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.
Andrew Holecek presents Tibetan Buddhist teachings from a contemporary perspective – blending the ancient wisdom of the East with modern knowledge from the West. Drawing on years of intensive study and practice, he teaches on the opportunities that exist in obstacles, helping people with hardship and pain, death and dying, and problems in meditation. He offers seminars internationally on the art of dying, meditation, and lucid dreaming. He is the author of many books, including Preparing to Die: Practical Advice and Spiritual Wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition; and Dream Yoga: Illuminating Your Life Through Lucid Dreaming and the Tibetan Yogas of Sleep.
See more about him at andrewholecek.com
When: Saturday, September 11, 2021 9:00AM - 4:30PM Sunday, September 12, 2021 9:00 AM - 4:00PM Where: In Person - The White Heron Sangha Meditation Center in Avila Village, behind the Woodstone Marketplace, near the Bob Jones Trail: Parking is alongside the buildings with overflow parking behind Blue Heron Realty. Do not park in front of Woodstone Marketplace! See the arrows for parking in the Avila Village Aerial View. Our building is circled. Online - Zoom link will be sent to registrants the day before the retreat begins. Dana: The teachings are offered freely. The retreat registration fee covers retreat expenses; none of the retreat fee goes to the teacher. Details on how to donate to the teacher and to support the White Heron Sangha will be provided at the retreat. We try to keep our retreat fees at a minimum so that you can be truly generous with your donation to the teacher. Plan on attending both days in order to appreciate fully the teachings. Registration: You must register online. Use the Register Now link. Payment can be made by credit card, or you can send a check to White Heron Sangha, PO Box 313, Avila Beach, CA 93424. Pre-registration and payment are required. The registration fee will be refunded in full if notice of cancellation is received at least one week prior to the retreat. More information about White Heron Sangha retreats Bring your lunch and a cup, if possible. Tea and light snacks will be provided. Chairs and meditation cushions will be available. You might want to bring a shawl and extra cushions, if you use them. No dogs are allowed in the building except for service dogs.