The Stages of Death and Dying
August 16th and 17th 2025, 9am-12pm (PT)
Teaching will be available on Zoom.
For an ordinary person, death is considered terrifying. But for us practitioners, we should have some ability to handle death in a natural way. It is very important that we are aware of our own impermanence and prepare for death throughout our lifetime. Then, when the time of death comes for oneself or others, it is important to recall the stages of the process. Remembering and speaking the details of what is unfolding can allow the dying person to relax, opening the door to deeper awareness and to the possibility of liberating in the Bardo.
In general, due to the differing customs in Eastern and Western societies, there are varying practices immediately after death. For a Tibetan, as soon as someone enters the final dying process, a family member or friend will invite a Lama to come as soon as possible. However, in Western countries, it is not so easy to be blessed with the presence of a Tibetan Bön lama as he or she may not live nearby.
If a lama is able to be present when body and mind are about to separate, the lama (Ngegoi lama) will speak of the nature of death to help the dying person remember what will unfold. If a lama is not available, a Yungdrung Bön practitioner will assist. Shortly after the external breath has ceased and the mind has separated from the body, Powa will be performed to assist with the transfer of consciousness. The Powa Ritual will be done usually by the Lama. During the following three days and then daily or at least weekly, Bardo prayers will be recited both by the Lama as well as by family and friends. The Du Tri Su purification will also be done daily for forty-nine days by the lama and sangha.
These are the unique customs of Yungdrung Bõn. During the weekend teaching, Chaphur Rinpoche will introduce each custom and teach each process in detail.
We invite you to join us for this important preparation for the end of our current life experience in anticipation of liberation from the cycle of samsara or the blessing of an auspicious rebirth.
Please click here to register.
