This 8 hour workshop, for survivors of impending or recent loss, will explore psychological and Buddhist views of death and dying for an integrated method of coping.

CLass one:

The loss of a loved one presents a transition for those left behind as many areas of life for the survivor were touched by the person who has died, or is in the process of dying. Models of grief will be presented to assist the participant in understanding what might be happening for them in the process of loss and rebuilding, including those of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Charles Corr, Debbie Messer Zlatin and William Mc Dougall. It will integrate these views with Buddhist teachings on impermanence, and death.

Class two:

Techniques for coping with grief such as journaling, requesting to honestly talk about loss with others, the creation of rituals that honor the dead, and recognition of the gifts presented in this important transition in addition to facing the loss will be presented and discussed.

 Class three:

The Buddhist understanding of mindstream as continual without beginning or ending, life as impermanent, and death as transition to a new life (rebirth) will be explained. Discussion about the sequence of birth, intermediate state (bardo) and death within this very life as well as when passing from life to life will also be a part of our exploration. Karma, or the arising of birth due to causes and conditions will be covered in brief as it is central to understanding the concepts above. The workshop will close with instruction in a mindfulness breathing meditation, as well as an insight meditation on the 4 immeasurables.