top of page

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

TLC is currently presenting all our programs via Zoom. 

Scroll down to register for our next event and to see what's coming up.

All monastics are invited to register for our programs without offering a donation.

PLEASE NOTE: During the week following every TLC event, those who registered will receive a link providing additional access to it for three months.

 

TLC also provides videos of our past events. Go to the TLC DVD Archive page to find films you can own, and go to the TLC Videos page to find films you can rent. Sign up for our newsletters at the bottom of this page to receive updates. Also, please add tlcserves@gmail.com to your contact list to ensure delivery to your Inbox rather than to your junk mail.

 

SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF OUR PAST PROGRAMS.

1 TLC LOGO Red & While Transparent.png

Welcome to TLC as we celebrate our 10th Year!

Upcoming Events

April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day. Check it out!

How To Talk About Wishes for Care Through the End of Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with Reverend Rosemary Lloyd

from The Conversation Project

Saturday, April 27, 2024

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. PDT

 

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day when it’s a good time to turn our attention toward Advance Directives and preparing end of life documents. It’s true we can’t plan for everything, but we can talk about what is most important – in our life, and in our health care – with those who matter most. Talking together can bring us closer. It also helps create the foundation of a care plan that’s right for all of us – a plan that will be available when the need arises. The Conversation Project wants to help us talk about our wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. Join this session to learn ice breakers, tips and tricks, and ideas for how to have these conversations with the important people in your life. We’ll cover examples of how to bring up this topic with people who might be nervous to talk about it, ideas for how to address complex family situations, and suggestions for how to talk with the health care team. You’re not alone – we’ll figure this out together.

 

Please go to this link and print the free ‘CONVERSATION STARTER GUIDE

to have on hand during this program, along with a writing implement. Thank you!

 

Suggested donation $25 - $45

REGISTER HERE

All who register will receive the video, whether present that day or not.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds and options are available when you register.

 

Once registered, you will receive an acknowledgment, and an additional email with vital info one day before the event. Open the link provided—the Zoom link will be posted there two hours before the program. Within a week following the event, another link will be sent, providing access to the recording for three months.​

The Rev. Rosemary Lloyd has a life-long interest in end-of-life care and ethics that are fueled by her experience as a registered nurse, hospice volunteer, minister, and family caregiver. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, Harvard Divinity School, and the Metta Institute for Compassionate End of Life Care led by Frank Ostaseski, co-founder of the San Francisco Zen Hospice House and author of The Five Invitations. An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and Advisor to faith communities for The Conversation Project, Reverend Rosemary has led classes on aging, living, and dying well for 20 years. This program will include a PowerPoint presentation, stories, and time for questions and answers.

The Impermanence of Self and the Guru

Lama Lakshey Zangpo Rinpoche

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, May 25, 2024

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

PST on Zoom

Impermanence is certain - we will die and so will our teachers. With few exceptions, these two losses are unparalleled. The grief of facing separation from our teachers and our loved ones is difficult to process and can cause disorientation, confusion, and undoubtedly, sorrow. These responses to profound loss often apply when we deeply realize that those we love have a limited time to live, that we will eventually die ourselves, and that our attachment can continue on. Lama Lakshey Zangpo Rinpoche will address these concerns with advice about view, practice, understanding our grief, and ways to accept the truth of our impermanence. The second half of the program will be reserved for questions and answers.

 

Suggested donation $25 - $45

REGISTER HERE

All who register will receive the video, whether present that day or not.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds and options are available when you register.

 

Once registered, you will receive an acknowledgment, and an additional email with vital info one day before the event. Open the link provided—the Zoom link will be posted there two hours before the program. Within a week following the event, another link will be sent, providing access to the recording for three months.​

Lama Lakshey Zangpo Rinpoche was born in eastern Tibet and entered Mardo Tashi Choling monastery at the age of ten. Later, he attended Larung Gar Institute in Tibet and studied Buddhist philosophy and meditation for a decade with H.H. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. Lama Lakshey was recognized at a young age as a tulku, and was later enthroned by H.H. Katok Getse Rinpoche, the seventh head of the Nyingma tradition. Lama Lakshey has taught in the U.S. and Canada for the last 15 years. He provides instruction on Buddhist meditation and eastern psychology to dharma practitioners, university students and faculty, medical communities, and tech corporations. Lama Lakshey served on the Board of Directors of Joru Foundation and is the spiritual advisor of Tsinta Mani Choling. He resides in the Bay Area. This is the second time Rinpoche has taught for TLC and we highly recommend this unique presentation.

 

Additional TLC Zoom Events

Details about program topics and registration will be announced several weeks preceding each event.

Venerable Robina Courtin / Sat. 6-22 / 10:00 am-12:00 pm PDT

How to Face Death Without Fear

Gelongma Lozang Yönten & Leigh Miller, PhD / Sat. 7-27 / 3:00-5:00 pm PDT

Distinguished Faculty from Maitripa College's Chaplaincy Program

The Practice of Spiritual Caregiving: Monastic and Lay Perspectives for End of Life

 

Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche / Sat. 8-25 / 10:00 am-12:00 pm PDT

Stories and Advice - Bedside Vigil in America and Tibet

 

Tulku Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche / Details TBA
Phowa Empowerment, Teachings, and Practice

in person and streamed.

