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, Noble Caring, Noble Dying: Introduction
Noble Living, Noble Caring and Noble Dying describes the outlook we can bring to our human experience. Most of us will receive care and give
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.
Conversation with Phakchok Rinpoche on Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying
The Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying team met with Phakchok Rinpoche on several occasions to discuss questions frequently posed by sangha members. In this
Conversation with Tulku Migmar: How We Live is How We Die
In this conversation, Tulku Migmar speaks about living a meaningful life. This is good advice regardless of whether we are Buddhist or not. And he
Four Reminders for Noble Living
In the Buddhist tradition, we speak frequently about Four Mind Changings. The Four reminders, or Four Mind Changings that turn the mind towards the dharma
Taking Hold of Bodhicitta
Taking hold of Bodhicitta is a crucial element of Noble Living and also of Noble Caring. When we wish to live nobly, we give up
Conversation: Preparing For Our Own Death
In July, 2018, Samye Institute recorded a series of conversations on the topic of Noble Living, Noble Caring and Noble Dying. This project came about
The Six Bardos: Powerful Opportunities for Liberation
In a previous Guru Rinpoche Day message, Phakchok Rinpoche sent students a reminder to regularly bring to mind teachings on the six bardos. We present here
Conversation: Tulku Migmar on the Bardo
Samye Institute’s Noble Living, Noble Caring and Noble Dying team continues the conversation about Noble Living and Care-giving. Here the team discusses the bardo, the
Physical Health: Advice from Phakchok Rinpoche
Physical health situations can make our lives more stressful and difficult to manage. And we often ask the Rinpoches and lamas what spiritual practices we should do
Instant Liberation Through Supplication
Instant liberation can happen, even if we think that practice while dying is very difficult. How can this happen? If we take the time to
We need to learn how to live with dignity. Live without regret, live with compassion, (just a little bit of compassion), live with contentment… live with no regrets. Then you are going to find some degree of dignity, I think that is the only way to die. No regret. Whether you are spiritual or not spiritual it is important to have no regrets.
—Phakchok Rinpoche
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 and Compassionate Heart
Phakchok Rinpoche explained compassion in the following way: In Tibetan, the word for compassion, nying je (snying rje), means “noble heart”. It refers to our own heart and
Cultivating Kindness: Advice from Phakchok Rinpoche
Bodhicitta is a word that means the mind of enlightenment. You will never realize enlightenment without it. What qualities does this mind have? Bodhicitta needs
Conversation with Phakchok Rinpoche on Noble Caring
Our Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying team continued their conversation with Phakchok Rinpoche in New York. In this section, our team members discuss care
Conversation: Pure Motivation
Our Noble Living, Noble Caring and Noble Dying team here discusses the importance of pure motivation when care-giving. If we spend some time to consider
Motivation and Dharma as Medicine
In this short clip, Rinpoche responds to a question asked about how to view and implement our motivation into practice. Rinpoche uses the analogy of
Medicine Buddha Visualization and Mantra
Medicine Buddha, or Bhaiṣajyaguru visualization has been practiced in many forms of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. According to the Mahayana Bhaiṣajya-guru-vaiḍūrya-prabhā-rāja Sūtra, the bodhisattva Bhaiṣajyaguru
Caregiving At a Distance and the Paramita of Generosity
Caregiving at a distance is extremely challenging during this time of the coronavirus threat. How do you care for someone when you can’t be directly
The Paramita of Patience and Caring For People with Dementia
It can be very challenging to care for a person who has dementia. Patience is key. They may need intense caregiving and as the disease
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.
Practicing Compassionate Presence at the Bedside
Being present at the bedside of those who are dying can be a deeply profound experience for everyone who is involved. It may be filled
Being With and Caring for Those Who Are Dying
Being with and caring for those who are dying is a spiritual experience, more than a medical one. When someone is dying we enter a
Addressing Chronic Pain with Moment to Moment Awareness
In this video presentation, Tsunma Jamyang Donma shares her advice on caring for those with chronic pain. Her observations are based upon her experience both
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.
