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{{Short description|Buddhist post-mortem meditation}} {{Short description|Buddhist post-mortem meditation}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{italic title}} {{title language|bo-Latn}}
{{Vajrayana}} {{Vajrayana}}
In the ] tradition{{sfn | Lott | 2023 | p=}} of ], '''''tukdam''''' (Tibetan: ཐུགས་དམ, Wylie: thugs dam་) is a ] said to occur after clinical death, and in which the body shows apparent minimal signs of decomposition, retaining a lifelike appearance for days or even weeks. Practitioners are believed by Buddhists to be in a profound state of ],{{sfn|Lott|Yeshi | Norchung| Dolma|2021|p=}} merging their consciousness with the ], a fundamental concept in Tibetan Buddhism signifying the primordial nature of mind and reality.<ref>Donough Coleman, interviewed in {{harvp|Tricycle|2024}}.</ref> Buddhist tradition considers that the tukdam is available to all people, but only the expert practitioners of meditation, when dying, can recognize it and use for spiritual purposes.{{sfn|Lott|Yeshi|Norchung|Dolma|2021|p=}} The tradition became more popular among ] after the ]'s call for the scientific research of the matter.{{sfn | Lott | 2023 | p=}} In the ] tradition{{sfn | Lott | 2023 | p=}} of ], '''''tukdam''''' ({{langx|bo|ཐུགས་དམ}}, ]: {{tlit|bo|thugs dam}}) is a ] said to occur after clinical death, and in which the body reportedly shows minimal signs of decomposition, retaining a lifelike appearance for days or even weeks. Practitioners are believed by Buddhists to be in a profound state of ],{{sfn|Lott|Yeshi | Norchung| Dolma|2021|p={{pn|date=October 2024}}}} merging their consciousness with the ], a fundamental concept in Tibetan Buddhism signifying the primordial nature of mind and reality.<ref>Donough Coleman, interviewed in {{harvp|Tricycle|2024}}.</ref> Buddhist tradition considers that {{tlit|bo|tukdam}} is available to all people, but only the expert practitioners of meditation, when dying, can recognize it and use it for spiritual purposes.{{sfn|Lott|Yeshi|Norchung|Dolma|2021|p=}}


==Description== ==Description==
Practitioners believe that one's consciousness can remain in a meditative state known as the "Clear Light Stage" after death, a process of inner dissolution of the five elements and consciousness back into the ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Crossing Over: How Science Is Redefining Life and Death |magazine=National Geographic |date=3 March 2016 |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/04/dying-death-brain-dead-body-consciousness-science/ |access-date=3 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former Ganden Tripa Stays on 'Thukdam' for 18 Days |work=Phayul.com |date=7 October 2008 |url=http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=22935 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220645/http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=22935 |archive-date=3 July 2018}}</ref> A person might spend in this state anywhere from a minute to weeks, depending on the level of their ],{{sfn | Lott | 2023 | p=}} but only the expert practitioners of meditation, when dying, can recognize it and use for spiritual purposes.{{sfn | Lott | Yeshi | Norchung | Dolma | 2021 | p=}} As ] describes it in '']'': Practitioners believe that one's consciousness can remain in a meditative state known as the "]" after death, a process of inner dissolution of the five elements and consciousness back into the ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Crossing Over: How Science Is Redefining Life and Death |magazine=National Geographic |date=3 March 2016 |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/04/dying-death-brain-dead-body-consciousness-science/ |access-date=3 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former Ganden Tripa Stays on 'Thukdam' for 18 Days |work=Phayul.com |date=7 October 2008 |url=http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=22935 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220645/http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=22935 |archive-date=3 July 2018}}</ref> A person is claimed to exist in this state anywhere from a minute to weeks, depending on the level of their ],{{sfn | Lott | 2023 | p=}} but only the expert practitioners of meditation, when dying, can recognize it and use it for spiritual purposes.{{sfn | Lott | Yeshi | Norchung | Dolma | 2021 | p=}} As ] describes it in '']'':{{sfnp|Sogyal Rinpoche|2002|p=}}