Lama Choyang

Bereavement Support Event / Sat. 12-7 / 2:00 - 4:00 PST / Details TBA

We look forward to hosting Buddhist teachers and educators throughout 2024!

All who register for our events will receive the video, whether present that day or not.

Reverend Rosemary Lloyd.jpg
PR PORTRAIT.jpeg

Stay Tuned!
Check for updates here, in our newsletter, and on our Facebook

and Instagram pages to receive info about future events and resources. 

PAST TLC EVENTS

 

2024

2-25-24 ON ZOOM "Understanding Tukdam" with Lama Lakshey Zangpo Rinpoche. Program Focus: Lama Lakshey offers a rare opportunity to hear teachings on tukdam, a meditative state recognized in Vajrayana Buddhism that some accomplished practitioners enter after death. This honorific term means "one engaged in meditation," describing a period when the consciousness remains absorbed in a state of profound luminosity and stillness. Traditionally, tukdam is associated with great, realized beings who have attained a deep understanding of the nature of mind. From the Buddhist perspective, such realized beings can enter a state where they remain in meditative absorption for days or longer after clinical death. Lama Lakshey explains and answers questions about how we can also aspire to accomplish this state through dedicated meditation practice, devotion, and our pure commitment to benefit beings. Lama Lakshey Rinpoche was born in Golok, Tibet. He began his training in the Kathok Nyingma tradition at Mardo Tashi Choling and later studied at Larung Gar with HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and other masters. Rinpoche was formally recognized and later enthroned by HH Katog Getse Rinpoche. In 2011 Lama Lakshey founded and is the spiritual advisor of Tsinta Mani Choling. He also served on the Board of Directors of Joru Foundation. He has taught widely and his modern approach to teaching meditation addresses the needs of people from a variety of backgrounds.

3-24-24 ON ZOOM "Life in Relation to Death" with Lama Tsering Everest. Program Focus: Lama Tsering Everest leads participants through a contemplation of the teachings she received from her teacher, Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, using his book ‘Life in Relation to Death’. This honest reflection on the subject of life and death brings the truth of impermanence and the importance of transition to our attention in a poignant and inspiring way. Lama Tsering Everest is recognized as an emanation of Tara, a holder of the Red Tara lineage, and after her three-year retreat was ordained as a lama by HE Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche. She acted as Chagdud Rinpoche’s translator for 11 years and has been teaching and offering empowerments since the mid-1990s. Lama Tsering is now the resident lama and director of Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling in São Paulo, Brazil. She teaches and leads retreats across Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, and returns to North America annually. Her warmth, humor, and compassion are reflected in this teaching as she helps us recognize how essential Dharma practice is, and how it prepares us for the end of life.

2023

2-26-23 ON ZOOM "Mindful Living, Mindful Death: Assisting a Loved One Through a Graceful Transition" with Lama Glenn Mullin. Program Focus: Lama Glenn discusses various aspects of Vajrayana Buddhist practice related to the end of life, highlighting the importance of dream yoga and sadhana practice, and the necessity of accomplishing p'howa before transition. His talk encompasses descriptions of the dissolution of the body's elements, the bardo experience after death, and other related aspects of preparing for death. Stories of his personal experiences sitting at bedside are shared and a few questions and answers are included. Lama Glenn Mullin is an international Buddhist teacher and the author of over thirty books on Tibetan Buddhism, among them, ‘The Tibetan Book of the Dead - An Illustrated Edition’ and ‘Living in the Face of Death’. About this volume, Elizabeth Kübler-Ross wrote, “I am grateful to the author for the immense labor he has put into this masterpiece.” A devoted student of HH the Dalai Lama and other Vajrayana Buddhist masters as well as a curator of Tibetan art and dance, Lama Glenn leads pilgrimages to power spots in Tibet.

3-25-23 ON ZOOM "The Death of Death ~ Tibetan Views on the Ultimate Journey" with Andrew Holecek. Program Focus: Andrew Holecek discusses the Tibetan perspective of death as ultimately being an illusion and how to incorporate the view that it provides us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to realize the truth of our deathless nature. By examining the nature of fear, he explores what does end, what continues, and where we go after we die. This talk includes inspiring information about how to utilize dreaming and dream yoga, how mediation can and will help us prepare for transition, and why the Tibetan approach to death is one of the greatest gifts to humanity. Andrew Holecek is an internationally known Dharma teacher and author who often blends the wisdom of the East with knowledge from the West. The focus of his study extends from lucid dreaming and resolving obstacles in meditation to death and dying. An expert on lucid dreaming and the Tibetan yogas of sleep and dream, Dr. Holecek is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and the author of scientific papers on lucid dreaming. This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.

4-22-23 ON ZOOM "Care for the End of Life and Terminal Illness" with Stephanie Crawford, RN, BSN, Death Doula and Hospice Nurse. Program Focus: This unique discussion about end-of-life care guides us through the death doula role, the differences between hospice and palliative care, and ways to ritualize dying. Stephanie Crawford began her nursing career on a trauma and oncology unit at Stanford Hospital where she was introduced to the complexities of our current healthcare system, especially those related to end-of-life care. After witnessing many chaotic, traumatic, and unprepared-for hospital deaths, she founded 'Awakened Endings', in order to educate and assist with quality of life via her death doula practice. During this program Stephanie explains the importance of  healing death-related fear and anxiety by cultivating peace and ease through mindfulness, spiritual exploration, education, and practical planning, with the belief that dying is a sacred part of life that unifies us in our experience as human beings. Questions and answers are included - suitable for a wide audience. This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.

