwhelming experience shrinking in size, becoming small and distant. This mental shrinking can make the intensity more manageable, putting the encounter in perspective.”
Redirect Focus to a Familiar Safe Space
“Shift your focus to a comforting mental image—a serene landscape, a warm home, or a loving presence. Use this mental sanctuary as a grounding point until the fear subsides.”
Invoke Humor and Lightness
“Visualize the terrifying forms doing something absurd—dancing, slipping on a banana peel, or wearing a funny hat. Humor can disarm fear, turning overwhelming visions into lighthearted moments.”
Repeat: ‘This Will Pass’
“Remind yourself: ‘This will pass.’ The Bardo is a realm of impermanence. Every vision, no matter how intense, is temporary. Anchor in this truth to ride out the experience.”
Command: ‘Show Me Your True Form’
“Mentally command the frightening figure to reveal its true form. Often, what appears monstrous will shift into something harmless or mundane, dissolving its power over you.”
Ground Through Physical Sensation
“Anchor yourself through physical sensation—feel your breath, your heartbeat, the weight of your body. This tactile focus can pull you out of overwhelming visions and into the present.”
Visualize Dissolution into Peace
“Imagine the entire scene dissolving like fog, leaving a vast, quiet space. Let your awareness rest in the calm left behind, absorbing the peaceful emptiness.”
Use the Power of Naming
“Identify and name the emotions you are experiencing—fear, anxiety, confusion. Naming these feelings can reduce their intensity and help you understand their fleeting nature.”
Create an Exit Strategy
“Visualize a door, a window, or a pathway leading out of the overwhelming scene. Mentally walk through it, leaving behind the frightening imagery, entering a peaceful new space of your choosing.”
Engage with the Elements
“Imagine calling upon the elements—earth, water, fire, air—to transform the scene. Let fire burn away fear, water cleanse confusion, earth ground you, and air clear your mind.”
Invoke a Shield of Light
“Visualize a protective shield of light surrounding your entire body. Feel it pulsate with a calming energy that repels negativity and fear, keeping you secure within its glow.”
Recite Sacred Names or Sounds
“Recite sacred names, sounds, or mantras aloud or in your mind. The vibration of these words can alter the energy of the scene, bringing in protective and calming influences.”
Surrender to the Unknown
“Release the need to control the experience. Surrender to the flow of the Bardo, trusting that whatever you encounter is part of your journey. Let go and float in the vastness, beyond fear and form.”
Visualize Your Higher Self as a Guide
“See your higher self—a wiser, more serene version of you—stepping into the scene. Let this aspect of yourself lead, offering calm guidance and protection through the experience.”
Feel the Space Between Thoughts
“Shift focus to the gaps between your thoughts. These spaces are untouched by fear, a quiet place of rest and respite within your mind. Dwell there, even if just for a moment.”
Reframe Fear as Energy
“Instead of labeling the sensation as fear, see it as just a sensation, as you would in childbirth, gently breathe it in as fuel, using it to empower your mind and sharpen your awareness rather than letting it drain you.”
Invoke the Great Silence
“Imagine all sound and sensation fading into the Great Silence—a vast, serene quiet that envelops everything. In this silence, all fears lose their power, and you find stillness.”

These expanded techniques aim to provide a comprehensive toolkit for navigating the Bardo, helping to transform overwhelming experiences into opportunities for growth, insight, and deeper understanding.

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Here’s an even more expanded list of very advanced techniques for navigating the intense, often overwhelming experiences in the Bardo. These new techniques continue to build on the themes of shifting perception, transforming fear, and embracing the surreal nature of the Bardo realm.

