The Art of Living and Dying 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This six-week course on Buddhist teachings on living and dying will challenge common understanding and experience of life and death. It explores Buddhist teachings on this topic from multiple perspectives and offers methods to face the challenges of death and dying as part of one’s life toward awakening. Topics discussed include Buddhist cosmology, existential dimensions of death and dying, karma, rebirth, merit and vows, and living with dignity and compassion.

Week 1: Introduction to Buddhist Cosmology

Part 1 of this class explores Buddhist understandings of life and death, continuity, and the importance of the path to awakening.

Part 2 of this class is an experiential practice of the foundation to meditation: progressive relaxation. We will also learn basic yoga stretches and self-massage.

Week 2: Death

Part 1 of this class explores our common understandings of death and its implications, and discusses how Buddhists face death with peace.

Part 2 of this class is an experiential practice of meditation on the breath.

Week 3: Dying

Part 1 explores the process of dying and different ways of dying and other topics such as: pain, suicide, euthanasia, funerals, and mind at the moment of death.

Part 2: We will watch a documentary film on the Zen hospice program.

Week 4: Karma and Vows

Part 1 discusses the Buddhist teaching on the wheel of life, karma, and interdependence. It also discusses misconceptions of karma and explores ways in which one could change one’s karma.

Part 2 is an experiential practice of repentance and vows.

Week 5: Rebirth

Part 1 explores the afterlife, intermediate realm, and the power of merit and vows.

Part 2 is an experiential practice of chanting Buddha’s name.

Week 6: Living Life

Part 1 focuses on how to live with dignity, generosity, clarity, and compassion.

Part 2 is an experiential practice of loving kindness.

Suggested Reading:

Sheng Yen. Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion through Chan Buddhism. Doubleday, 1999.

Guo Gu. Essence of Chan: A Practical Guide to Life and Practice according to the Teachings of Bodhidharma (Kindle Edition). Shambhala, 2012.

Philip Kapleau. The Zen of Living and Dying. Shambhala, 1998.