6-3-23 ON ZOOM "Living with Sudden Loss ~ An Interactive Program" with Lama Choyang. Program Focus: Lama Choyang explores the often unspoken of territory around loss and the aspects of grief that often accompany a traumatic or sudden death. This program included a poignant guided mediation. Participants were able to speak about their experience and Lama Choyang's comments and insights were relevant to all the ways we experience mourning and bereavement. In her consistently accessible manner, she drew from her experience as a hospice chaplain and dharma teacher and led the group to embrace an open-hearted acceptance of grief along with the potential to heal. Lama Choyang (Allison Rader), a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, worked for five years as a chaplain with Hospice of Humboldt. Her root teachers are Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche and his Dzogchen lineage holder, Lama Drimed Norbu. She completed seven years of retreat under Lama Drimed's guidance and was ordained by him in 2009. Lama Choyang teaches dharma, leads retreats, and offers grief counseling, grief workshops, and spiritual mentoring in Arcata, CA, and online. This video is available on our Free TLC Videos page and YouTube Channel.

8-12-23 ON ZOOM "Knowing and Protecting Your Rights at the End of Life - Expert Advice About Advance Directives" with Rick Beeman, Founder and Executive Director of Ars Moriendi Project, chaplain, and author of 'My Dying Wishes'. Program Focus: This presentation focused on the reasons why adults need to have an “Advance Directive” and how to create one that adequately defines one’s end-of-life wishes. Participants received help with identifying a qualified person to act as a medical power of attorney, and had questions answered about Advance Directive issues. Information was offered on how to attach an “addenda” to any basic Advance Directive, and attendees were given tools to help them open up informed conversations with their loved ones about their end-of-life desires. Rick Beeman's  books, 'My Dying Wishes: How I Want to Be Treated as I Go and After I’m Gone', and its related workbook, 'Advance Directive Essentials' were utilized and are recommended by TLC. Rick Beeman has been a chaplain for forty years, as well as an author, videographer, documentarian, and YouTuber. His work with Ars Moriendi Project is dedicated to improving the quality of life for elders as the end-of-life approaches, the emphasis being on providing education, resources, and advocacy for elders relating to aging, dying, and death. This video is available on our Free TLC Videos page and YouTube Channel.

9-23-23 ON ZOOM "Natural Freedom Upon Hearing - Teachings on the Bardos" with Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, translated by Vanessa Kubota. Program Focus: Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche provides explanations regarding the six, four, two and essential bardos from the Vajrayana perspective. During this program Rinpoche teaches from his book 'Natural Freedom Upon Hearing' for the first time and  encourages us to practice as he discusses the process at death that provides the opportunity to recognize pure awareness. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche’s brilliant knowledge brings a fresh perspective and clarifies confusion, particularly concerning the dying process as found in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. His book and this teaching are inspired by the teachings on the peaceful and wrathful deities and Shitro cycles. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of Ewam International Centers around the world. He is well known to be an outstanding meditation master, teacher, scholar, author, and a master stupa builder. Rinpoche established the Turquoise Leaf practice center for nuns in Nepal and India, The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Montana, Pema Khandroling in New Mexico, and his main seat, nunnery and monastery in India, Nupchen Namchak Monastery, among other centers.

10-28-23 ON ZOOM "Cutting Through Fear in the Dying Process" with Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo. Program Focus: Jetsunma Palmo helps us look at the often hidden fact that our fears are a major obstacle to a calm and peaceful transition. She succinctly explains how the process of practice in the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions increases our potential to remain in a state of awareness as we approach death. Jetsunma also shares contemplations to assist us in letting go attachment, and subsequently fear. Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo is a teacher at Turquoise Leaf Nunnery in Pharping, Nepal; Retreat Master and teacher at Kusum Khandro Ling; and a resident teacher at Ewam Buddhist Center in Arles, Montana with Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, who enthroned her. She completed nine years of retreat and nine years of formal study at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute under HH Penor Rinpoche. She was recognized by Sakya Trizin Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Freda Bedi, known as Sister Palmo, who helped bring Buddhism into the west in the early 1970's and, on the urging of HH the 16th Karmapa, was the first western woman to receive full ordination. Jetsunma Palmo also studied western philosophy and psychology in the US. This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.

12-2-23 ON ZOOM "Present at the Bedside-The Wisdom of Vimalakirti" with Judith Simmer-Brown Ph.D. Program Focus: Judith Simmer-Brown offers an inspiring teaching and PowerPoint presentation of contemporary Buddhist slogans and art related to the Buddhist Master Vimalakirti's teachings that embrace illness and death as "the Path". In addition, this program includes a very informative overview of Buddhist chaplaincy and educational opportunities for both professionals and lay persons who wish to deepen their understanding of how to benefit those approaching death. Highly recommended by TLC.

