Chikhai Bardo: Severance Title Meaning, Explained

The seventh episode of the second season of Apple TV+’s science fiction series ‘Severance’ is interestingly titled ‘Chikhai Bardo.’ Since its premiere, the show has piqued the viewers’ curiosity with nuanced episode titles, which also shed light on the ambiguities within the narrative. ‘Trojan’s Horse’ and ‘Attila’ are some of the other examples. When it comes to ‘Chikhai Bardo,’ the phrase is mentioned by the protagonist, Mike Scout, and his wife, Gemma, in different contexts. The latter’s explanation concerning it only adds confusion to its actual meaning. Even though the phrase is rooted in Buddhism, it can be connected to Gemma and her mysterious life! SPOILERS AHEAD.

Chikhai Bardo is a Transitionary Phase Between Death and Rebirth

The meaning of the title ‘Chikhai Bardo’ can only be explained by introducing the Buddhist transitional state of “bardo.” After the death of the Buddha, several scholars associated with Buddhism proposed the supposed existence of a liminal state between death and rebirth. Tibetan Buddhism followed this claim and divided life, death, and rebirth into six states, forming six bardos. While the first three concern varying states of living, the fourth one, Chikhai bardo, explains the apparent state that begins with the dying process and ends with the final external and internal breath. In other words, Chikhai bardo is a phrase used to describe the process of dying ahead of a rebirth.

The title becomes relevant to ‘Severance’ through Gemma and her experiences. The Russian literature professor learned the nuances behind this liminal state when she was nearly dead or, in her words, “beat to shit.” After a miscarriage and failed attempts to become a mother, she had almost given up on her life. Her unbearable experiences drew her to the “death of ego,” which was how she described Chikhai bardo. To be clear, when Gemma uttered the phrase, she didn’t mean the physical, ultimate death, but rather, the death of her mind or ego. Her acceptance that she had been beaten can be seen as her proclamation that she had died egoistically or mentally.

Chikhai Bardo Sheds Light on the Mystery Behind Gemma

Interestingly, what happened next to Gemma explains her connection with the title ‘Chikhai Bardo.’ ‘Severance’ hasn’t yet explained why Mark’s wife became Ms. Casey after setting up a fake car accident. Regardless of the motive behind this transformation, Gemma was reborn as the wellness counselor, forming a circle as the Buddhist scholars proposed through “bardo.” After undergoing the procedure of “dying,” which included the apparent fatal car crash, Gemma completed the process of rebirth by gaining a new life as a severed employee.

This conclusion also leads us to the possible reason behind Gemma’s transformation into Ms. Casey. This “rebirth” happened right after she decided to stop trying to have a baby with Mark. The couple accepted their failure and immersed themselves in helplessness, which is one way of describing the death of ego. This possible acceptance must have motivated Gemma to surrender herself to Lumon Industries and the supposed superior power that resides within the company. Throughout the series, Lumon is presented as this highly potent establishment that can do anything it wants to happen, a characteristic also attached to its founder, Kier Eagan.

When Gemma accepted the death of her ego or mind, Lumon must have entered the picture with a way forward. Since all these happenings occurred when she failed to become a mother, the company might have even promised her the ability to conceive a child and complete the pregnancy term without any complications. Such a possible promise can easily explain why she abandoned Mark after faking her death. Her inability to welcome a child to the world with her partner had been causing strains in their togetherness. Gemma might have even thought that becoming a mother would repair her relationship with her better half.

This possibility of Lumon’s intervention carries enough weight. First of all, like any other establishment in the town of Kier, Butzemann Fertility Center can be under the company’s control, meaning that it could have altered Gemma’s ability to conceive. Furthermore, the Chikhai bardo card she received is strangely similar to the cards Dylan George found in the company’s Optics and Design (O&D) division, clarifying that Lumon is behind the same.