The 49 Days of Bardo

The Earth Store Sutra teaches that after death the intermediate state unfolds in seven-day cycles, forty-nine days in all — the decisive window for rebirth. When family members keep lamps burning, chant, and dedicate merit through these days, they help the departed find a fortunate path. Forty-nine butter lamps offered for forty-nine days is the most complete Tibetan tradition of remembrance.