{{blockquote|A realized practitioner continues to abide by the recognition of the ] at the moment of death, and awakens into the ] when it manifests. He or she may even remain in that state for a number of days. Some practitioners and masters die sitting upright in that state for a number of days. Some practitioners and masters die sitting upright in meditation posture, and others in the "posture of the sleeping lion". Besides their perfect poise, there will be other signs that show they are resting in the state of the Ground Luminosity: There is still a certain color and glow in their face, the nose does not sink inward, the skin remains soft and flexible, the body does not become stiff, the eyes are said to keep a soft and compassionate glow, and there is still a warmth at the heart. Great care is taken that the master’s body is not touched, and silence is maintained until he or she has arisen from this state of meditation.{{sfnp|Sogyal Rinpoche|2002|p=}} {{blockquote|A realized practitioner continues to abide by the recognition of the nature of mind at the moment of death, and awakens into the ] when it manifests. He or she may even remain in that state for a number of days. Some practitioners and masters die sitting upright in that state for a number of days. Some practitioners and masters die sitting upright in meditation posture, and others in the "posture of the sleeping lion". Besides their perfect poise, there will be other signs that show they are resting in the state of the Ground Luminosity: There is still a certain color and glow in their face, the nose does not sink inward, the skin remains soft and flexible, the body does not become stiff, the eyes are said to keep a soft and compassionate glow, and there is still a warmth at the heart. Great care is taken that the master's body is not touched, and silence is maintained until he or she has arisen from this state of meditation.
}} }}


The appearance of people that entered tukdam, in ] view,{{sfn | Lott | 2023 | p=}} is described as "radiant", with the skin maintaining its softness and elasticity. Exit is manifested by the body beginning to decompose.{{sfn | Lott | Yeshi | Norchung | Dolma | 2021 | p=}} The appearance of people that entered {{tlit|bo|tukdam}}, in ] view,{{sfn | Lott | 2023 | p=}} is described as "radiant", with the skin maintaining its softness and elasticity. Exit is manifested by the body beginning to decompose.{{sfn | Lott | Yeshi | Norchung | Dolma | 2021 | p=}}

A 2021 study using ] (EEG) to investigate whether {{tlit|bo|tukdam}} corresponds to some residual brain activity after the ] did not detect any brain activity in clinically dead {{tlit|bo|tukdam}} when examined in the days after death.{{sfn | Lott | Yeshi | Norchung | Dolma | 2021 | p=}}


== Cultural and religious significance== == Cultural and religious significance==
Tukdam holds profound cultural and religious significance within Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing the pinnacle of meditative practice and spiritual realization. It is viewed as a manifestation of a practitioner's mastery over the mind and the death process, reflecting their deep understanding and experience of the nature of consciousness and reality.{{sfnp|Phuntsho|n.d.}} {{tlit|bo|Tukdam}} is rarely mentioned explicitly in the canon texts of Tibetan Buddhism.{{sfnp|Tidwell|2024}} It holds profound cultural and religious significance within Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing the pinnacle of meditative practice and spiritual realization. It is viewed as a manifestation of a practitioner's mastery over the mind and the death process, reflecting their deep understanding and experience of the nature of consciousness and reality.{{sfnp|Phuntsho|n.d.}}

⚫ In Tibetan Buddhism, death is not seen as an end but a transition. The state of tukdam represents an advanced level of spiritual attainment where the practitioner’s consciousness remains in meditation after clinical death, merging into the ] or ]. This concept is extensively discussed in Tibetan texts such as ''The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying'' by Sogyal Rinpoche. The book describes how a realized practitioner recognizes the nature of mind at the moment of death and awakens into the Ground Luminosity, remaining in that state for several days.{{sfnp|Sogyal Rinpoche|2002}}

Tukdam is considered a sacred and awe-inspiring state that demonstrates the potential of Buddhist meditation practices. It provides a powerful example of the mind’s ability to transcend physical death, serving as both inspiration and instruction for other practitioners. The phenomenon underscores the importance of meditation, ethical living, and the development of wisdom and compassion, core tenets of Tibetan Buddhism.{{sfnp|Sogyal Rinpoche|2002}}

Moreover, the cultural practices surrounding tukdam are carefully observed to support the deceased practitioner’s meditative state. The body is typically not disturbed or moved until signs of tukdam have ceased, reflecting the belief that the consciousness is still present and active. These practices highlight the deep respect and reverence for the meditative achievements of advanced practitioners.{{sfnp|Sogyal Rinpoche|2002}}

⚫ Books such as ''Death and Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism'' by ] and ],{{sfnp|Lati Rinpoche|Hopkins|1979}} and ''Mind Beyond Death'' by ],{{sfnp|Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche|2006}} further explore the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of tukdam, detailing the processes and significance of post-mortem meditation. These works emphasize the continuity of consciousness and the profound states of awareness that can be achieved through dedicated practice. Additionally, scholarly research and personal accounts of tukdam, as compiled in ''Testimonies of Tibetan Tulkus: A Research Among Reincarnate Buddhist Masters in Exile'' by Dieter Bärlocher,{{sfnp|Bärlocher|1982}} provide invaluable insights into the lived experiences and teachings of those who have attained this state.

