LIVING AND DYING
FROM A PRACTITIONER'S PROSPECTIVE
On August 30th, 2026, Tashigar Norte had the great pleasure of hosting Tetsu Nagasawa for an online talk titled “Living and Dying from a Practitioner’s Perspective”.
Drawing from his extensive experience as a student of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and a Dzogchen practitioner, Tetsu explored the meaning of the six bardos based on texts such as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. He invited us to look at life, death, change, and our own habitual tendencies with greater awareness.
His way of sharing was deeply appreciated by everyone. His sincerity, humility, warmth, and openness touched us profoundly, creating a very special atmosphere throughout the meeting. The many messages received afterward reflected this feeling:
“That was an incredible talk this morning… Tetsu’s heart is so open.”
“Excelente y muy útil y sincero y sobre todo muy humilde.”
“What a wonderful talk…”
Several participants also expressed a wish to access the recording. Therefore, we have decided to share it with everyone who wishes to reflect further on the many points discussed, especially on the teachings concerning the bardos.
We are very grateful to Tetsu for sharing his experience and understanding with such generosity. We also thank everyone who made this meeting possible, including the translators and all those who donated.
It was a precious morning of teachings, reflection, and connection that touched many hearts.
Warm regards,
Tashigar Norte Blue Gakyil
Tetsu Nagasawa
Tetsu first met Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche in 1988 and continued to receive teachings from him until his passing. He also trained with other Tibetan Masters.
He is a Santi Maha Sangha instructor authorized by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.
Tetsu is a Japanese by birth. After returning from Nepal where he stayed for seven years, he served as a university professor of religious studies in Kyoto, focusing his research on Tibetan Buddhism and neuroscience of meditation.
Tetsu is the author of many books, including:
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Yasei no Buddha (Wild Buddha or Buddha Sauvage, published in 1998 by Hozokan),
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Meisou suru Noukagaku (Meditative Neuroscience, published by Kodansha in 2011),
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Chibetto Bukkyo (Tibetan Buddhism, published by Sangha in 2016),
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Chibetto Bukkyo no Sekai (The World of Tibetan Buddhism, published in 2021 by Hozokan),
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Niji no Karada (Rainbow Body: Tibetan Yogis and the Alchemy of Light, published by Being Net Press in 2024) etc.
He has translated in Japanese language several works on Tibetan Buddhism, including Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's The Crystal and the Way of Light (Niji to Suishō) and Dream Yoga (Yume no Shugyō).
Tetsu has been awarded the Yasuo Yuasa Prize for his contributions to the study of the mind-body relationship, for the Advancement of Culture and Research.
He is recently giving workshops on death and dying for the medical personnels and cancer patients, besides writing.