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A Buddhist perspective on caring for the dying
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Sixty medical professionals and volunteers attended the training.
More photos...
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In February 2001, sixty professional and volunteer
caregivers gathered in northern Holland for an in-depth
training in spiritual and emotional care for dying led by
Christine Longaker.
The five-day event forms part of a two-year course sponsored by
the Davidhuis Spiritual Center in Rotterdam. "I really enjoyed
the warm and professional way in which Christine led such a
large group," said Eva Wolf, who found that the Tibetan
Buddhist practices she learned during the course complemented
her long-time practice of Zen meditation.
Confronting fears and pre-conceptions about death--and life
Using a variety of guided exercises and visualizations,
participants were encouraged to explore their own fears and
pre-conceptions not just about death and dying, but living.
Many took the opportunity to look deeply into their own
lives and to examine unresolved emotional issues that hinder
them in their work and relationships with others.
In an exercise for resolving
unfinished
business, participants were asked to engage in an imaginary
dialogue with an individual (living or dead) with whom they had
unresolved problems or conflicts. Many remarked that
communication with their visualized "partner"
became more realistic as the week progressed.
'Not only are these practices nourishing
for me personally, but they show you what you can do quietly
for someone who wants nothing to do with
spirituality.'
Full interview...
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Coming to terms with ourselves through meditation
Early morning meditation sessions led by members of the
Dutch spiritual care team introduced the practice of
shamatha, or calm abiding. This basic meditation technique,
described in The Tibetan
Book of Living and Dying, is intended to slow the anxious
rush of everyday thoughts and bring about a sense of profound
ease. Even though the majority of attendees were already familiar
with some form of meditation, the guided sessions enabled them
to deepen their understanding. "My work with terminally ill
people will definitely improve by learning how to be,"
said Rinus Fuijkschot.
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A light offering in memory of friends and loved
ones who had died provided an inspiring conclusion
to the course
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A warm, inspiring environment for personal growth
Despite the subject, the atmosphere was warm--even
festive. Using poetry, music, and chant, there was a rich and
inspiring atmosphere for spiritual practice. Rituals and
ceremonies were also incorporated into the program to
amplify the feeling of sacredness. On the last evening of the
training, a special practice was organized to celebrate the
anniversary of the great 14th century Tibetan Buddhist
master Longchenpa.
A guide to awakening compassion
Overall, the five-day course gave participants the
opportunity to take a break from their busy lives and look
deeply within. "Everything I learn myself always has an
influence on my work," said Marja van Gameren, who
counsels people going through life and career change. The
essential message was that by becoming freer of ourselves
and our own baggage, we can be of much greater help, not
just in our caregiving work, but to ourselves, our friends and
families. The sentiments of many participants were summed
up by Annie Birken: "I will treasure my experiences on this
course as a personal guide to awakening compassion for
myself and for others; a reference book I can go back to time
and time again."
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