“What Are the 8 Stages of Dying Explained in Dalai Lama’s Teachings?”

The Eight Stages of Dying

Overview (from HH Dalai Lama’s Advice on Dying)

These stages reflect the progressive dissolution of the elements and sensory perception as the physical body transitions through death. Recognizing them through meditation can transform the experience into one of clarity, preparation, and transcendence.

Stages Explained

Drawing on the classical teachings as explained in *Advice on Dying*, the dying process unfolds via the unraveling of the five elements structure (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space), followed by three subtle radiance and drops stages. Each stage brings shifts in physical structure and sensory collapse, culminating in the emergence of clear light consciousness.

Stage	Element / Phase	What Happens / Physical Collapse	Sense(s) Collapse	Inner Experience / What You See / Feel
1	Earth → Water	Physical structure collapses, dissolving into fluid	Sight	You see murky images or mist
2	Water → Fire	Fluids dry up	Hearing	You might “hear” crackling or see smoke
3	Fire → Air	Body becomes cold	Smell	You may sense fireflies, sparkles, or odor
4	Air → Consciousness	Breathing through nostrils stops	Touch	Appearance of a flame or subtle warmth
5	White Drop / Top Chakra	Top chakra loosens; white essence merges down	Subtle Air Movement (prana)	Vivid white appearance
6	Red Drop / Solar Plexus	Lower chakras loosen; red essence rises	Subtle prana movement	Vivid red light
7	White-Red Drop / Heart	Heart chakra loosens; white-red essence exits	—	Final exit; bodily substances discharge; vivid darkness and near-attainment
8	Clear-Light / Fundamental Mind	The body fully exits; remains begin to smell; subsystem dissolves	—	Experience of clear light or pure radiant consciousness

Insights from *Advice on Dying*

The Dalai Lama emphasizes that awareness and calm presence through these phases can transform the process of dying from one of fear into liberation. By familiarizing with these subtle shifts via meditation, practitioners can recognize the dissolution of coarse and subtle elements, and align with the clear light mind that follows, which represents the luminous, primordial awareness of the mindstream.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes written by Indian-Share-Tips.com. It does not constitute spiritual guidance, therapeutic instruction, or any form of professional advice. For authentic practice, please refer to the original text of *Advice on Dying* or consult with a qualified Buddhist teacher.