Caring for Children, Part One
Caring for children, especially those who may be quite ill or dying, requires special skill sets. Here, in the first of a series of conversations, Tsunma
Caring for Children, Part Two
In the second video in this series, Tsunma Jamyang continues her discussion of caring for children. Here, she encourages the care-giver to recall the four
Body Scan and Favorite Place Practice with Children
Body scan practice and favorite place practice can be skillful explorations when working with very sick or terminally ill children. In this video unit Tsunma Jamyang explains
Never Stop Communicating
In this video teaching, Tsunma Jamyang discusses issues surrounding a long, involved dying process with children. She reminds us that we don’t know what people
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.
Let Go: Simple Self-Care Practices For the Caregiver
Self-care can be a huge issue for the caregiver. Andrea Sherman reminds us that we need to heal ourselves as we try to heal or
Applying the Pāramitās to Care-Giving
Applying the pāramitās, or transcendental perfections, to care-giving offers us a way to go beyond remaining caught up in self-absorption. Care-giving, as Andrea Sherman explains
Conversation: Helping Others Prepare for Death
In July, 2018, Samye Institute recorded a series of conversations on the topic of Noble Living, Noble Caring and Noble Dying. This project came about
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!
Cultivating Devotion
Societal Human Values Series # 1 by Hilary Herdman Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, (Srong-brtsan-sgam-po, reigned 629-650 CE. ), among his many achievements, promoted a moral
Antidotes for the Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness: What’s Going on in Our Lives? Researchers are noting that large numbers of people report chronic feelings of loneliness. The numbers are so staggering
What Is Buddhism?
In this advice session with students, Phakchok Rinpoche explains that Buddhism encompasses a great deal. “Buddhism is everything!” he says.
Spacious and Calm Mind
Real happiness means having a spacious and calm mind. Happiness is not just about having fun. We become happy when we develop a grounded mind that isn’t influenced by whether we have a good day or a bad day. By examining, we can realize that what we normally consider happiness is not reliable.
Cultivating Devotion
Societal Human Values Series # 1 by Hilary Herdman Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, (Srong-brtsan-sgam-po, reigned 629-650 CE. ), among his many achievements, promoted a moral
Antidotes for the Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness: What’s Going on in Our Lives? Researchers are noting that large numbers of people report chronic feelings of loneliness. The numbers are so staggering
What Is Buddhism?
In this advice session with students, Phakchok Rinpoche explains that Buddhism encompasses a great deal. “Buddhism is everything!” he says.
Spacious and Calm Mind
Real happiness means having a spacious and calm mind. Happiness is not just about having fun. We become happy when we develop a grounded mind that isn’t influenced by whether we have a good day or a bad day. By examining, we can realize that what we normally consider happiness is not reliable.
Practical Matters: Death and Paperwork
Practical matters preparing for death involve prior planning. We’ve included this in the Noble Living section to encourage you to discuss these topics and plan
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
The dying process unfolds as a series of dissolution of the physical elements of the body. Although each death is unique, we can explore the journey ahead and thus approach our own deaths fearlessly and with awareness. If we know what to expect, we can prepare ourselves and welcome death without regret, confident in our own pure nature and in our practice. We can also take the opportunity to direct our prayers and practice as the consecutive stages occur.
Conversation: What’s Happening at Death?
