Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying
Noble Living, Noble Caring, and Noble Dying describes the outlook we can bring to our human experience. This resource center is the result of many conversations with Phakchok Rinpoche, Tulku Migmar, and experts in the caring profession. We invite you to explore how our Buddhist practice informs our living, caring, and dying so that they are noble: filled with dignity and grace.
Noble Living: Study and Reflections
The Buddhist tradition offers innumerable resources that encourage us to live a noble life. All the masters and adepts advocate an active, lifelong learning process. We open our hearts and minds to the realities of suffering and death. When we stay present with our vulnerabilities instead of ignoring them or pushing them away, we can face challenges with courage and curiosity. And we can be a powerful support for our loved ones and for all those who suffer.
Noble Caring
When we train in loving-kindness, compassion, and equanimity, we can truly care for ourselves and others. Our noble caring manifests with no agenda, and with pure love for all sentient beings. If we embrace this practice, we can avoid burnout, and instead face challenges with courage and dignity. We can become a rock for others who need support.
Noble Caring at the Bedside
Phakchok Rinpoche often reminds us to have no expectations. Nowhere is this advice more important than when we engage in intimate caring. To care nobly, we approach each situation with a willingness to witness and to be present with whatever arises.
Noble Caring for Children
Beings of all ages experience suffering. And children may approach serious illnesses with open curiosity. We can care for children most effectively when we listen deeply and honor their experiences. Then we may offer our young friends the opportunity to communicate their own concerns or wishes.
Noble Self-Care
Self-care is crucial on the path. Before we help others, we take time to set our intentions and to check our own physical and mental health. Simple practices, such as pausing before we enter client rooms, bring us back to the present moment. We move purposefully, and with calm awareness. We take time to rest and eat nutritious meals. We practice supplication and guru yoga, reminding ourselves of our pure basic nature.
Noble Caring Through Pain
Most of us will experience physical or mental pain. And almost all of us will care for others who suffer. We can learn how to approach pain with curiosity and kindness. When we choose to investigate pain rather than fight against it, we may discover a new relationship!
Noble Dying: The Final Steps
We can help our friends, families, and caregivers by planning ahead. Conversations about our final wishes may seem awkward or pessimistic. But death is certain; we know that from our own experience. So we can plan our final steps with love, thinking to ease the burden of those we leave behind. If we adopt the practice of noble living, we can see this process as a meaningful gift for others.
Noble Dying: Active Dying
We can help our friends, families, and caregivers by planning ahead. Conversations about our final wishes may seem awkward or pessimistic. But death is certain; we know that from our own experience. So we can plan our final steps with love, thinking to ease the burden of those we leave behind. If we adopt the practice of noble living, we can see this process as a meaningful gift for others.
Noble Grief
Grief arises when we encounter suffering. But grief does not need to incapacitate us or block our ability to love or care. Here we share reflections on how to skillfully work with grief.
Live trainings at Samye Hermitage New York
Guided Meditations
In this resource section, we share a selection of audio meditations. Some of these can be practiced by both the caregiver and the care recipient, as well as with their friends and family. Others are particularly helpful for the caregiver as regular practices to develop compassion and equanimity in the face of suffering. We encourage you to browse the library and to download the audios for your convenience.
Guest Blog
Our contributors share their stories of navigating the caring and dying process with dignity and grace. Their very personal stories can touch us, and, we hope, inspire us on our journey. If you would have a story to share or would like to contribute, please contact us!