== Documentary film==
The film '''''Tukdam: Between Worlds''''' by Donagh Coleman documents the ], including the ] field study, and contrasts them with Tibetan cultural and spiritual perspectives on death. The film highlights the complexities of bridging Western scientific methods with Tibetan Buddhist beliefs, showcasing intimate stories of meditators and their experiences with tukdam. The film feature both the ] and neuroscientist ].{{sfnp|Jessup|2022}}

The film was reviewed by Adele Tomlin of '']''. Tomlin was particularly impressed with its emotional resonance, especially for viewers familiar with Tibetan Buddhist practice of ]. However, she criticized the film for documenting only a single example of a female tukdam and for lacking the voices of female practitioners. Coleman acknowledged this gap during a Q & A session, noting difficulties in accessing these examples despite efforts to include them. He interviewed British Tibetan Buddhist nun ] but did not include the conversation due to time constraints.{{sfnp|Tomlin|2023}}

== Reports of attainment ==
In 1865, Togden Rangrig died at the age of 77. His body remained in final meditation posture, ''tukdam'', for seven days. After this period his body was the size of an eight year old. This dissolution of the body into the elements at the time of death is called the ] and is the highest attainment of ] meditation.{{sfnp|Allione|1986|p=242}} At the time of cremation signs of the meditative realization of the practitioner can appear. ], who was present at Togden Rangrig's cremation, recounted "As we were making the funeral pyre and preparing the body to be burned everyone heard a loud noise like a thunderclap. A strange half-snow half-rain fell."{{sfnp|Allione|1986|p=242}}

In September 2014, ''Buddhistdoor Global'' reported that in August, Dudjom ] ] had entered the state of ''tukdam''. Wangmo was the consort and second wife of ], a high lama of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.{{sfnp|Kirsten|2014}}

In 2015, ] died of natural causes on the 20th day of the female wood ] year lunar ] (30 December 2015) at around 5 pm (]) in ], Nepal. His body remained in ''tukdam'' for three days after his death. His ] ceremony was led by his two heart sons ] and ].{{sfnp|Rabten|2016}}

In May 2020, the ] reported that "a Tibetan nun named Tenzin Choedon aged 82 was found in the rare meditative state of Thukdam after passing away on Friday last week". During her life, she had spent over 44 years in mediation retreat in holy caves of Guru ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Tibetan nun from Kollegal found in rare meditative state of Thukdam |date=May 25, 2020 |website=] |place=Dharamshala |url=https://tibet.net/tibetan-nun-from-kollegal-found-in-rare-meditative-state-of-thukdam/ |access-date=2024-07-12}}</ref>

In September 2020, the Tibetan community in ], a city in south India, reported that the body of Passang Chokpa, a 90-year-old woman who had been declared clinically dead had not stiffened, there was no discoloration and she appeared as if she was in deep sleep. They concluded that Chokpa was in a state of ''tukdam'', which she maintained for seven days.<ref>{{cite news |title=Clinically dead, Woman, 90, Shows No Signs of Decay for 7 Days |date=December 28, 2020 |newspaper=The Tennessee Tribune |url=https://tntribune.com/clinically-dead-woman-90-shows-no-signs-of-decay-for-7-days/ |access-date=2024-07-12}}</ref>


⚫ In Tibetan Buddhism, death is not seen as an end but a transition. The state of {{tlit|bo|tukdam}} represents an advanced level of spiritual attainment where the practitioner's consciousness remains in meditation after clinical death, merging into the Clear Light or ]. This concept is extensively discussed in Tibetan texts such as ''The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying'' by Sogyal Rinpoche. Rinpoche writes that a realized practitioner recognizes the nature of mind at the moment of death and awakens into the Ground Luminosity, remaining in that state for several days.{{sfnp|Sogyal Rinpoche|2002}} The body is typically not disturbed or moved until signs of {{tlit|bo|tukdam}} have ceased, reflecting the belief that the consciousness is still present and active.{{sfnp|Sogyal Rinpoche|2002}}
On 11 December 2020, the ] reported that "Twenty days has passed since Geshe Tenpa Dhargyal, a Buddhist scholar at Gaden Jangtse Monastery in South India was declared clinically dead, but has since shown no signs of physical decay or depletion", and provided a photo of Geshe still seated in meditation on day 20, noting that it was believed that he was in the state of ''tukdam''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tibetan Buddhist scholar in rare meditative state of Thukdam after 20 days of clinical death |date=December 11, 2020 |website=] |place=Dharamshala |url=https://tibet.net/tibetan-buddhist-scholar-in-rare-meditative-state-of-thukdam-after-20-days-of-clinical-death/ |access-date=2024-07-12}}</ref>