Our Samye Insitute team continued the conversation at Gomde New York about the process of death. Here, Tulku Migmar discusses the signs of death—the actual
Buddhist Reading on Dying and Care-Giving
We’re often asked for suggestions for Buddhist reading on dying and care-giving. These books generally reflect a Buddhist perspective and provide detailed discussions of many
Conversation with Phakchok Rinpoche on Prayer and Phowa
Phakchok Rinpoche discusses the benefits of prayer with the Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying Team. In this conversation in New York, he explains the
Awareness and Vigiling at the Bedside
Vigiling with those who are dying is being present at the bedside during the final hours of a person’s life. To sit vigil is to
The Five Invitations: Teachings on Death and on Living Fully
“The Five Invitations” by Frank Ostaseski, a Zen Buddhist teacher, and co-founder of the Zen Hospice Project, are teachings on death that provide guidance and
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.
Conversation with Phakchok Rinpoche on Grief and Guilt
Our Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying continued their conversation with Phakchok Rinpoche in New York. In this section, our team members discuss grief and
Grief: A Contemplative View
A Contemplative View of Grief The Buddha taught that all phenomena are impermanent. Everything is changing in every moment, even in ways we don’t notice.
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!
Cultivating Devotion
Societal Human Values Series # 1 by Hilary Herdman Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, (Srong-brtsan-sgam-po, reigned 629-650 CE. ), among his many achievements, promoted a moral
Antidotes for the Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness: What’s Going on in Our Lives? Researchers are noting that large numbers of people report chronic feelings of loneliness. The numbers are so staggering
What Is Buddhism?
In this advice session with students, Phakchok Rinpoche explains that Buddhism encompasses a great deal. “Buddhism is everything!” he says.
Spacious and Calm Mind
Real happiness means having a spacious and calm mind. Happiness is not just about having fun. We become happy when we develop a grounded mind that isn’t influenced by whether we have a good day or a bad day. By examining, we can realize that what we normally consider happiness is not reliable.
Guest Blog: My ALS Adventure
Not knowing how, I failed to find it when I searched for the dharma in High School. Instead, I began a career in the computer
Continue the Conversation
We hope that you have found the materials presented in our program helpful. As we all face the reality of sickness and death, we can learn from each other along the way. We encourage you to join our Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying forum. Feel free to post your questions or your personal tips. We look forward to sharing together in this beautiful journey!
Cultivating Devotion
Societal Human Values Series # 1 by Hilary Herdman Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, (Srong-brtsan-sgam-po, reigned 629-650 CE. ), among his many achievements, promoted a moral
Antidotes for the Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness: What’s Going on in Our Lives? Researchers are noting that large numbers of people report chronic feelings of loneliness. The numbers are so staggering
What Is Buddhism?
In this advice session with students, Phakchok Rinpoche explains that Buddhism encompasses a great deal. “Buddhism is everything!” he says.
Spacious and Calm Mind
Real happiness means having a spacious and calm mind. Happiness is not just about having fun. We become happy when we develop a grounded mind that isn’t influenced by whether we have a good day or a bad day. By examining, we can realize that what we normally consider happiness is not reliable.
Continue the Conversation
We hope that you have found the resources shared here helpful. The Samye Institute team wishes to encourage all participants to join in contributing to
Cultivating Devotion
Societal Human Values Series # 1 by Hilary Herdman Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, (Srong-brtsan-sgam-po, reigned 629-650 CE. ), among his many achievements, promoted a moral
Antidotes for the Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness: What’s Going on in Our Lives? Researchers are noting that large numbers of people report chronic feelings of loneliness. The numbers are so staggering
What Is Buddhism?
In this advice session with students, Phakchok Rinpoche explains that Buddhism encompasses a great deal. “Buddhism is everything!” he says.
Spacious and Calm Mind
Real happiness means having a spacious and calm mind. Happiness is not just about having fun. We become happy when we develop a grounded mind that isn’t influenced by whether we have a good day or a bad day. By examining, we can realize that what we normally consider happiness is not reliable.
Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying: Supplementary Resources
This page contains supplementary readings for the Noble Living, Noble Caring, Noble Dying course. These texts have been made available thanks to Samye Institute’s team
Supplementary Resources
Our translation team at Lhasey Lotsawa offers translations of prayers and practices relevant to the dying process.