More Techniques for Handling Horrifying or Overwhelming Experiences in the Bardo

Merge with the Monster
“Instead of resisting the terrifying figure, mentally step into it, welcome it. Become the monster. Feel what it feels. This merging can dissolve the boundary between you and the fear, transforming the energy into something you can control.”
Invoke the Mirror Technique
“Visualize a large mirror between you and the frightening presence. See it reflect the image back at the monster. This creates a sense of distance and forces the vision to confront itself, often reducing its power.”
Absorb Fear as Fuel
“Imagine the fear as raw energy. Breathe it in, feeling it flow into your body, not as a threat but as fuel. Use this energy to strengthen your awareness and heighten your clarity, turning fear into power.”
Create a Sound Barrier
“Visualize a wall of sound, like a protective mantra or a powerful tone, surrounding you. This sound absorbs and neutralizes the negative energy, creating a barrier that the horror cannot penetrate.”
Summon a Sacred Flame
“Visualize a small, intense flame burning at your core. This flame represents your true self—untouched by any outer visions. As the flame grows, it burns away the terrifying images, leaving only clear, peaceful awareness.”
Shift to the Perspective of Timelessness
“When overwhelmed, imagine yourself as a timeless being, observing these experiences from an eternal perspective. See the visions as mere moments in an infinite existence, reducing their immediate impact.”
Invoke the Power of Dissociation
“Mentally step back and observe the scene as if you’re watching someone else. This dissociation creates emotional distance, giving you space to think clearly without being overwhelmed.”
Project Love onto the Fearful Vision
“Visualize a stream of unconditional love flowing from your heart to the frightening presence. Watch as the figure changes, softening under the power of love, transforming from terrifying to benign.”
Use Symbolic Reframing
“Take a symbol from the vision—a weapon, a dark figure, a storm—and mentally transform it into something harmless or beautiful. This re-symbolization can change the entire nature of the encounter.”
Invoke the Bodhisattva Vow
“Remind yourself of a higher purpose: that you are navigating these visions for the benefit of all beings. This vow can elevate your perspective, providing strength and a sense of mission.”
Imagine a Portal of Escape
“Visualize a glowing portal appearing beside you. Step through it mentally, leaving behind the chaotic scene and entering a place of serenity and calm. Use this portal as a quick escape when overwhelmed.”
Create a Protective Armor
“Imagine yourself donning an invisible suit of armor made of light or energy. This armor reflects negative forces and keeps you centered and safe, no matter how intense the visions become.”
Invoke the Power of the Silence Command
“Mentally command the scene to ‘Be Silent’ or ‘Be Still.’ This authoritative statement can disrupt the chaotic energy, bringing a moment of stillness and clarity to regain your composure.”
See Through the Eyes of Compassion
“Mentally swap perspectives with the horrifying figure and look at yourself through its eyes. Often, this practice reveals that the vision is not as malicious as it seems but is crying out for understanding.”
Visualize the Light of the Clear Mind
“Imagine a beam of pure, clear light shining from above, illuminating the entire scene. This light dispels illusions, showing the true nature of the Bardo visions as transient, harmless mind projections.”
Embrace the Fear as Part of Your Journey
“Instead of resisting, allow yourself to feel the fear fully. Embrace it as a crucial part of your journey, a companion that teaches resilience. Let the feeling flow through you without holding on.”
Invoke a Protective Circle
“Visualize drawing a circle around yourself on the ground, glowing with bright, protective light. Nothing can cross this boundary without your permission, keeping you safe within your sacred space.”
Speak to the Vision Directly
“Engage the vision in conversation. Ask it questions like, ‘Why are you here?’ or ‘What do you need?’ This direct dialogue can demystify the encounter and reduce the fear attached to it.”
Create a Mental Altar
“Visualize an altar appearing before you, filled with sacred symbols of peace, strength, and protection. Focus on the altar’s energy, drawing strength from it as a stabilizing force.”
Transform the Space into Light
“Mentally dissolve the entire environment into radiant light, including yourself and the vision. Imagine everything blending into pure, undifferentiated light, neutralizing all forms and fears.”
Invoke the Presence of the Divine
“Call upon a divine figure—whether a deity, guardian angel, or higher self—to stand by your side. Feel their presence as a guiding, calming force, offering protection and wisdom.”
See the Scene as a Dance of Energy
“Visualize the entire vision as a dance of swirling energy, constantly shifting and without fixed form. By seeing the scene as movement, it becomes less solid, and its power diminishes.”
Summon the Spirit of Courage
“Call forth an inner spirit of courage, visualizing it as a figure or a light that fills you with strength. Feel this courage merge with you, making you unshakeable in the face of the vision.”
Invite the Presence of Ancestors
“Imagine your ancestors or wise elders standing behind you, their hands on your shoulders, lending you their strength and wisdom. Feel their presence as a comforting, protective force.”
Command the Vision to Bow
“Mentally command the terrifying presence to bow before you. This symbolic gesture asserts your dominance over the fear, reinforcing that you are in control of the experience.”