Judith Simmer-Brown, Ph.D., is Distinguished Professor of Contemplative and Religious Studies Emeritus at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, where she has taught since 1978. A Buddhist practitioner since the early 1970’s, she became a student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1974, and served as an acharya in Shambhala from 2000-2022. Her teaching specialties are meditation practice, Buddhist philosophy, tantric Buddhism, Buddhist chaplaincy, and contemplative higher education. Her book, Dakini’s Warm Breath (Shambhala 2001), explores the feminine principle as it reveals itself in meditation practice and everyday life for women and men. Ms. Simmer-Brown’s teaching legacy and accessibility and her work in the Buddhist education and chaplaincy arenas are highly esteemed. This video is available on our TLC's Rental Videos page.

2022

2-12-22 ON ZOOM "The Importance of Faith During the Dying Process" with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel. Program Focus: An exploration of faith, mind, transience, and the nature of reality, and how our understanding prepares us for transition. Ms. Namgyel's sharp insights and personable anecdotes inform a rich, investigative conversation with participants, examining our relationship with ego, identity, and conceptualization. Elizabeth Namgyel is the retreat master of Samten Ling in Crestone, Colorado and has spent over six years in retreat under the guidance of Dzigar Kontrul Rinpoche. She holds a degree in anthropology and an M.A. in Buddhist Studies. Elizabeth teaches throughout the U.S., Australia, Europe, and South America, and is the author of 'The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha’s Path to Freedom' and 'The Logic of Faith: the Buddhist Path to Finding Certainty Beyond Belief and Doubt'[This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

4-16, 5-21 & 6-25-22 ON ZOOM "Dream Yoga"with Khenpo Paljor Gyatso, translated by Vanessa Kubota ~ A 3-Part Series. Program Focus: Dream Yoga is a profound and accessible practice that introduces the Dream Bardo. This transitional state is very similar to the bardo entered during the transition of death, experienced as the “clear light”. Familiarizing with this gateway allows practitioners to more easily attain liberation. Dream yoga’s focus on transforming the dream state into Buddhist practice is a training that anyone can accomplish. This transmission, called "Liberation Through Hearing", is taken from the source text of the Bardo Thodol, or 'Tibetan Book of the Dead', specifically intended for those with the foundation of faith and devotion and optimally, a background in Secret Mantra. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso is from the Kathok lineage of the Nyingma school, and is a disciple of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok and Khenchen Tsultrim Lodro, among other masters. He was sent by his teachers to the west, and is now a resident lama at Pure Land of Iowa Buddhist Center. [This video will soon be available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

6-4-22 ON ZOOM “Lighting the Path through Loss and Grief” with Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo. Program Focus: Working with the grief of facing death and how to overcome the bereavement of losing loved ones. Jetsunma Palmo applies her knowledge of Buddhist scripture and western psychology to approach the emotional feelings that arise as we face loss and the truth of impermanence and death. She discusses the "Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind", the power of contemplating and practicing the Vajrayana path, and unconditional love as essential for working with grief. Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo was recognized by His Holiness Sakya Trizin Rinpoche as the rebirth of Karma Tsultrim Kechog Palmo, known as Freda Bedi and later as Sister Palmo, who helped bring Buddhism into the west in the early 1970's, and who was the first westerner to take Vajrayana ordination as a nun. Her root gurus are H.H Tulku Sangngak Rinpoche and H.H Penor Rinpoche. She completed nine years of study at Ngagyur Nyingma Nunnery at Namdroling, and nine years of retreat. Jetsunma studied world religions and has a degree in western psychology, and is director of the study and practice centers of Turquoise Leaf Nunnery and Kusum Khandro Ling. She currently teaches at Ewam Buddhist Center in Arles, Montana. [This video is available on our Free TLC Videos page and YouTube Channel.]

7-23-22 ON ZOOM "Moving through Grief with Trust ~ An Interactive Program with Lama Choyang.". Program Focus: A shared conversation between Lama Choyang and participants about actively working with grief. Personal loss, the impact of our climate crisis, the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing pandemic are all addressed. Lama Choyang explores how we access our refuge, the ground, and the spaciousness to stay present for our suffering hearts and world, drawing from her experience as a hospice chaplain and dharma teacher. Lama Choyang (Allison Rader) is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher who worked as a hospice chaplain for five years with Hospice of Humboldt. Her root teachers are Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche and his Dzogchen lineage holder, Lama Drimed Norbu. She completed seven years of retreat under Lama Drimed's guidance and was ordained by him in 2009. Lama Choyang teaches dharma, leads retreats, and offers grief counseling, grief workshops, and spiritual mentoring in Arcata, CA, and online. [An excerpt from this teaching is available on TLC's Free TLC Videos page and YouTube Channel.]

8-20-22 ON ZOOM "New Choices: Alternative Interment & Green Burial" with Ed Bixby, President of the Green Burial Council and owner of Destination Destiny and green cemeteries across the US, and Seth Viddal, partner with The Natural Funeral and Reverent Body Care, Parlor Magazine, and naturaltransitions.org. Program Focus: This presentation is perfect for those interested in or curious about new, alternative interment methods and funeral practices that offer a dignified resting place and also protect the environment. These two professionals introduce and explain the new forms and aspects of "green burial" and other alternatives to conventional burial and cremation which, unknown to many, causes detrimental impacts on our environment. A significant amount of information is shared that will assist with making decisions about end of life disposition and other concerns, and how we can protect the environment at the end of life. A powerpoint presentation as well as questions and answers are included. Highly recommended by TLC. [This video is available on our Free TLC Video's page and YouTube Channel.]