⚫ Books such as ''Death and Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism'', by ] and ],{{sfnp|Lati Rinpoche|Hopkins|1979}} and ''Mind Beyond Death'', by ],{{sfnp|Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche|2006}} further explore the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of {{tlit|bo|tukdam}}, detailing its processes and significance. Additionally, scholarly research and personal accounts of {{tlit|bo|tukdam}}, as compiled in ''Testimonies of Tibetan Tulkus: A Research Among Reincarnate Buddhist Masters in Exile'' by Dieter Bärlocher,{{sfnp|Bärlocher|1982}} document the experiences and teachings of those who are believed to have attained this state.
On 18 December 2020 in ], it was reported that ] "had entered a state of ''tukdam''—an advanced meditative state practiced by Buddhist masters during the intermediate post-death period."{{sfnp|Lewis|2020}}


The tradition became more popular among ] after the ]'s call for scientific research into the matter.{{sfn | Lott | 2023 | p=}}
On 20 April 2021, the Central Tibetan Adminstration reported that "37 days have passed since Gelong Ngagrampa Gendun Tsering, a senior Buddhist scholar and an acclaimed tantric master of Gyuto Tantric Monastery was declared clinically dead, but has since shown no signs of physical decay or depletion", and that he was believed to be in a state of ''tukdam''.<ref>{{cite news |title=37 days of clinical death, renowned Tibetan tantric master found in meditative equipoise 'thukdam' |date=April 20, 2021 |website=] |place=Dharamshala |url=https://tibet.net/37-days-of-clinical-death-renowned-tibetan-tantric-master-found-in-meditative-equipoise-thukdam/ |access-date=2024-07-12}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
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* {{cite book |last=Bärlocher |first=D. |year=1982 |title=Testimonies of Tibetan Tulkus: A Research Among Reincarnate Buddhist Masters in Exile |publisher=Tibet-Institute |isbn=978-3-7206-0009-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUpkAAAAMAAJ}} * {{cite book |last=Bärlocher |first=D. |year=1982 |title=Testimonies of Tibetan Tulkus: A Research Among Reincarnate Buddhist Masters in Exile |publisher=Tibet-Institute |isbn=978-3-7206-0009-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUpkAAAAMAAJ}}
* {{cite book |author=Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche |author-link=Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche |year=2006 |title=Mind Beyond Death |publisher=Snow Lion Publications |isbn=978-1-55939-276-1}} * {{cite book |author=Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche |author-link=Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche |year=2006 |title=Mind Beyond Death |publisher=Snow Lion Publications |isbn=978-1-55939-276-1}}
* {{cite web |last=Jessup |first=Sarah |date=December 13, 2022 |title=Documentary on Death in Tibet Explores Space Between Science and Belief |website=Modern Tibetan Studies Program |publisher=] |url=https://mtsp.weai.columbia.edu/news/documentary-death-tibet-explores-space-between-science-and-belief |access-date=2024-07-12}} * {{cite web |last=Jessup |first=Sarah |date=13 December 2022 |title=Documentary on Death in Tibet Explores Space Between Science and Belief |website=Modern Tibetan Studies Program |publisher=] |url=https://mtsp.weai.columbia.edu/news/documentary-death-tibet-explores-space-between-science-and-belief |access-date=12 July 2024}}
* {{cite book |author1=Lati Rinpoche |author1-link=Lati Rinpoche |first2=Jeffrey |last2=Hopkins |author2-link=Jeffrey Hopkins |title=Death and Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism |publisher=Snow Lion Publications |year=1979 |isbn=978-0-09-139321-2}} * {{cite book |author1=Lati Rinpoche |author1-link=Lati Rinpoche |first2=Jeffrey |last2=Hopkins |author2-link=Jeffrey Hopkins |title=Death and Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism |publisher=Snow Lion Publications |year=1979 |isbn=978-0-09-139321-2}}