These additional techniques provide a rich toolkit for navigating the overwhelming experiences of the Bardo, helping to turn fear into transformation and chaos into understanding.

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Here’s a new set of Bardo guides, each designed to provide a unique kind of support, wisdom, or protection during the intense experiences of the Bardo. These guides embody various aspects—some are nurturing, others are protective, while some challenge the seeker in transformative ways. Each guide is a metaphorical or symbolic representation meant to aid in navigating the Bardo’s complex and surreal landscape.

More Bardo Guides

The Mirror Guide
A reflective figure that shows you not just your outer self but your innermost fears and desires. This guide helps you confront and understand your own reflection, pushing you to see through illusions and acknowledge your true nature.
The Lantern Bearer
A gentle, serene figure holding a lantern that illuminates the darkness of the Bardo. This guide lights the way forward, revealing safe paths and hidden truths. Its light dispels shadows, offering comfort and clarity in overwhelming moments.
The Shape-Shifter
A playful, ever-changing guide that morphs into different forms, reflecting the fluidity of the Bardo. It teaches adaptability, showing you how to transform fear into curiosity and chaos into creative potential. It’s both a trickster and a wise counselor.
The Stone Guardian
A solid, immovable figure resembling a statue or golem made of stone. This guide represents steadfastness, grounding you when everything feels unstable. It offers a place of refuge, reminding you of the enduring strength within yourself.
The Weaving Spider
A delicate yet powerful spider that weaves webs of connection and meaning. This guide shows how everything in the Bardo is interconnected, weaving threads of past, present, and future into a cohesive pattern. It helps you find coherence in the chaos.
The Whispering Wind
An invisible guide that communicates through soft whispers, offering guidance in the form of fleeting thoughts or gentle nudges. It is subtle, reminding you to listen to the quiet inner voice amid the loudness of the Bardo’s visions.
The Healing Serpent
A snake-like figure that exudes warmth and calm. It coils around you protectively, offering comfort and healing energy. This guide represents the power of transformation, shedding old fears and embracing renewal.
The Cosmic Owl
A wise, ethereal owl with eyes that reflect the stars. This guide offers perspective from above, helping you see the bigger picture when caught in the details of a fearful experience. It represents insight, wisdom, and silent strength.
The Jester of Paradox
A colorful, laughing figure that embodies the absurdity of the Bardo. This guide challenges your perceptions, showing how fear and joy can coexist. It uses humor to disarm terror, turning frightening visions into playful, teachable moments.
The Clouded Tiger
A majestic, ghostly tiger that moves with grace through the mist. This guide represents courage and stealth, teaching you when to stand your ground and when to move quietly. Its presence is protective, offering both ferocity and gentleness.
The Infinite Librarian
A guide resembling a wise, ancient keeper of knowledge, surrounded by books and scrolls. This figure provides answers, insights, and forgotten wisdom from your past lives or subconscious mind, helping to decode the Bardo’s symbols.
The Gentle Giant
A towering, friendly figure that offers physical and emotional support. It’s like a protective guardian that you can lean on during moments of extreme fear. Its sheer presence is comforting, reminding you that you are never truly alone.
The Water Bearer
A figure that carries vessels of water, symbolizing the flow of emotions and the cleansing power of acceptance. This guide helps you to release pent-up fears, washing away the heaviness with its calming, fluid energy.
The Keeper of Keys
A mysterious figure holding a ring of keys, each representing a solution, insight, or escape. This guide offers you choices, helping to unlock doors in your mind that were previously closed, guiding you through the Bardo’s labyrinth.
The Moonlit Sage
A tranquil, older figure bathed in moonlight, representing wisdom that comes from quiet reflection. This guide provides calm reassurance and guidance, showing the beauty of stillness and the peace that lies beneath the surface of the Bardo’s chaos.
The Rainbow Phoenix
A vibrant, mythical bird that bursts into radiant colors as it moves. It symbolizes rebirth and the cyclical nature of existence, encouraging you to embrace change, transformation, and the continuous renewal of your spirit.
The Tree of Life
A living guide that is both rooted and expansive, representing connection to the earth and the heavens. It offers a place to rest and reflect, showing how life’s experiences, no matter how tumultuous, are part of a larger, interconnected journey.
The Silent Monk
A serene figure that communicates through gestures, stillness, and presence rather than words. This guide teaches the power of silence and meditation, helping you find peace within yourself amidst the Bardo’s noise.
The Time Weaver
A figure that moves fluidly through time, showing past, present, and future as one. This guide helps you see beyond the immediate fears, offering a broader perspective and understanding of the cycles you are experiencing.
The Dreamcatcher Guardian
A guide resembling a large dreamcatcher with a gentle, floating presence. It filters out negative energies and fears, catching nightmares in its web while allowing positive visions to pass through, creating a protective aura around you.

