An eight-week course for students at all levels starting Thursday evenings 13 February, 2020.

This course is an introduction to the Tibetan Buddhist understanding of death and dying offering a glimpse of the practical wisdom and sacred inspiration of this tradition. The course combines the essential teachings on this topic as presented in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.

The course also includes essential guidance on meditation and the practice of Essential Phowa, a practice for healing and for the moment of death.

The study of the teachings is held within the framework of listening, reflection or contemplation and meditation. Special emphasis lies on the second wisdom tool, reflection or contemplation. Students are introduced to the formal practice of contemplation as a way to deepen their understanding and to encourage personal engagement.

The course also addresses how students may best accompany someone nearing death and help the dying person to meet death not empty handed, but – reassured by loving support and care – with a peace of mind and even with confidence.

Who is this course for?

The course anyone who wishes to learn more about death and dying from the Tibetan Buddhist perspective — whether they are new to meditation or Buddhism, come from other spiritual traditions, or are long-established meditators. The universality of the message of these teachings can bring benefit to anyone who wants to explore this topic.

Content Outline

The sessions offer a programme of teachings covering the following key points:

• understanding impermanence and death and the heart advice for the moment of death
• guidance on how to contemplate
• an understanding of mind and how to work with it
• the gradual approach to meditation: basic shamatha (watching the breath)
• some aspects of emotional and practical preparation for death
• some elements on caring for a dying person
• guidance on the practice of Essential Phowa

Details:

Event Type: Weekly course

Where: 158 Australia St, Newtown
When: Thursday nights (starting Thursday 13 February, 2020) for 8 weeks
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: Adult: $15 per session. Concession (seniors, students, under 30’s): $10 per session. Rigpa Subscribers (members): free. Friends of Rigpa: $10 per session.

Take advantage of our early bird discount and register for the full course before 31/01/2020.

All proceeds from our courses and workshops, go directly to running our centre. Rigpa’s policy is that financial difficulties should not be an obstacle to attending our courses. If this is an issue for you please contact us.

Register Here