Understanding “Tukdam” with Lama Lakshey Zangpo Rinpoche

TLC TRANSITIONAL LIFE CARE presents… Understanding Tukdam – Meditation in the Afterlife

Tukdam refers to a meditative state recognized in Vajrayana Buddhism that some accomplished practitioners enter after death. This honorific term means “one engaged in meditation,” describing a period when the consciousness remains absorbed in a state of profound luminosity and stillness. Traditionally, tukdam is associated with great, realized beings who have attained a deep understanding of the nature of mind. When such a person dies, their mind doesn’t immediately follow the usual karmic cycle of rebirth. Instead, it rests in clear light luminosity, a primordial state of awareness beyond conceptual thought. From the Buddhist perspective, such realized beings can enter a state where they remain in meditative absorption for days or longer after clinical death, during which the subtle consciousness and energy channels of the practitioner are still active, though the physical functions have ceased. We can also aspire to accomplish this state through devotion, dedicated meditation, and our pure commitment to benefit beings. Time for questions and answers will be included.

Lama Lakshey Zangpo Rinpoche was born in Golok, Tibet. At 10 he began training at Mardo Tashi Choling in the Kathok Nyingma tradition and later studied at Larung Gar with Kyabje Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and other masters. He was formally recognized as the reincarnation of Tulku Pema Tashi and was later enthroned by Kyabje Katog Getse Rinpoche. Invited by Ven. Lingtrul Rinpoche to the US, in 2011 Lama Lakshey founded and is the spiritual advisor of Tsinta Mani Choling, and serves on the Board of Directors of Joru Foundation. Rinpoche’s modern approach to teaching meditation addresses the needs of people from a variety of backgrounds. He has taught in Washington, California, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Louisiana. He has also provided instruction on Buddhist meditation and eastern psychology at Portland State, Idaho State, Stanford University, UCSC, for the Psychology of Peace program, and for medical institutions and tech corporations.

COST: $25 - $45 Sliding Scale - All ordained are free. No one will be turned away. Register at tlcserves.org.

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