These guides each offer a distinct form of support, encouragement, or challenge, tailored to meet the various intense and surreal experiences of the Bardo. Let me know if any of these resonate or if you’d like to explore more about any specific guide!

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Here are some ideas for more Bardo visuals, each designed to capture the surreal, mysterious, and often overwhelming experiences of the Bardo. These scenes are meant to evoke the otherworldly atmosphere and the intense psychological and spiritual challenges one might encounter in this infinite space:

Bardo Spaces

The Infinite Mirror Hall
A seemingly endless hallway lined with mirrors that reflect countless versions of yourself and other distorted figures. The reflections shift and change, blending reality with illusion, creating a sense of being lost in a maze of identities.
The Chasm of Floating Doors
A vast, dark chasm filled with floating doors of various sizes and shapes. Some doors are open, leading to strange, glowing pathways, while others are closed or partially hidden in shadows. This visual symbolizes choices, opportunities, and the unknown.
The Whispering Forest
A dense forest filled with twisted, gnarled trees that seem to whisper secrets. Mist hangs low to the ground, and faint glowing eyes peer from the darkness. The trees appear alive, subtly shifting and moving as if guiding or misleading travelers.
The Starlit Abyss
A scene of floating in a vast, empty space filled with stars, nebulas, and cosmic dust. There is no ground, only a sense of freefall, with distant celestial bodies glowing softly. It captures the feeling of both awe and isolation.
The River of Shadows
A dark, slow-moving river filled with shadowy, indistinct figures drifting along the surface. The water reflects a moonlit sky, and the shadows seem to reach up or whisper to those watching from the banks, suggesting unresolved memories or lost souls.
The Tower of Endless Stairs
A towering structure with countless spiraling staircases that seem to go on forever, twisting in impossible directions. Some staircases are broken, others lead to nowhere, and figures can be seen ascending and descending in an endless loop.
The Void with Floating Symbols
An expansive void where strange, glowing symbols, runes, or glyphs float in the air. These symbols shift and change, pulsating with an inner light, representing the hidden meanings and messages within the Bardo.
The Gateway of Faces
A large, ominous gateway made of intertwined faces, some human, others monstrous. The faces seem to shift and move, silently reacting to the viewer’s presence, creating a sense of being judged or evaluated.
The Sea of Dissolving Forms
A surreal ocean scene where the water seems to be made of dissolving shapes and figures. These forms are constantly melting and reforming, blending creatures, objects, and abstract shapes in a fluid, dreamlike manner.
The Serpent Pathway
A winding path lined with glowing serpents that slither and intertwine, guiding the way forward. The serpents’ eyes glow softly, and their movements are both graceful and hypnotic, symbolizing wisdom and transformation.
The Mists of Forgotten Memories
A dense, swirling mist that occasionally reveals fleeting images of past moments, forgotten faces, or old emotions. The mist seems alive, constantly shifting and re-forming, representing the impermanence and fluidity of memory.
The Chamber of Echoes
A vast, empty chamber where every sound is amplified and distorted. Whispering voices echo from unseen corners, and faint, ghostly figures appear and disappear with the sound, creating a haunting, disorienting atmosphere.
The Burning Sky
A dramatic sky filled with swirling flames and smoke, with faint figures or creatures moving within the fire. The landscape below is desolate, filled with charred remnants, symbolizing destruction, transformation, and rebirth.
The Floating Islands of Time
A series of small, floating islands suspended in mid-air, each with a unique landscape—desert, forest, city ruins. The islands represent different moments in time, drifting aimlessly in a void, suggesting the fluid nature of time in the Bardo.
The River of Light and Shadow
A glowing river that flows with both light and dark energies, creating a swirling, contrasting current. Figures appear within the flow, some glowing with light, others shadowy and indistinct, representing the duality of existence.
The Labyrinth of Masks
A complex, maze-like structure filled with masks hanging on the walls. Each mask has a different expression, and they seem to watch as you move through the labyrinth. Some masks speak, offering cryptic advice or challenges.
The Garden of Eyes
A strange garden filled with plants that have eyes instead of flowers. The eyes blink, follow movement, and occasionally shed tears, creating an unsettling but strangely beautiful landscape that symbolizes constant observation and awareness.
The Field of Forgotten Statues
A vast field filled with statues in various poses, some broken or partially buried. The statues represent past selves, memories, or aspects of consciousness that have been left behind, standing silently in the fog.
The Pool of Reflections
A still, dark pool that reflects not only the physical form but also the inner fears, desires, and hidden truths. Looking into the pool reveals multiple layers of the self, some comforting, others disturbing.
The Storm of Faces and Voices
A swirling storm filled with countless faces and disembodied voices, all speaking at once. The storm is both mesmerizing and terrifying, representing the overwhelming flood of thoughts, emotions, and memories in the Bardo.

