All of life is held within the context of death. By acknowledging and preparing for death now, we will find ourselves living more fully and fearlessly. Join us as we celebrate the preciousness of life, and ready ourselves and others for this final journey.
We will learn how to die a good death, and how to help others die, exploring meditations and contemplations that prepare us for letting go. As the Buddhist tradition proclaims “If you die before you die, then when you die you will not die.”
With preparation, we can transcend death, turning the greatest obstacle into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and even attain enlightenment. The bardo teachings lead to the death of death. The journey through the bardos is a journey into our mind, so by exploring the bardos we are exploring ourselves. They also apply to any moment that ends – which means these teachings apply to daily life.
This program also covers many of the practical issues around dying, including medical and legal concerns before, during, and after death, as well as difficult issues such as organ donation, euthanasia, suicide, and death of a pet.
This weekend combines practices, teachings, and discussions that will enhance your understanding and experience of both your own death as well as the death of your loved ones. Anyone committed to transforming their relationship to the end of life – experienced practitioners and those new to the path – as well as those who work in helping professions, will find this weekend deeply enriching.
Andrew will be referring to his book Preparing to Die and suggests that participants read it.