Exploring the Nature of Death and Dying

This page is dedicated to the work of the Buddhist Community’s “Death and Dying Task Force”.  This group has been formed to explore various aspects of death and dying; how our mortality might inform our life, how we can prepare for our own death, and how we can support others as they prepare for theirs.  

Here are the presentation to the community that the task force has offered along with some excellent resources:

Resources for advanced care planning:

Read this first - Making Healthcare Decisions & Completing an Advance Directive - Here

Miscellaneous resources for Preparing Your Advance Directive - Here

Values History - Here

Sample Advanced Directive form - Here

Sample letter to one’s family - Here

Comparison Of Advance Directives In Colorado - Here

‘Contemplating Mortality’ – Interview with Krista Tippet explores the question “What if we understand death as a developmental stage” – Here

Death and Dying suggested reading:

‘Dying with Confidence’ by Anyen Rinpoche
‘Preparing to Die’ by Andrew Holecek
Good Life, Good Death’ Paperback by Gelek Rinpoche
‘Mind Beyond Death’ by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
‘Peaceful Death, Joyful Rebirth’ by Tulku Thondup
‘Tibetan Book of Living and Dying’ by Sogyal Rinpoche
‘Facing Death and Finding Hope’  by Christine Longaker
‘Being with Dying’ by Joan Halifax
‘The Art of Being a Healing Presence:  A Guide for Those in Caring Relationships’ - James E. Miller with Susan C. Cutshall.  Willowgreen
‘Being with Dying, Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death’ - Joan Halifax
‘Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness’ by Joanne Lynn

There's an extensive reading list - Here