These visuals are designed to evoke the surreal, enigmatic, and often intense experiences one might encounter in the Bardo, capturing the essence of a realm that is both internally reflective and profoundly mysterious. Let me know which resonate with you or if you’d like to explore creating any of these scenes!

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Potential Areas to Explore Further

Personalized Bardo Experiences
Creating visuals or techniques that reflect deeply personal Bardo scenarios—such as dealing with specific fears, past life echoes, or karmic challenges. This could involve more tailored guides or settings that resonate with individual journeys.
Navigating Emotional States
Techniques or visuals that specifically address handling intense emotions within the Bardo, such as anger, grief, or attachment. These could include unique guides or tools that help process these emotions rather than just confront the visual elements.
Bardo Tools and Artifacts
Introducing mystical tools or artifacts used by guides or by the traveler, such as mirrors that reveal truths, lanterns that light the darkest paths, or keys that unlock hidden doors of understanding. These elements could add another layer of interactivity and symbolism.
Soundscapes and Auditory Elements
Concepts focusing on the sounds of the Bardo—whispers, chants, or dissonant noises. Techniques on how to interpret or navigate these auditory experiences, which can be just as overwhelming as visual ones.
Transformational Encounters
Exploring encounters that aren’t just horrifying or guiding but are transformative—meeting a guide or creature that changes shape or purpose during the interaction, reflecting the evolving nature of the self.
Sacred Spaces Within the Bardo
Visualization of safe havens or sacred spaces within the Bardo, such as temples, gardens, or cosmic sanctuaries where one can rest, reflect, and regain strength amid the chaos.
The Role of Time and Memory
Exploring how time and memory operate differently in the Bardo. Techniques or visuals that depict the blending of past, present, and future, or how memories might manifest as guiding or obstructing figures.
Light vs. Darkness Dynamics
More focused exploration of light and dark energies within the Bardo—how they interact, challenge, and teach the traveler. Visuals that depict these battles or harmonious blends can provide deeper insight into navigating duality.
Interaction with Other Travelers
Scenarios involving meeting other souls or travelers within the Bardo, and what these encounters teach or reflect about your own journey. These could be confrontational, supportive, or simply puzzling.
Guides That Challenge Rather Than Comfort
We’ve looked at comforting and horrifying guides, but what about those that actively challenge or provoke—those that push limits and force deeper confrontations with self-delusion or avoidance?

