TLC PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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Vision

TLC Transitional Life Care offers support to those who wish to deepen their understanding and awareness of the truth of impermanence. We offer many resources in order to assist those who are preparing for and experiencing the end of life, and to the families, friends, and caregivers of those approaching death and throughout the dying process. It is also our aspiration to provide spiritual encouragement in the Buddhist tradition and to present programs that reflect this, including:

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Purpose

We are motivated by 1) a desire to ease suffering and offer comfort and support to those who have entered the dying process, and their loved ones and caregivers, and 2) a desire to acknowledge and facilitate the opportunity for spiritual understanding and practice, the essence of the transference of consciousness.

 

Organization and Structure

We are a volunteer-based, grassroots group of Vajrayana Buddhists working independently of any particular religious organization, and are unaffiliated with any hospital or hospice. The seed for TLC was planted many years ago with the strong encouragement of Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche, an esteemed Vajrayana Buddhist Master. The program provides educational events several times annually to better equip ourselves in preparation for our own deaths and to offer assistance to others, as well as films of our programs, and other resources. When requested, our aspirations include providing counsel and pre-arranged visits by one or more TLC associates offering spiritual support. When death occurs, we will assist with preparing the body, participating in Vajrayana practices for the deceased, and planning funeral and memorial services. We do not charge for these services but will gratefully accept donations for TLC Transitional Life Care. Please see our “Donate” page for information on how to help.

 

Support Literature and Education

We utilize TLC’s end of life manual ‘Instructions for the Transitional State’, written by TLC Founder and Director, Julie Rogers, with the advice of Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche, published by Vimala at vimalatreasures.org. We host a wide variety of Vajrayana masters and teachers, medical professionals, hospice workers, and others to lead our educational programs and engage in discussion on the topic, and we encourage study of available literature on the subject. In addition, we offer and provide support. 

 

Authorization

This program is authorized by Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche. TLC has been supported by the teachings and advice of many Vajrayana teachers including His Holiness Getse Rinpoche, Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, Lingtrul Rinpoche, Chamtrul Rinpoche, Tulku Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche, Lama Sonam Tsering Rinpoche, Venerable Sogan Rinpoche, Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo, Khenpo Paljor Gyatso, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, Lama Drimed Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Lama Gyaltsen, Lama Choyang, Lama John Ross, Loppon Yudron Wangmo, Lama Pat Berube, Drubpon Pema Rigzin, and Lama Les Collins. Chagdud Khadro and Jetsunma Palmo, Lama Choyang, and others have been especially enthusiastic and supportive of this program.

 

Additionally, TLC’s guest speakers have included medical professionals and other knowledgeable educators such as hospice medical director Dr. Benjamin Boblett, Dr. Peter Candell, Tibetan physican Thinley Gyatso, Tibetan Physician Nashalla Nyinda, Green Burial Professionals Edward Bixby and Seth Viddal, Attorney Kathleen Pratt, Alistar Shanks from Zen Hospice Project, educator and translator Paloma Landry, hospital chaplain Liz Hammil-Howard, hospital chaplain Jamie Kimmel, hospice nurse Joshua Hayes, ICU nurse Buffy Plante, therapists Rose Kaufman and Fran Anderson, Cindy Abel of East Bay Conversation Project, Nirabhra Taylor of Pema Osel Ling’s ‘Magical Display of the Arts’, author Sarah Beasley, artist Nancy Hom with Open Heart Mandala, and Amita Lhamo, end of life educator. 

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