Right now in the bardo in between samsara and nirvana
Abiding reality is pointed out to be mahamudra
Determining the view of its ground is vital

In the midst of the appearances in the bardo between your birth and death
You should train in developing the radiant power of awareness
Through generation and completion—be diligent, it’s vital

In the bardo between stages of the path is the true nature of reality
And if you want to recognize the wisdom of the native state
Meditate on the teachings that are whispered, it’s vital

In the bardo between when your sleep is deep and the life you live in dreams
To take habitual tendencies and transform them into Dharma’s path
Clear light and illusion are the yogas so vital

Finally you arrive at the last bardo in between two existences
And even if you have gained success and manifest the three kayas
Travel to the three pure realms—to reach them is vital

But if three kayas do not manifest then in the bardo of your next life
The connection you’ll make with pure prayers will certainly produce a great result
You’ll gain a precious human birth and your Dharmic habits will wake up
Path’s realizations you will perfect, and then you’ll see, it won’t be long
Till you are completely free, there’s no doubt about it!

Under the guidance of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, translated by Ari Goldfield, Kagyu Dzong, Paris, September 17, 2001. Tibetan page 509. Translation copyright 2012, Ari Goldfield.