9-10-22 "Tibetan Medical Approaches to Care in the Dying Process" with Dr. Nashalla Gwyn Nyinda, Menpa TMD MA Acu LMT. Program focus: Dr. Nyinda, Menpa guides the listener toward a deeper understanding of the views of Tibetan medicine and what takes place during the dying process. Using a powerpoint presentation, she offers detailed instruction and personal anecdotes during this very informative and compassion-based teaching, very helpful for those who are approaching the end of life, caregivers, and families. Dr. Nashalla began the study of Tibetan Medicine in 1999 and treated patients starting in 2004. Encouraged by her root teacher, Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche, she continued her Tibetan medical studies at the Chagpori Institute Clinic, India, and other educational institutions in Tibet and elsewhere. Dr. Nyinda is an Adjunct Professor at Naropa University and teaches healing techniques worldwide. She also teaches Buddhism at the Rocky Mountain Thrangu Center, and is the director of the Nyinda Clinic of Tibetan Medicine & Holistic Healing Clinic in Boulder, Colorado. [This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page. Note: Click here to see the slides from this program.]

11-5-22 "The Bardo of Luminosity" with Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Program Focus: With candid humor and a fresh perspective, Tsoknyi Rinpoche sheds light on the opportunities we have in our everyday lives, in our spiritual practice, and during death itself, to recognize our true nature. He encourages us to familiarize with pure awareness, and not to be afraid of dying, telling us that this life is "just another chapter". Rinpoche  lucidly points out how we can break through ordinary perception to develop our bodhicitta motivation so we may pass without regrets. These instructions are geared toward and very helpful for Buddhist practitioners and meditators. Tsoknyi Rinpoche is a world renowned Vajrayana Buddhist teacher and author, a tulku of the Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingma lineages, and the founder of the Pundarika Foundation. He was recognized by the 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche. He helped to oversee the Tergar Osel Ling Monastery, founded in Kathmandu, Nepal by his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and under his leadership it has "thrived and grown into a mature sangha of dedicated practitioners”, including westerners. Tsoknyi Rinpoche has been a great supporter of nuns, particularly the Tsoknyi Nangchen Nuns in Eastern Tibet, and this is the subject of a wonderful documentary called "Blessings: The Tsoknyi Nangchen Nuns of Tibet" narrated by Richard Gere. [This video is available on our Free TLC Videos page and YouTube Channel.]

2021

1-31-21 ON ZOOM "Releasing Attachment to Prepare for the Bardo" with Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche. Program Focus: Venerable Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, an esteemed scholar, Dzogchen master, and highly qualified teacher in the Palyul lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism, teaches and guides us with an excellent and comprehensive overview of preparing for death, covering many points for practitioners with personal advice and anecdotes. Khenchen's ability to reach westerners and present dharma accessibly, and with wisdom and humor, is a source of great delight. Click here for a Chinese translation of this teaching. Highly recommended. [This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

11/20-4/21 ON ZOOM "Meditations from Here to Hereafter~A Six-Part Teaching Series" with Khenpo Paljor Gyatso, translated by Vanessa Kubota. Program Focus: Khenpo Paljor gives a commentary on ‘The Wheel of Analytical Meditation that Thoroughly Purifies Mental Activity’, composed by the great Nyingma Master, Mipham Rinpoche. Suitable for any practitioner, straightforward explanations about the Buddhist path, the truths of impermanence and suffering, advice about how to make progress, and the importance and significance of practice are offered–a thorough overview of why meditation is essential. Some classes include brief periods of meditation. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso  completed his studies at Larung Tarig College in Tibet. He was a distinguished disciple of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and served as a lecturer at the Tibetan Language Program at Stanford University. He is the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City,  Iowa. Excellent translations are provided by Vanessa Kubota. [These videos are available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

5-8-21 ON ZOOM "Skillful Means at the End of Life" with Lama John Ross. Program Focus: Accumulating merit and practicing skillful means are essential at the end of life.  Vajrayana Buddhism offers many practices that benefit as death approaches, at the time of death, and afterwards.  Some are very simple, others involve elaborate ritual.  Lama John reviews these methods with a focus on what is most practical and beneficial for lay practitioners as we face our own deaths, and also as we help others face theirs. This event is very helpful for anyone, and especially those putting their affairs in order, and is an essential teaching for preparing for the end of life. Some Q & A is included. [This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

6-19-21 ON ZOOM "The Teachings of Masters - A Buddhist View of Life and Death" with Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso. Program Focus: In a manner particularly accessible to westerns, Lama Padma Gyatso gives practical advice for daily life and preparing for death, with a close look at accumulating merit and practicing bodhicitta. His clear explanation of "The Five Forces-or-Strengths", is an important teaching by the great master Atisha. This can also be found on page 30 of TLC's manual "Instructions for the Transitional State", offering guidance that can be utilized by anyone on a spiritual path. Lama Padma Gyatso, an American, has been practicing Vajrayana Buddhism since 1970 and was ordained as a Lama by HE Chagdud Rinpoche in 1996. He is the resident teacher at both Chagdud Gompa Amrita in Seattle and Rigdzin Ling in Weaverville, California. 

