Contemplating Death, Celebrating Life
Becoming familiar with the dying process, contemplating it, and talking openly about it realize compassion and human interconnectivity. Taught in English. Translation upon request.
The reality of death can not only be an inspiration to appreciate our precious time alive but also to motivate us to deepen our practice and find a truer more complete understanding of our existence that gives real meaning to our lives.
This is of vital interest. All of us sooner or later must relate to death, our own and that of family and friends.
How do we prepare? It is possible. We can relate to our deepest fears and transform them into a positive path of awakening. We can learn how to be the most helpful for others as death approaches.
Becoming familiar with the dying process, contemplating it, and talking openly about it helps us to transform our preconceptions into a deep realization of compassion and human interconnectivity.
The Program consists of talks based on Buddhist and Shambhala teachings as well as teachings by other masters and care givers. We will practice Meditation, including “The Birthday Sadhana” by Mipham Rinpoche. There will be Guided contemplations, Discussions, Writing, and other Creative exercises.
If we can live even one moment completely and fully, right now, one complete moment of presence, openness and trust, we will have lived completely. Life is not about how long we live, or merely about what we do — it’s about how fully we live, how deeply we are touched by our world. The realization of death is a real blessing. It brings joy, freedom, genuine appreciation and the ability to fully live our lives, right here and now. Knowing my time is limited, I’m grateful just to appreciate the life I’ve lived, the teachers I’ve studied with and the love I’ve been given and received. If I would recommend anything, it would be: “take death to heart”.
Denise Thorton, three months before she died of cancer
Schedule
Arrival Day Introductory talk: “The Supreme Meditation”
“Of all the footprints that of the elephant is supreme. Similarly, of all mindfulness meditation, that on death is supreme.” — Attributed to the Buddha
The importance of contemplating death
“Hello is goodbye”
Day 1 Acknowledging the reality of death approaching
Impermanence, Transitions and Possibilities
“I invite you to start practicing with impermanence. Take the reality of death to heart. Let it pierce you. If you can open and surrender to your own mortality and vulnerability, you will discover a fundamental, unconditional source of strength and confidence.” —Denise Thorton
Relating to the Fear of death
Accepting ourselves
Maitri, Loving kindness
Introduction to the Bardos
Day 2 Finishing farewells, Harvesting the experience of our life, Authentic Dialogue, Finding Meaning
Importance of “finishing business”
Writing goodbyes, Saying goodbye, honoring friends and teachers, Writing letters of appreciation, letters of forgiveness to some and asking for it from others; summing up, giving blessings, gratitude, leaving without regret. The magic of kindness, Letting go of material possessions.
The environment for dying, last wishes (5 Wishes, Directives, practicalities…)
Day 3 Transition
The dying process, death and letting go. Relating to fear
“Between the love I received from my parents and the love and blessings I received from my teacher, Trungpa Rinpoche, I learned to trust in myself and to have confidence in my basic goodness. This has served me well in dealing with cancer, the long treatment journey and the nearness of death. Why not trust in our basic goodness and learn to like and appreciate ourselves…what better friend could we have? When it’s our time to leave this world, this trust and confidence will be a great ally.” —Denise Thorton
Day 4 Caring for others
Respecting each person’s individual dying process
Respecting the environment. Presence says more than words
Hospice and palliative care
Dying at home
Caregiving teams
Day 5 After death: Rituals and practicalities
The stages of Grieving
Care of the body
Bringing Family and community together
Creating your re-birth, Re-born as a Bodhisattva,
The future you
Living it now
We must be diligent today—to wait until tomorrow…
…is too late.
Death comes unexpectedly!
How can we bargain with it?
The sage calls a person
who knows how to dwell in mindfulness night and day
‘One who knows the better way to live.’
~ Bhaddekaratta Sutra
Practical
This programme is taught in English. Free translation into French or other languages to be confirmed. Important: Translation services are possible only if you register your request at least two months in advance of the programme.
Arrival day (Monday November 20): Orientation talk at 8 pm. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.45 pm.
End of programme (Saturday November 25): Closing circle and Banquet in the evening.
Departure day (Sunday November 26): You may leave anytime (no programme). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.