* {{cite web |title=Dudjom Sangyum, Kusho Rigdzin Wangmo Enters "Thug dam" |first=Dorje |last=Kirsten |website=Buddhistdoor Global |date=3 September 2014 |url=https://www2.buddhistdoor.net/news/dudjom-sangyum-kusho-rigdzin-wangmo-enters-thug-dam |access-date=2024-07-12}} * {{cite web |title=Dudjom Sangyum, Kusho Rigdzin Wangmo Enters "Thug dam" |first=Dorje |last=Kirsten |website=Buddhistdoor Global |date=3 September 2014 |url=https://www2.buddhistdoor.net/news/dudjom-sangyum-kusho-rigdzin-wangmo-enters-thug-dam |access-date=12 July 2024}}
* {{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Craig |title=Ka-nying Shedrub Ling Announces Parinirvana of Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche |url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/ka-nying-shedrub-ling-announces-parinirvana-of-tsikey-chokling-rinpoche |website=Buddhist Door Global |access-date=2024-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226191653/https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/ka-nying-shedrub-ling-announces-parinirvana-of-tsikey-chokling-rinpoche |archive-date=26 December 2020 |date=21 December 2020 |url-status=live}} * {{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Craig |title=Ka-nying Shedrub Ling Announces Parinirvana of Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche |url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/ka-nying-shedrub-ling-announces-parinirvana-of-tsikey-chokling-rinpoche |website=Buddhist Door Global |access-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226191653/https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/ka-nying-shedrub-ling-announces-parinirvana-of-tsikey-chokling-rinpoche |archive-date=26 December 2020 |date=21 December 2020 |url-status=live}}
* {{cite journal | last1=Lott | first1=Dylan T. | last2=Yeshi | first2=Tenzin | last3=Norchung | first3=N. | last4=Dolma | first4=Sonam | last5=Tsering | first5=Nyima | last6=Jinpa | first6=Ngawang | last7=Woser | first7=Tenzin | last8=Dorjee | first8=Kunsang | last9=Desel | first9=Tenzin | last10=Fitch | first10=Dan | last11=Finley | first11=Anna J. | last12=Goldman | first12=Robin | last13=Bernal | first13=Ana Maria Ortiz | last14=Ragazzi | first14=Rachele | last15=Aroor | first15=Karthik | last16=Koger | first16=John | last17=Francis | first17=Andy | last18=Perlman | first18=David M. | last19=Wielgosz | first19=Joseph | last20=Bachhuber | first20=David R. W. | last21=Tamdin | first21=Tsewang | last22=Sadutshang | first22=Tsetan Dorji | last23=Dunne | first23=John D. | last24=Lutz | first24=Antoine | last25=Davidson | first25=Richard J. |display-authors=4 | title=No Detectable Electroencephalographic Activity After Clinical Declaration of Death Among Tibetan Buddhist Meditators in Apparent Tukdam, a Putative Postmortem Meditation State | journal=Frontiers in Psychology | volume=11 | date=2021-01-28 | issn=1664-1078 | doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2020.599190 | doi-access=free | pmid=33584435 | pmc=7876463 | url= }} * {{cite journal | last1=Lott | first1=Dylan T. | last2=Yeshi | first2=Tenzin | last3=Norchung | first3=N. | last4=Dolma | first4=Sonam | last5=Tsering | first5=Nyima | last6=Jinpa | first6=Ngawang | last7=Woser | first7=Tenzin | last8=Dorjee | first8=Kunsang | last9=Desel | first9=Tenzin | last10=Fitch | first10=Dan | last11=Finley | first11=Anna J. | last12=Goldman | first12=Robin | last13=Bernal | first13=Ana Maria Ortiz | last14=Ragazzi | first14=Rachele | last15=Aroor | first15=Karthik | last16=Koger | first16=John | last17=Francis | first17=Andy | last18=Perlman | first18=David M. | last19=Wielgosz | first19=Joseph | last20=Bachhuber | first20=David R. W. | last21=Tamdin | first21=Tsewang | last22=Sadutshang | first22=Tsetan Dorji | last23=Dunne | first23=John D. | last24=Lutz | first24=Antoine | last25=Davidson | first25=Richard J. |display-authors=4 | title=No Detectable Electroencephalographic Activity After Clinical Declaration of Death Among Tibetan Buddhist Meditators in Apparent Tukdam, a Putative Postmortem Meditation State | journal=Frontiers in Psychology | volume=11 | date=28 January 2021 | issn=1664-1078 | doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2020.599190 | doi-access=free | pmid=33584435 | pmc=7876463 | url= }}