8-15-21 OUTDOOR PUBLIC EVENT "A Sur Cho Offering & Vajrasattva Mantra Recitation Gathering to Benefit those who have Died During the Pandemic" with Loppon Yudron Wangmo and TLC Director, Julie Rogers. Program Focus: “An Offering of All Pervasive Desirables that benefits Bardo Beings and Ghosts” is a ritual (Sur chöd) and mind treasure of Traktung Dudjom Lingpa. Loppon Yudron explained and gave the transmission for this simple practice that benefits all beings, especially the deceased in the Si pa’i Bardo, or intermediate state between death and rebirth. Loppon Yudron led the Sur practice; TLC Director Julie Rogers led the Vajrasattva practice and mantra recitation. Loppon Yudron is the resident teacher and director of the Mayum Mountain Foundation, and she is now offering online classes.

8-29-21 ON ZOOM "The Sutra of the Eleven Recognitions - Lord Buddha's Advice for the Time of Death" with Khenpo Norgay Rinpoche. Program Focus: this two-part program focuses on the last teaching Buddha Shakyamuni offered to his disciples before his parinirvana. Khenpo Norgay's clear, comprehensive examination of these eleven points of advice is practical and replete with common-sense as well as deeply inspiring; an essential teaching. Khenpo Tenzin Norgay Rinpoche attended Ngagyur Nyingma Institute at Namdroling Monastery in Mysore, India and taught there for three years. He was formally enthroned as Khenpo by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche in 1998 who assigned him to teach at the Palyul Buddhist college in Tibet. Due to his knowledge, experience, and command of the English language, HH Penor Rinpoche asked Khenpo to teach in the US for Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche’s programs. He resides in upstate New York, and is a beloved by disciples and students across the globe. [Click here for the Chinese translation of this teaching. This video is available on TLC Rental Videos page.]

11-6-21 "Legal Matters at the End of Life" with attorneys Kathleen Pratt, Esq. and Vanessa Kubota, moderator. Program Focus: This informative program is presented in three segments: Why this Matters, Wills and Trusts, Advance Directives and Powers of Attorney. The needs of Buddhist practitioners and the general public are addressed, explaining the needed safeguards and how to put them into place. A power point presentation is offered, in conjunction with opportunities to have questions answered. Kathleen M. Pratt is a long time Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner and an AV-rated attorney and mediator with over 30 years’ experience, including estate planning. Throughout her life as a “death doula”, Kathleen has helped many beings peacefully navigate the dying process. Vanessa A. Kubota is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist translator who spent many years studying Dharma in India and Nepal, as well as a newly licensed attorney. Her arena of interest is estate planning. This presentation is highly recommended by TLC for explaining how to put one's affairs in order, and the paperwork needed to do so. [This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

2020

5-16-20 ON ZOOM 'The Healing Nature of Presence' with Amita Lhamo. Program Focus: Former hospice chaplain, spiritual care director, and award winning author of  'Dandelions Blooming in the Cracks of Sidewalks: Stories from the Bedside of the Dying,' and a forthcoming book, 'Wisdom Moon: Presence in Dying', Amita Lhamo shares four qualities of presence available to us in each moment, including times of fear, illness or death. She offers advice and practical tools for remaining present with one another, honoring both our vulnerabilities and our capacities for kindness, with Q & A. [This video is available on Free TLC Videos Page and YouTube Channel.]

6-7-20 ON ZOOM 'Grief in a Time of Global Pandemic: Exploring a Path of Healing' with Lama Choyang. Program Focus: Lama Choyang, Vajrayana Buddhist teacher, grief counselor, and former hospice chaplain shares reflections on the path of grief and healing. She invites participants to consider grief not as a problem to be solved or emotion to be transcended, but as an experience to be supported, witnessed and loved. This moving interactive program includes meditation and shared discussion. Lama Choyang was ordained by her teacher, Lama Drimed Norbu, an American practitioner who was recognized by HE Chagdud Rinpoche as his Dzogchen Lineage holder in 1995. 

7-18-20 ON ZOOM 'The Truth of Impermanence' with Tulku Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche, translated by Jacob Archuletta. Program Focus: Jigme Chakung Rinpoche, a fourth-generation descendant of the 19th century master Dudjom Lingpa and founder of Abhaya Fellowship,  offers a simple and inspiring overview of the transitory nature of all phenomena and how we can utilize our awareness of impermanence to enhance and accomplish our practice and enrich our daily life. Helpful translations are provided by Jacob Archuletta. [This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos Page.]

8-22-20 ON ZOOM 'The Practice of Bodhicitta' with Venerable Sogan Rinpoche, translated by Christina Monson. Program Focus: Founder of the Sogan Foundation benefitting marginalized people in Golok, Tibet, Sogan Rinpoche is the Spiritual Director of Thubten Osel Choling in the SF Bay area and Thubten Osel Ling in northern Italy. Rinpoche gives a talk focused on practicing for the benefit of all beings, referencing the Bodhicharyavatara and Patrul Rinpoche's A Precious Treasury of Advice from the One-to-One Oral Lineage with wonderful translations by Christina Monson. [This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

10-4-20 ON ZOOM 'The Healing Power of Prayer' with Chagdud Khadro. Program Focus: Chagdud Khadro, spiritual wife of HE Chagdud Rinpoche and Spiritual Director of Khadro Ling in Brazil, lama, editor, author, and p'howa adept, gives an inspiring teaching on both liturgical and personal prayer, bodhicitta, and the healing power of awareness and faith. This inspiring film is highly recommended. [This video is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

