Living with Dying (Hybrid)

By looking directly at death, we access appreciation and joy for this human life and its transformative potential. Join Lama Liz Monson, Lama Willa Blythe Baker, and Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN for a unique retreat in which we delve deeply into the liberating practices of death and dying, drawing on the profound resources of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Death is a topic that we often shy away from, and its realities are hidden in our cultural context. Yet the great masters of the past have taught contemplating death as a practice of liberation – one that vastly enhances the quality of our life.

Topics explored include contemplative practices for facing our own death and preparing for the bardo (the in-between state between death and rebirth),  spiritual care for the dying, Buddhist rites of passage for helping others at the time of death, and practical preparation for dying in our time and place.

Please join us to:

• Engage in meditation and Buddhist practices to prepare for death with the guidance of teachers practiced in walking this path
• Learn about practical methods to support others and yourself in preparing to die
• Create a death basket, a practical resource to take home

What to bring:

• A photograph (framed if possible) of someone you love whose death transformed you. We will set these up on a communal “benefactor shrine”.
• A container to use as a ‘death basket’: a basket, sturdy cloth bag, or wooden box). It should be large enough to hold approximately one gallon jug of milk.
• A few compact items that you would like to have nearby if you were to unexpectedly find yourself in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital for an extended stay (a statue, framed photos, a rosary for example). These are “starter items” for the death basket.
• A notebook for writing.

This Hybrid retreat is offered in person at Wonderwell (Residential option) and Live via Zoom (Online option).

Typical Retreat Schedule

(All times are Eastern time zone)

First Day — Hybrid evening session begins around 7:00 pm.

Full-Day Schedule — Morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast break 8:00-9:30 am; Lunch break 12:00-2:00 pm; Dinner break 5:30-7:00 pm.

Last Day — The closing session typically ends by 12:00 pm.

These times are just for reference. An expanded schedule will be provided in pre-retreat information emailed during the week prior to the event.

Natural Dharma Fellowship Full Calendar