In Tibetan Buddhism, the intermediate state between death and rebirth, or more generally any transitional period between two states of being.
From Tibetan 'bar do' literally meaning 'between' (bar) and 'two' (do). This term became famous in Western culture through 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead' translations in the 20th century.
The concept of bardo is mind-blowing because it suggests consciousness continues in a strange in-between state after death—not heaven or hell, but a vivid dream-like realm where the dying person confronts their own mind. Many filmmakers and artists have borrowed this idea to explore themes of being trapped between worlds.
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