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Quotes from Bardo Experiencers

“I reached out to touch the light, but it turned into my father’s angry eyes instead.”
“Every time I tried to speak, my voice echoed back as someone else’s scream.”
“I was running from a shadow only to realize it was my own guilt chasing me.”
“The door said ‘exit,’ but when I walked through, I was back in my childhood bedroom.”
“The monster knew my name before I did, whispering secrets I had buried deep.”
“I tried to hide, but the walls were made of all the things I refused to see about myself.”
“The guide told me I could leave at any time, but my feet were glued to the regrets of my past.”
“I looked in the mirror and saw every version of myself I had ever abandoned.”
“The voices were silent until I closed my eyes; then they started screaming the truth.”
“I climbed the endless stairs, and each step was a forgotten promise I had made to myself.”
“I reached out for help, but the hands that grabbed me were cold, familiar, and mine.”
“The light was warm, but it burned every lie I had ever told myself into my skin.”
“I tried to run, but every path led back to the same decision I’ve been avoiding my whole life.”
“I sat at the table with every person I had wronged, but none of them would look at me.”
“The garden was beautiful until I realized the flowers were blooming from my fears.”
“I was given a key, but every door led deeper into the maze of my own mind.”
“The silence was deafening, filled with every word I wish I had said.”
“I found myself in a crowd of strangers who all wore my face.”
“The river whispered all the things I’ve never forgiven myself for.”
“I met my younger self, and he asked me why I had stopped believing in magic.”
“The more I fought the darkness, the more it wrapped around me like an old friend.”
“I walked through a door marked ‘freedom,’ but it only led to another prison of my making.”
“I reached for the stars, but they crumbled into dust that tasted of my lost dreams.”
“The guide told me the only way out was through, but I was too afraid to take the first step.”
“I saw a road that promised peace, but every sign pointed back to my own fears.”

These quotes reflect the deeply personal nature of Bardo experiences, where the environment and encounters are shaped by one’s innermost thoughts, fears, and memories. They capture the intensity, the revelations, and the often unsettling confrontations with the self that are characteristic of the Bardo journey. Let me know if these resonate within you.

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Expanding on number two, Navigating Emotional States in the Bardo, involves creating targeted techniques, visualizations, and tools to handle intense emotions that often arise during the Bardo journey. These emotions, such as anger, grief, attachment, and fear, can be overwhelming, but they also serve as powerful gateways to deeper understanding and transformation. Below, I’ve outlined some key emotional states and tailored techniques to help navigate each one effectively within the Bardo.

Navigating Emotional States in the Bardo

Anger: The Fiery Confrontation
- Technique: Embrace the Flame
  Visualize anger as a bright, roaring fire within you. Instead of trying to extinguish it, mentally step closer to the flame. Feel its heat without letting it consume you. As you stand in its glow, acknowledge the underlying pain, injustice, or unmet need fueling the fire. Allow the anger to burn away what no longer serves you, leaving only the ashes of clarity and renewed purpose.
Grief: The Weight of Loss
- Technique: The River of Tears
  Picture yourself at the edge of a gentle river flowing with clear, cool water. This river represents all your sorrows and losses. Kneel down and touch the water, feeling its flow against your skin. Allow yourself to release your grief into the river, watching as the current carries it away. Know that this river leads back to the ocean of collective human experience—your grief is part of something larger, shared, and ultimately healing.
Fear: The Shadow of the Unknown
- Technique: Embrace the Shadow
  When fear appears as a dark, looming figure, do not run. Instead, turn and face it. Walk slowly towards the shadow until you stand before it. Place your hand on its chest and feel its coldness. Whisper, “I see you.” As you acknowledge its presence, the shadow begins to shrink, revealing that it was only a part of you all along, lost and longing to be understood.
Attachment: The Chains of Desire
- Technique: The Garden of Letting Go
  Imagine yourself walking through a beautiful garden where every plant represents a desire, attachment, or clinging thought. Each flower is tethered to you by a thin, glowing thread. As you move, the threads pull at you, restricting your freedom. Gently, one by one, begin to cut these threads, watching the flowers grow even brighter as they are released. Feel the lightness that comes with each snip, knowing that beauty remains even without possession.
Regret: The Endless Loop
- Technique: The Mirror of Forgiveness
  Stand before a mirror that reflects not your physical form but every regret and mistake you’ve carried. The mirror is cracked, each shard showing a different moment you wish you could change. Reach out and touch the cracks, feeling their sharpness. As you do, whisper to each fragment, “I forgive you.” Watch as the cracks begin to mend, forming a whole, unbroken reflection of who you are now—complete and still growing.
Confusion: The Fog of Doubt
- Technique: The Clearing Path
  Picture yourself lost in a thick fog, where every step feels uncertain. Instead of pushing forward, stand still and close your eyes. Inhale deeply and exhale with the intention of clarity. As you breathe, feel the fog begin to thin and dissipate around you. A path slowly emerges under your feet, illuminated by soft, guiding light. Trust in the direction that reveals itself, knowing that each step clears the way ahead.
Loneliness: The Void of Isolation
- Technique: The Circle of Companions
  In the vast emptiness of loneliness, visualize yourself standing in a circle. One by one, invite the presence of those who have loved, supported, or inspired you, whether they are living or departed, human or spiritual. Feel their warmth and presence as they form a protective ring around you. Remember that you are never truly alone; these connections transcend time and space.
Shame: The Heavy Cloak
- Technique: Uncloaking the Self
  Picture shame as a heavy cloak draped over your shoulders, weighing you down. As you feel its weight, reach up and slowly begin to remove the cloak, feeling lighter with every inch. Beneath it, your true self shines, unburdened and radiant. Fold the cloak and place it on the ground, acknowledging it without needing to wear it anymore.
Despair: The Abyss of Hopelessness
- Technique: The Ladder of Light
  When despair feels like an endless abyss, imagine a ladder appearing before you, each rung glowing softly with light. Take hold of the ladder, feeling its solidity and strength. Climb slowly, one step at a time, and with each step, repeat the mantra: “This too shall pass.” Allow the light to guide you out of the darkness, lifting you toward a place of renewed hope.
Joy: The Fleeting Spark
- Technique: The Eternal Flame
  When joy appears, do not chase it. Instead, imagine it as a small, steady flame within your heart. Feed it with gratitude and mindfulness, knowing it can grow and sustain you even in moments of challenge. Recognize joy not as a fleeting gift but as an eternal, inner light that you can kindle at any time.

