BEYOND HOPE AND FEAR

Cultivating an authentic presence in the face of illness and death

Dates: from 3 to 5 October

The only certainty in life is that we will all die.
Illness, death, loss and endings are usually very challenging. How can we remain spacious and stable to support others and ourselves amidst our own fears and emotions? How can we go beyond our usual roles to find connection on a human level? Can we do what is necessary? How can we find practical support?

The weekend will be based on the unique Tibetan Buddhist knowledge about our mind and its true nature, and particularly the process of dying and death, as presented in the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Drawing on this wisdom tradition, and our experience with the local medical and care services, we will discuss the possibilities at hand. We will also explore what we can do on a spiritual level, even after someone has died.

The sessions will include exercises in how to listen, exchanges, discussions and contemplations on how to discover our own inherent capacity for love and compassion. Throughout, we will use meditation as a means to develop fearless stability, no matter the circumstances.

It will be a weekend of honest reflection, practical guidance, and deep inner work—offering space to cultivate clarity, courage, and compassion in the face of one of life’s most profound and daunting transitions.

INSTRUCTORS

Karin Behrendt
After experiencing death in her family, she discovered a new perspective through Tibetan Buddhist teachings in 1986. She has since worked as a translator in end-of-life care while serving as a Senior teacher for Rigpa's international programs. Originally from Berlin, she has been with Lerab Ling's Institute of Compassion and Wisdom from its earliest days.

Karin Aubert
Trained as a nurse, she has accompanied many young people at the end of life without having adequate support herself. Her discovery of the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying transformed her professional practice and personal journey. A practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism for 25 years, she became a spiritual guidance instructor in 2011, passing on the teachings of this fundamental work.

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

Friday
14.00 - 16.00/16.30 Session 1
17.00 - 17.45 Optional meditation
18.30 - 19.30 Dinner

Saturday
10.00 - 12.30 Session 2
12.30 - 14.30 Lunch
14.30 - 17.30 Session 3
18.30 - 19.30 Dinner
20.00 - 20.45 Optional meditation

Sunday
09.00 - 09.45 Optional meditation
10.00 - 12.30 Session 4
12.30 - 14.00 Lunch
14.00 - 16.00 Session 5
16.00 - 16.30 Conclusion, presentation of the programme
16.30 - 17.00 Optional visit to the temple

Tags: PUBLIC, COMPASSION, buddhisme