In the Mirror of Death

An Introduction to the Tibetan Buddhist Understanding of Death and Dying

In the Mirror of Death featured image

This course guides participants through the essential teachings on dying and death from the Buddhist tradition of Tibet. It offers a glimpse of this practical wisdom and sacred inspiration, which is so beneficial for today’s world. The universal message of these teachings speaks to people from all walks of life and is relevant for those of any spiritual tradition or none. They show us how we can face uncertainty and change, transform difficulty and fear, prepare for death and support others to die with dignity.

The course combines the essential teachings on this topic as presented in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying together with some video teachings by Sogyal Rinpoche. The course also gives essential guidance on meditation and the practice of Essential Phowa, a practice for healing and for the moment of death.

Content

The sessions offer a programme of teachings covering the following key points:

understanding impermanence and death and the heart advice for the moment of death
guidance on how to contemplate
an understanding of mind and how to work with it
the gradual approach to meditation: basic shamatha (watching the breath)
some aspects of emotional and practical preparation for death
some elements on caring for a dying person
guidance on the practice of Essential Phowa

Who is this course for?

The course anyone who wishes to learn more about death and dying from the Tibetan Buddhist perspective — whether you are new to meditation or Buddhism, or if you are a meditation student, Rigpa mandala student or come from other Buddhist tradition. The universality of the message of these teachings can bring benefit to anyone who wants to explore this topic.

Location

Rigpa Dublin, 12 Wicklow Street
The event is available online for those who are unable to come to the centre in person.

Dates

Mondays from 7 to 9 pm with a tea break
10 Classes from 18.9 to 4.12 (no classes on 30 Oct. & 6 Nov.)

Cost

Benefactor: 250 euro
Standard: 200 euro
Concession: 100 euro
Students/Under 25/Rigpa members: 50 euro

Instructors

Klara Finkele

Klara has been studying Tibetan Buddhism since 2001. She has done several long term practice retreats as well as studied under Khenchen Namdrol in the Rigpa Shedra (Buddhist philosophy program in Nepal). In 2022 Khenchen Namdrol and Khandro Rinpoche entrusted Klara to be a teacher and practice holder within the Nyingma tradition. She enjoys teaching new students meditation and is enthusiastic about all aspects of practice from the simple meditation practice to the more elaborate traditional practices. Klara also is a volunteer with the St Francis Hospice in Dublin providing bereavement support.

Tony Mealy

Tony has been following the Buddhist path for nearly 10 years during which he has attended and supported courses in Dublin and online. He has also attended retreats in Dzogchen Beara. He has been a member of the Rigpa Dublin management group and is currently a member of the Rigpa Ireland Board. He has also participated in a number of Rigpa International strategy workshops.