
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.
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> REGISTRATION
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> PRACTICAL INFO
START Friday 3 October – 2pm
END Sunday 5 October – 4.30pmCHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES / KEYS
Friday 3 October: 10am to midday
For arrivals after midday on Friday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.CONTRIBUTION to the event - €140
(Does not include accommodation and meals)
Financial support is available for those who require assistance with the standard contribution.LANGUAGES
Teachings: French, English -
> CARPOOL
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
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> FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our commitment is for everyone who wishes to come to Lerab Ling, to have access to our programmes, whatever their financial circumstances. We offer different options for those who are unable to pay the standard contribution.
More info about Lerab Ling financial support for attending our retreats/events.
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> STAY WITH US: ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
You can book your meals and/or onsite accommodation when registering for the retreat/event. For more information on our accommodation and meals click here
Otherwise, there's also accommodations in surrounding villages
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> PREPARE FOR YOUR STAY
Tags: PUBLIC, COMPASSION, buddhisme