* {{cite book | last=Lott | first=Dylan T. | title=Flashpoint Epistemology Volume 1 | chapter=Can't You Tell By the Waves? Vision and Aroma in Tibetan Buddhist Epistemologies of Death | publisher=Routledge | publication-place=London | date=2023-11-21 | isbn=978-1-003-46183-8 | doi=10.4324/9781003461838-5 | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=roHkEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT51}} * {{cite book | last=Lott | first=Dylan T. | title=Flashpoint Epistemology Volume 1 | chapter=Can't You Tell By the Waves? Vision and Aroma in Tibetan Buddhist Epistemologies of Death | publisher=Routledge | publication-place=London | date=21 November 2023 | isbn=978-1-003-46183-8 | doi=10.4324/9781003461838-5 | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=roHkEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT51}}
* {{cite web |url=https://texts.mandala.library.virginia.edu/book_pubreader/39341 |title=Tukdam: Spiritual Practice |first=Karma |last=Phuntsho |date=n.d. |publisher=] |website=Mandala Collection |access-date=2024-07-14}} * {{cite web |url=https://texts.mandala.library.virginia.edu/book_pubreader/39341 |title=Tukdam: Spiritual Practice |first=Karma |last=Phuntsho |date=n.d. |publisher=] |website=Mandala Collection |access-date=14 July 2024}}
* {{Cite web |first=Sangay |last=Rabten |date=March 4, 2016 |url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/the-mahaparinirvana-ceremony-of-his-holiness-chatral-sangay-dorje-rinpoche|title=The Mahaparinirvana Ceremony of His Holiness Chatral Sangay Dorje Rinpoche |website=Buddhistdoor Global |access-date=2024-07-12}} * {{Cite web |first=Sangay |last=Rabten |date=4 March 2016 |url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/the-mahaparinirvana-ceremony-of-his-holiness-chatral-sangay-dorje-rinpoche|title=The Mahaparinirvana Ceremony of His Holiness Chatral Sangay Dorje Rinpoche |website=Buddhistdoor Global |access-date=12 July 2024}}
* {{cite book |author=Sogyal Rinpoche |author-link=Sogyal Rinpoche |title=The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying |year=2002 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=New York|isbn=0-06-250834-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/tibetanbookofli00sogy |url-access=registration}} * {{cite book |author=Sogyal Rinpoche |author-link=Sogyal Rinpoche |title=The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying |year=2002 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=New York|isbn=0-06-250834-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/tibetanbookofli00sogy |url-access=registration}}
⚫ * {{cite journal |last=Tidwell |first=T. L. |date=2024 |title=Life in suspension with death: Biocultural ontologies, perceptual cues, and biomarkers for the tibetan tukdam postmortem meditative state |journal=Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry|doi=10.1007/s11013-023-09844-2 |pmid=38393648 |doi-access=free}}
⚫ * {{cite magazine |last=Tomlin |first=Adele |title=Tukdam: Between Worlds |magazine=] |date=January 9, 2023 |url=https://tricycle.org/article/tukdam-between-worlds-review/ |access-date=2024-07-14}}
* {{cite magazine |author=Tricycle |title=Talking 'Tukdam' with Documentary Filmmaker Donagh Coleman |date=March 3, 2024 |magazine=Tricycle: The Buddhist Review |url=https://tricycle.org/article/tukdam-donagh-coleman-interview/ |access-date=2024-07-12}} * {{cite magazine |last=Tomlin |first=Adele |title=Tukdam: Between Worlds |magazine=] |date=9 January 2023 |url=https://tricycle.org/article/tukdam-between-worlds-review/ |access-date=14 July 2024}}
⚫ * {{cite magazine |author=Tricycle |title=Talking 'Tukdam' with Documentary Filmmaker Donagh Coleman |date=3 March 2024 |magazine=Tricycle: The Buddhist Review |url=https://tricycle.org/article/tukdam-donagh-coleman-interview/ |access-date=12 July 2024}}
{{refend}} {{refend}}


