What is the meaning of 'Bardo' in Buddhist belief?

In Buddhist belief, 'Bardo' refers to the intermediate state between death and rebirth. This concept is most commonly associated with Tibetan Buddhism, where it is explored in depth in texts such as the "Bardo Thodol," often referred to as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. In this intermediate state, the consciousness of the deceased experiences various phenomena and encounters that can influence their next rebirth.

The significance of Bardo lies in its role in the cycle of samsara, where beings transition through different states of existence. By understanding and navigating this phase, practitioners believe they can achieve liberation or a more favorable rebirth, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and spiritual preparation prior to death. This understanding makes Bardo a crucial aspect of Buddhist soteriology, linking the concepts of death, rebirth, and spiritual growth.

The other choices, while related to Buddhist practice, do not accurately capture the definition of Bardo. A phase of intense meditation is more aligned with practices aimed at mindfulness or enlightenment rather than the transitional state after death. Similarly, a Buddhist ritual of rebirth and a celebration of enlightenment do not reflect the nuanced understanding of the intermediary state that Bardo conveys.