10-31-20 ON ZOOM 'Before Rebirth: The Bardo of Becoming"in Plain English' with Loppon Yudron Wangmo. Program Focus: Authorized  as a loppon by Lama Padma Dorje Rinpoche, Yudron Wangmo leads this workshop focusing on the period after death and before conception, the Intermediate State of Becoming, the Si pa’i Bardo, including brief discussions of reincarnation, children's memories before conception, Interdependent Origination, Buddhism and science, and related topics. Geared for Vajrayana Buddhist practitioners. Loppon Yudron Wangmo was authorized to teach and was ordained as a Loppon by Lama Padma Dorje Rinpoche. She is the resident teacher and director of the Mayum Mountain Foundation in Oakland, CA. [This film available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

2019

 

1-20-19 ‘Experiencing the Bardos through Dreaming’ with Khenpo Paljor Gyatso, translated by Jacob Archuletta. Program Focus: Utilizing the teachings of dream yoga and transforming the dream state into Buddhist practice in preparation for death; instructions about the dream bardo, or intermediate state, that takes place during the transition of death, when “clear light” is experienced, with Q & A. Khenpo Paljor was educated in Tibet at Larung Gar and was an esteemed student of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. His delightful manner and clarity are especially accessible to westerners. He is the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City,  Iowa. [This film available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

 

3-10-19 ‘The Practice of Sur Chö–Offering the All-Pervasive Desirables’ with Loppon Yudron Wangmo. Program Focus: Loppon Yudron, an American lama, offers explanations for a concise traditional Tibetan smoke offering ritual (Sur chöd). This simple, important practice benefits all beings, especially those in the Bardo, hungry ghosts (pretas), and those who have had traumatic deaths. Participants will receive the transmission, teachings, and hands-on instruction for preparing the offering, concluding with the practice. Loppon Yudron Wangmo was authorized to teach and was ordained as a Loppon by Lama Padma Dorje Rinpoche. She is the resident teacher and director of the Mayum Mountain Foundation in Oakland, CA.

 

4-21-19 ‘Understanding the Neydren Ritual for the Deceased’ with Khenpo Paljor Gyatso, translated by Kersten Ancheta. Program Focus: Teachings on the Neydren ritual that guides those in the intermediate state following death to the Realm of Great Bliss, Sukhavati, and higher rebirth; explanation of this essential practice in steps easy to understand, including locating & relaxing the consciousness, gathering accumulations & purifying obscurations, instructions, transference to the pure realm, cremation, and dedication and aspirational prayers. Khenpo Paljor was educated in Tibet at Larung Gar and was an esteemed student of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. His delightful manner and clarity are especially accessible to westerners. He is the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City,  Iowa. [This video is available on our TLC DVD Archive Page and on TLC Rental Video page.]

 

6-30-19 ‘Receiving the Lama’s Guidance During Transition’ with Lama Tsering Gyaltsen, translated by Cyril Kassoff. Program Focus: Practical instructions about the preliminary practices and how daily practice and awareness of impermanence will prepare us for end of life. A lifelong practitioner of the Dudjom Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and a learned Buddhist scholar, Lama Tsering Gyaltsen was a director in the creation of the Padma Charitable Foundation, located in Corvallis, Oregon, where he serves as the founding and head Dharma teacher. He is a Founding Director and Vice-President of the Saraha Nyingma Buddhist Institute.

 

8-25-19 ‘Preparing for a Meaningful Death & Rebirth’ with Chamtrul Rinpoche. Program Focus: Heart instructions about contemplation, practice, and living with awareness to bring the path to fruition in this lifetime, in order to prepare for death. Chamtul Rinpoche is a highly regarded Master from the monastery, Tashi Gakyil Thupten Shedrup Choeling at Mardo in Tibet. He teachers internationally and is loved by students of Buddhism worldwide. [This video will eventually be available on our TLC Video page.]

 

9-29-19 ‘Transforming Suffering into Compassion’ with Khenpo Paljor Gyatso, translated by Jacob Archuletta. A Reimagine Event Hosted by TLC Transitional Life Care at UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center, San Francisco. Program Focus: A simple overview and instructions about how to do the Buddhist meditation practice known as ‘Tonglen’, or "Sending and Receiving". Khenpo Paljor was educated in Tibet at Larung Gar and was an esteemed student of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. His delightful manner and clarity are especially accessible to westerners. He is the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City,  Iowa.

 

11-1-19 ‘Clearing the Way: Meditation on Vajrasattva’ with Khenpo Paljor Gyatso. A Reimagine Event Hosted by TLC Transitional Life Care at SF Dharma Collective, San Francisco. Program Focus: Instructions for Vajrasattva practice, a Buddhist method using mantra and visualization, that assists in transforming negativity, challenging habits, difficult attitudes, and anxiety into positive states of mind, especially helpful at the end of life. Khenpo Paljor was educated in Tibet at Larung Gar and was an esteemed student of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. His delightful manner and clarity are especially accessible to westerners. He is the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City,  Iowa.