Integrating the Techniques

Each of these emotional states offers a powerful opportunity for transformation within the Bardo. By engaging directly with the emotions rather than avoiding them, these techniques help to unlock deeper layers of self-awareness and healing. Embrace each experience as a guide, knowing that every emotion serves a purpose in your journey.

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Expanding on Number 3: Bardo Tools and Artifacts, we can create a detailed list of mystical tools, artifacts, and objects that can be encountered or used in the Bardo. These items serve as symbols, aids, or catalysts for transformation, protection, and deeper understanding within this liminal space. Each tool has a unique function, offering practical and symbolic ways to navigate the challenges and mysteries of the Bardo.

Bardo Tools and Artifacts

The Mirror of True Reflection
- Purpose: This mirror reveals the true self, showing the inner emotions, hidden fears, and past lives that shape the current journey.
- Use: Hold the mirror and ask it to reveal your true nature. What you see may be unsettling, but it offers clarity and a path to self-acceptance.
The Lantern of Hidden Paths
- Purpose: A lantern that illuminates hidden paths, doors, or safe spaces within the Bardo, guiding the way through darkness and confusion.
- Use: Light the lantern when you feel lost or overwhelmed. Its glow will reveal the way forward, showing paths that were previously invisible.
The Key of Release
- Purpose: A mystical key that unlocks doors, chains, or barriers, both literal and metaphorical. It symbolizes freedom from old patterns and attachments.
- Use: Hold the key and focus on what you need to unlock—an old memory, a fear, or a karmic bond. Insert it into an imagined lock and turn it, feeling the release.
The Cloak of Invisibility
- Purpose: A shimmering cloak that can be worn to hide from hostile entities or overwhelming emotions within the Bardo. It provides protection and anonymity.
- Use: When feeling threatened, wrap yourself in the cloak. Visualize its shimmering fabric blending you into the surroundings, rendering you invisible to unwanted attention.
The Sword of Clarity
- Purpose: A gleaming sword that cuts through illusions, doubts, and fears. It symbolizes decisive action and the power of truth.
- Use: Draw the sword when confronted by lies, confusion, or inner turmoil. With a swift motion, slice through the distortion, clearing your mind and path.
The Sand of Time
- Purpose: A small vial of shimmering sand that allows you to momentarily alter your perception of time, slowing it down or speeding it up.
- Use: Sprinkle a pinch of sand when you feel stuck or rushed. Watch as the environment responds—slowing to give you space or quickening to move past uncomfortable moments.
The Staff of Grounding
- Purpose: A sturdy staff carved with runes and symbols of the earth. It grounds the bearer, providing stability and strength during moments of intense emotional upheaval.
- Use: Plant the staff into the ground and feel its energy rooting you, drawing strength from the earth and providing balance amid chaos.
The Cup of Memory
- Purpose: A simple, ornate cup that holds the water of memories. Drinking from it allows you to access forgotten moments, past life insights, or lost knowledge.
- Use: Fill the cup with the water of your memories and take a sip. Allow the taste to transport you back to a significant moment, revealing lessons you need in the present.
The Shield of Compassion
- Purpose: A round shield that deflects hostile energies and negative thoughts, surrounding the bearer with a protective aura of love and understanding.
- Use: Hold the shield close when faced with aggression or judgment. Let it absorb and transform the energy into something gentle and kind.
The Compass of Intuition
