death & dying

DISCUSSION 1

How we describe, react to, and expectations about death are all culturally taught. As in any cultural system we give meaning to events based on our experience and what we have been taught. Whether we see death as a transition to other states or rebirth or a journey to heaven or hell will be based on this process.  Which raises the question what can we learn from the dying?

Watch the video by Frank Ostaseski "What the dying Teach the Living". He is  a Buddhist teacher and a leader in the field of end-of-life care.  The video is two hours long but you only need to watch the first half, the second half is answering questions from the original live stream audience. If you have the time it is worth watching also.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3U8cva9QT4

In our final week of class discuss the elements of this presentation that you think are the most interesting or important. Is there anything you question or disagree with?

DISCUSSION 2

Describe your top three take a ways from this class.  What did you learn, what insights did you have or what do you not want to forget? Discuss why these are important for you.