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* {{cite book |last=Gouin |first=M. |year=2012 |title=Tibetan Rituals of Death: Buddhist Funerary Practices |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-136-95918-9 |chapter=Immediately After Death |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UEZZBwAAQBAJ&dq=tukdam&pg=PA15 |page=15 |ref=none}} * {{cite book |last=Gouin |first=M. |year=2012 |title=Tibetan Rituals of Death: Buddhist Funerary Practices |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-136-95918-9 |chapter=Immediately After Death |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UEZZBwAAQBAJ&dq=tukdam&pg=PA15 |page=15 |ref=none}}
* {{cite web |date=September 30, 2021 |title=Scientists Look At The Strange "Half-Dead" State Of Meditating Buddhist Monks * {{cite web |date=30 September 2021 |title=Scientists Look At The Strange "Half-Dead" State Of Meditating Buddhist Monks
|first=Tom |last=Hale |website=] |url=https://www.iflscience.com/scientists-look-at-the-strange-halfdead-state-of-meditating-buddhist-monks--61115 |access-date=2024-07-01 |ref=none}} |first=Tom |last=Hale |website=] |url=https://www.iflscience.com/scientists-look-at-the-strange-halfdead-state-of-meditating-buddhist-monks--61115 |access-date=1 July 2024 |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=R. R. |year=2022 |title=Rebirth: A Guide to Mind, Karma, and Cosmos in the Buddhist World |publisher=Shambhala |isbn=978-0-8348-4424-7 |ref=none}} * {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=R. R. |year=2022 |title=Rebirth: A Guide to Mind, Karma, and Cosmos in the Buddhist World |publisher=Shambhala |isbn=978-0-8348-4424-7 |ref=none}}
* {{cite thesis |degree=PhD |title=Facilitating an Ideal Death: Tibetan Medical and Buddhist Approaches to Death and Dying in a Tibetan Refugee Community in south India |last=Namdul |first=Tenzin |date=Fall 2019 |url=https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/zg64tn20n |publisher=] |access-date=2024-07-12 |ref=none}} * {{cite thesis |degree=PhD |title=Facilitating an Ideal Death: Tibetan Medical and Buddhist Approaches to Death and Dying in a Tibetan Refugee Community in south India |last=Namdul |first=Tenzin |date=Fall 2019 |url=https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/zg64tn20n |publisher=] |access-date=12 July 2024 |ref=none}}
* {{cite journal |last=Namdul |first=Tenzin |date=2021 |title=Re-Examining Death: Doors to Resilience and Wellbeing in Tibetan Buddhist Practice |journal=Religions |volume=12 |number=7 |pages=522 |doi=10.3390/rel12070522 |doi-access=free |ref=none}} * {{cite journal |last=Namdul |first=Tenzin |date=2021 |title=Re-Examining Death: Doors to Resilience and Wellbeing in Tibetan Buddhist Practice |journal=Religions |volume=12 |number=7 |pages=522 |doi=10.3390/rel12070522 |doi-access=free |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |last=Prude |first=Alyson |chapter=Death in Tibetan Buddhism |editor1-first=Timothy D. |editor1-last=Knepper |editor2-first=Lucy |editor2-last=Bregman |editor3-first=Mary |editor3-last=Gottschalk |title=Death and Dying: An Exercise in Comparative Philosophy of Religion |year=2019 |publisher=Springer International Publishing |isbn=978-3-030-19300-3 |pages=125–142 |ref=none}} * {{cite book |last=Prude |first=Alyson |chapter=Death in Tibetan Buddhism |editor1-first=Timothy D. |editor1-last=Knepper |editor2-first=Lucy |editor2-last=Bregman |editor3-first=Mary |editor3-last=Gottschalk |title=Death and Dying: An Exercise in Comparative Philosophy of Religion |year=2019 |publisher=Springer International Publishing |isbn=978-3-030-19300-3 |pages=125–142 |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Evan |year=2014 |title=Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-53831-2 |ref=none}} * {{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Evan |year=2014 |title=Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-53831-2 |ref=none}}
⚫ * {{cite journal |last=Tidwell |first=T. L. |date=2024 |title=Life in suspension with death: Biocultural ontologies, perceptual cues, and biomarkers for the tibetan tukdam postmortem meditative state |journal=Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry|doi=10.1007/s11013-023-09844-2 |pmid=38393648 |doi-access=free|ref=none }}
* {{cite journal |last=Tiso |first=F. V. |date=2019 |title=Methodology in Research on the Rainbow Body: Anthropological and Psychological Reflections on Death and Dying |journal=Journal of Religion & Health |volume=58 |issue=3 |pages=725–736 |doi=10.1007/s10943-018-0733-9 |pmid=30443848 |ref=none}} * {{cite journal |last=Tiso |first=F. V. |date=2019 |title=Methodology in Research on the Rainbow Body: Anthropological and Psychological Reflections on Death and Dying |journal=Journal of Religion & Health |volume=58 |issue=3 |pages=725–736 |doi=10.1007/s10943-018-0733-9 |pmid=30443848 |ref=none}}
* {{cite journal |last=Zivkovic |first=T. M. |date=2010 |title=The Biographical Process of a Tibetan Lama |journal=Ethnos |volume=75 |number=2 |pages=171–189 |doi=10.1080/00141841003678767 |ref=none}} * {{cite journal |last=Zivkovic |first=T. M. |date=2010 |title=The Biographical Process of a Tibetan Lama |journal=Ethnos |volume=75 |number=2 |pages=171–189 |doi=10.1080/00141841003678767 |ref=none}}