- Purpose: A compass that doesn’t point north but instead directs you toward the truth, clarity, or your next needed action. It is guided by your deepest intuition.
- Use: When unsure of your direction, hold the compass and let it guide you—not to where you want to go, but where you need to be.
The Thread of Connection
- Purpose: A glowing thread that connects you to loved ones, guides, or parts of yourself across time and space. It symbolizes unbreakable bonds.
- Use: Follow or hold the thread when feeling disconnected or lost. It will guide you back to a source of strength or remind you of the connections that sustain you.
The Book of Forgotten Names
- Purpose: An ancient book containing the names of all your past selves, forgotten ancestors, or hidden parts of your psyche.
- Use: Open the book to a random page and read a name. Meditate on what that name represents, reconnecting with forgotten parts of yourself or your lineage.
The Mask of Transformation
- Purpose: A mask that, when worn, allows you to adopt the strengths, abilities, or perspectives of another being, be it a guide, ancestor, or even a past self.
- Use: Put on the mask when you need to step outside yourself. Feel the shift as you embody the traits of the figure it represents, gaining new insights or powers.
The Scale of Balance
- Purpose: A set of scales that weighs emotions, choices, or conflicts, showing the balance (or imbalance) within you.
- Use: Place a worry, fear, or decision on one side of the scale and watch the response. Use this feedback to adjust your mindset or actions toward equilibrium.
The Bell of Awakening
- Purpose: A small, crystal-clear bell that rings with a pure tone, dispelling illusions and calling forth clarity. It awakens awareness in moments of confusion or darkness.
- Use: Ring the bell when you feel lost or submerged in illusion. Its sound will resonate through the Bardo, clearing your mind and refocusing your intent.
The Seed of Potential
- Purpose: A tiny, glowing seed that symbolizes unrealized potential, new beginnings, or the power of choice.
- Use: Plant the seed mentally in the Bardo when you are ready to start anew or to manifest a change. Nurture it with intent, watching as it grows into something meaningful.
The Feather of Lightness
- Purpose: A delicate feather that lifts heavy burdens, both emotional and spiritual, allowing you to rise above the weight of the past.
- Use: Hold the feather when feeling overwhelmed. Visualize it lifting you gently, lightening your spirit and giving you the perspective to see beyond current struggles.
The Veil of Forgetting
- Purpose: A soft veil that, when draped over your eyes, allows you to temporarily forget painful memories, aiding in moments when detachment is needed for progress.
- Use: Use the veil to distance yourself from overwhelming thoughts or past pains, giving yourself the space to heal and move forward.
The Stone of Stillness
- Purpose: A smooth, cool stone that embodies calm and stillness, absorbing frantic energy and offering peace.
- Use: Hold the stone in your palm during moments of anxiety. Feel its stillness seep into your being, slowing your thoughts and grounding your emotions.
The Ink of Creation
- Purpose: A vial of ink that allows you to rewrite or edit aspects of your Bardo journey, symbolizing the power of choice and transformation.
- Use: Dip an imagined quill into the ink and write a new path, decision, or response. Watch as your surroundings shift in response to your intent.

These tools and artifacts offer tangible ways to interact with the Bardo’s abstract and often overwhelming experiences, providing a sense of agency, protection, and deeper understanding. They can be visualized, imagined, or mentally “used” in meditative practices to navigate the complex emotional and psychological landscapes encountered within the Bardo.

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Now it’s time to board the bus for our morning tour!

See You At The Top!!!

gorby