Spiritual Care

"To inspire a quiet revolution in the whole way we look at death and care for the dying and the whole way we look at life and care for the living." Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of the Living and the Dying

Rigpa's Spiritual Care Programme draws its inspiration directly from the teachings and practices given in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, written by Sogyal Rinpoche. It explores practical ways in which the compassion and wisdom of the Buddhist teachings can benefit those facing sickness or death and help their families and caregivers. The programme emphasises the universal spiritual principles that many have found resonate with their particular faith.

• In-service seminars for hospices, hospitals, nursing homes and clinics
• Workshops, seminars and lectures for healthcare professionals and volunteers
• Study groups for healthcare professionals
• Public Seminars and lectures for the public. Current and previous seminar topics include:
  • Facing Death - Embracing Life
  • Integrating Spirituality and Caregiving
  • Living Wills (Advance Care Directives)
  • Meditation for Caregivers
  • Opening the Heart to Loss and Grief
  • Spiritual Needs of the Aged
  • Spiritual Preparation for Death
• For full details of our current offerings, please download our 2008 brochure (PDF - 317KB)

Spiritual Care Educator
Judy Arpana is known throughout Australia and Europe as an expert in the area of spiritual care for the dying. She approaches this theme from a Buddhist perspective and her extensive experience of working in this field makes her seminars unique. Participants to her workshops include doctors, nurses, health workers, volunteers and people living with life-threatening illnesses. People attending Judy’s seminars frequently acknowledge that they are “life transforming”. Read more...

This seminar will explore deeply held attitudes towards death and dying, by acknowledging that underlying all fears is the fear of death and that a willingness to confront this fundamental belief can free us from unnecessary suffering. When significant change is embraced with grace, recognising the elements of loss and grief, understanding the grieving process and honouring it as an essential part of healing we can move more freely towards the next stage of our lives and preparation for a conscious death. We will look at the nature of loss and grief, not only in relation to physical death, but also of life's little deaths.
Date: 23-24 August 2008
Location: South Yarra Senior Citizens' Centre, Fawkner Park, Toorak Rd., South Yarra, Victoria
Cost: Individual 195 AUD, Organisation 250 AUD (discount for attending both seminars -- see registration form for details)
Contact: Nigel, Tel. 0429 095 165, Email spiritualcare@rigpamelbourne.org.au
Download: Seminar registration form (PDF - 314KB)
2008 Spiritual Care Programme brochure (PDF - 317KB)

This seminar will explore how the practices of meditation and compassion can help us face and overcome the challenges of caregiving and reconnect us to our inner source of love and compassion, which can be deeply healing both for ourselves and for others. As a caregiver, the first person we need to take care of is ourselves. When we forget to do this we can find ourselves stressed, burnt out and lacking the confidence and inspiration essential to sustain us in our work.
Date: 30-31 August 2008
Location: South Yarra Senior Citizens' Centre, Fawkner Park, Toorak Rd., South Yarra, Victoria
Cost: Individual 195 AUD, Organisation 250 AUD (discount for attending both seminars -- see registration form for more details)
Contact: Nigel, Tel. 0429 095 165, Email spiritualcare@rigpamelbourne.org.au
Download: Seminar registration form (PDF - 314KB)
2008 Spiritual Care Programme brochure (PDF - 317KB)