Latest revision as of 00:20, 1 December 2024

Buddhist post-mortem meditation

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In the Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, tukdam (Standard Tibetan: ཐུགས་དམ, Wylie: thugs dam) is a meditative state said to occur after clinical death, and in which the body reportedly shows minimal signs of decomposition, retaining a lifelike appearance for days or even weeks. Practitioners are believed by Buddhists to be in a profound state of meditation, merging their consciousness with the Clear Light, a fundamental concept in Tibetan Buddhism signifying the primordial nature of mind and reality. Buddhist tradition considers that tukdam is available to all people, but only the expert practitioners of meditation, when dying, can recognize it and use it for spiritual purposes.

Description

Practitioners believe that one's consciousness can remain in a meditative state known as the "Clear Light Stage" after death, a process of inner dissolution of the five elements and consciousness back into the Primordial Light. A person is claimed to exist in this state anywhere from a minute to weeks, depending on the level of their realization, but only the expert practitioners of meditation, when dying, can recognize it and use it for spiritual purposes. As Sogyal Rinpoche describes it in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying:

A realized practitioner continues to abide by the recognition of the nature of mind at the moment of death, and awakens into the Ground Luminosity when it manifests. He or she may even remain in that state for a number of days. Some practitioners and masters die sitting upright in that state for a number of days. Some practitioners and masters die sitting upright in meditation posture, and others in the "posture of the sleeping lion". Besides their perfect poise, there will be other signs that show they are resting in the state of the Ground Luminosity: There is still a certain color and glow in their face, the nose does not sink inward, the skin remains soft and flexible, the body does not become stiff, the eyes are said to keep a soft and compassionate glow, and there is still a warmth at the heart. Great care is taken that the master's body is not touched, and silence is maintained until he or she has arisen from this state of meditation.

The appearance of people that entered tukdam, in tantric view, is described as "radiant", with the skin maintaining its softness and elasticity. Exit is manifested by the body beginning to decompose.

A 2021 study using electroencephalogram (EEG) to investigate whether tukdam corresponds to some residual brain activity after the clinical death did not detect any brain activity in clinically dead tukdam when examined in the days after death.

Cultural and religious significance

Tukdam is rarely mentioned explicitly in the canon texts of Tibetan Buddhism. It holds profound cultural and religious significance within Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing the pinnacle of meditative practice and spiritual realization. It is viewed as a manifestation of a practitioner's mastery over the mind and the death process, reflecting their deep understanding and experience of the nature of consciousness and reality.

In Tibetan Buddhism, death is not seen as an end but a transition. The state of tukdam represents an advanced level of spiritual attainment where the practitioner's consciousness remains in meditation after clinical death, merging into the Clear Light or Ground Luminosity. This concept is extensively discussed in Tibetan texts such as The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche. Rinpoche writes that a realized practitioner recognizes the nature of mind at the moment of death and awakens into the Ground Luminosity, remaining in that state for several days. The body is typically not disturbed or moved until signs of tukdam have ceased, reflecting the belief that the consciousness is still present and active.

Books such as Death and Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism, by Lati Rinpoche and Jeffrey Hopkins, and Mind Beyond Death, by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, further explore the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of tukdam, detailing its processes and significance. Additionally, scholarly research and personal accounts of tukdam, as compiled in Testimonies of Tibetan Tulkus: A Research Among Reincarnate Buddhist Masters in Exile by Dieter Bärlocher, document the experiences and teachings of those who are believed to have attained this state.

The tradition became more popular among Tibetan exiles after the 14th Dalai Lama's call for scientific research into the matter.

See also

References

  1. ^ Lott 2023.
  2. Lott et al. 2021, p. .
  3. Donough Coleman, interviewed in Tricycle (2024).
  4. ^ Lott et al. 2021.
  5. "Crossing Over: How Science Is Redefining Life and Death". National Geographic. 3 March 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
  6. "Former Ganden Tripa Stays on 'Thukdam' for 18 Days". Phayul.com. 7 October 2008. Archived from the original on 3 July 2018.
  7. Sogyal Rinpoche (2002), p. 266.
  8. Tidwell (2024).
  9. Phuntsho (n.d.).
  10. ^ Sogyal Rinpoche (2002).
  11. Lati Rinpoche & Hopkins (1979).
  12. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche (2006).
  13. Bärlocher (1982).

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