Programme Description: 

All of life is held within the context of death. By acknowledging and preparing for death now, you will find yourself living more fully and fearlessly. 

In this programme you will have the opportunity to learn how to die a good death, and how to help others die, exploring meditations and contemplations that prepare you for letting go. 

The Buddhist tradition proclaims, “If you die before you die, then when you die you will not die.” With preparation, you can transcend death, turning the greatest obstacle into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

The bardo teachings lead to the death of death. The journey through the bardos is a journey into the mind, so by exploring the bardos you are exploring yourself. The teachings also apply to any moment that ends, like the loss of a relationship, or a job. 

Although it describes the spiritual preparation from a Buddhist perspective, the material offered and practiced is tailored for anyone interested in a non-material approach to death. 

Topics Covered Include:

  • Outer, inner, and secret signs of the eight stages of death
  • Understanding and transcending fear
  • Preparation for sudden death
  • Dream yoga as preparation
  • Phowa – transference of consciousness
  • Voluntary vs involuntary rebirth
  • The trikaya – three bodies
  • Death as the discovery of emptiness
  • The Circle of Life and Death
  • Advance directives
  • Role of hospice and palliative care
  • Suicide, euthanasia, organ donation, death of a pet

Who Should Attend?

This programme is for anyone seriously interested in preparing for the end of life. It is a no-nonsense deep dive into the profound teachings of the bardos. It contemplates also those interested in exploring meditations that are designed to prepare you for death, and to “die before you die” — to discover states of mind that do not dissolve at the end of life. 

Last but not least, can be also destined for those wishing to help others during the dying process, either personally or professionally, from both a spiritual and practical perspective.

Onland & online

This programme will be offered in a hybrid format. Participants will be able to attend it in-person or online through live streaming. 

If you would like to attend this programme online please register here

If you would like to combine two programmes and attend also Charlie Morley’s programme, please click here to see more: https://www.dechencholing.org/program/combination-of-graceful-exit-lucid-dreaming-20-05-2023/

Practical information: 

Arrival day (Saturday, May 20th): Orientation talk at 8 pm. You are 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 (Friday, May 26th): End of the retreat in the evening.

Departure day (Saturday, May 27th): You may leave anytime (no programme). You are welcome to stay for lunch.

This programme is taught in English. The program will be translated into French. Requests for interpretation in other languages need to be made in advance and confirmed (please indicate your are requesting interpretation on the registration page).