Preparing for Death and Helping the Dying

There are various levels of the mind: gross, subtle
and very subtle. The gross mind or consciousness
includes our six consciousnesses (seeing, hearing,
smell, taste, touch and mental consciousness)
and eighty instinctive conceptions. The six
consciousnesses dissolve over the first four stages of
the death process, and the eighty conceptions dissolve
in the fifth stage, following which one experiences
a white vision. In the sixth stage, the white
vision dissolves and a red vision appears. In the seventh
stage, the red vision dissolves and a vision of
darkness appears. The white, red and dark visions
constitute the subtle level of consciousness.
Finally, in the eighth stage, the dark vision dissolves
and the very subtle mind of clear light becomes
manifest. This is the most subtle and pure level of
our mind, or consciousness. Experienced meditators
are able to use this clear light mind to meditate and
gain a realization of absolute truth, and even attain
enlightenment. That is why such meditators are not
afraid of death, and even look forward to death as
if they were going on a holiday!
This is just a brief explanation of the eight stages.
More detailed explanations can be found in a
number of books (see the recommended reading list),
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