2018

 

1-28-18 ‘Why Hospice: A Doctor’s Perspective’ with Dr. Benjamin Boblett, MD and former Medical Director at Mission Hospice & Home Care. Program focus: Information and guidance in an open format sharing professional and personal experiences about what palliative and hospice care can offer. This film is very helpful for those who are advocating in a hospital or hospice situation, or caregiving in the home. 

 

3-25-18 ‘Relaxing with Impermanence & Change’ with Lama Pat Berube, RN, MA, dharma teacher and Director of Clear Light Institute in Fairfax, CA, a Vajrayana Buddhist program supporting contemplative approaches to dealing with illness, death, and dying. Program focus: Meditations that support awareness and the direct experience of our innately pure and open nature, which help us meet the challenges in life, including our own mortality, with equanimity and ease.

 

4-24, 25 & 26-18 ‘Teachings for the Transition–Preparing for the End of Life’ with Chagdud Khadro. Program focus: Two separate events 1) "Teachings and Advice for the End of Life" and 2) "Instructions and Practice~Chenrezig P'howa." Esteemed American lama and p’howa master Chagdud Khadro draws on thirty years of experience teaching p’howa and guiding the dying and deceased, as authorized by her teacher and husband, HE Chagdud Rinpoche. [Both the videos of this event are available in TLC’s DVD Archive and for rental on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

 

5-20-18 ‘Bridging East and West: How Buddhism is Vital to Modern Healthcare’ with Lama Frederico Trancoso and Liz Hamill-Howard, Hospice Chaplains. Program Focus: Understanding how to provide spiritual and bedside support to those in transition, and their loved ones; hospital chaplains committed to the Buddhist tradition offer a bridge between the spiritual and medical worlds. 

 

7-29-18 ‘The Bardos During Transition’ with Khenpo Paljor Gyatso, translated by Shashi Reitz. Program Focus: Instructions and explanations about the experience of dying and what occurs during this process, such as the dissolution of the elements. Khenpo provides clear explanations and clarification about what takes place during the transitional state, or bardos, including questions and answers. Khenpo Paljor was educated in Tibet at Larung Gar and was an esteemed student of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. His delightful manner and clarity are especially accessible to westerners. He is the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City,  Iowa. [This film is available on our TLC Rental Videos page.]

 

8-26-18 ‘Open Heart Mandala – A Creative Mandala Workshop’ with Artist Nancy Hom. Program Focus: Construction of a large mandala onsite, incorporating photos, prayers and offerings for deceased friends and loved ones. This guided, hands-on workshop is an exploration of creatively working with loss and bereavement.

2017

1/29/17 The Zen Hospice Project: ‘Reflections on Volunteering with Zen Hospice’ with Hospice Educator Alistair Shanks. Program focus: Alistair Shanks’ storehouse of experience with serving the dying and training others allow him to share a unique viewpoint and keen insights;  Q & A and group discussion related to helping others as we live into dying with dignity, grace, and awareness.

3-26-17 ‘End of Life Decisions-Making Hard & Loving Choices’ with Lama Pat Berube, RN, MA, dharma teacher and Director of Clear Light Institute in Fairfax, CA, a Vajrayana Buddhist program supporting contemplative approaches to dealing with illness, death, and dying. Program focus: Screening of the film: ‘Fear of Death’ / Review of 5 Wishes Document & Legacy Letters. 

 

5-21-17 Tsa Tsa Workshop PART 2/ Working with Clay w/Nirabhra Taylor, head of the department at ‘Magical Display of the Arts’ at Pema Osel Ling Vajrayana Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Program focus: Working with traditional Tibetan Buddhist tsa tsa molds using clay; enshrining cremation ashes and creating iconographic forms in the shapes of stupas. 

 

7-23-17 ‘Speaking from the Heart – Spiritual Care in Times of Need’ with Jamie Kimmel, Hospital Chaplin. Program focus: practical advice about creating trust to open the topic of death for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, and how the teachings of interdependence and emptiness can be applied to ordinary situations at an extraordinary time of life.

 

8-20-17 ‘Preparing for Death’ with HH Kathog Getse Rinpoche with translation by Dr. Robert Clark. His Holiness Getse Rinpoche, Dzogchen Master, Head of the Nyingma School of Vajrayana Buddhism, and “heart son” of HH the Dalai Lama. Program focus: Teachings from the Buddhist sutra, "The Sutra on Wisdom for the Time of Death", including His Holiness's heart advice about embracing the end of life and how to prepare the mind for transition. [This video is available in the TLC DVD Archive and on our TLC Rental Videos Page.]

 

9-24-17 ‘Meditation as Sustenance for Death & Dying’ with author Sarah C. Beasley. Program focus: A conversation with participants to discover the opportunities for sustenance offered by Buddhist practice in order to support ourselves and others during the dying process, and how to live more fully.

 

11-19-17 ‘Death & Dying – A Tibetan Medical Perspective with Dr. Thinley Gyatso. Program focus: Both a Tibetan doctor and Registered Nurse, Thinley Gyatso offers perspectives from both ancient and modern healing systems regarding what happens during the dying process, including an examination of the dissolution of the elements at death.

2016

 

1-31-16 Understanding the Bardos with Lama Les Collins, student/teacher of Ven. offering bardo study and practice opportunities at ODD and other centers. Program focus: How Buddhism became the religion of Tibet and the concept of Six Bardos.

 

3-20-16 Extending Life with Buddhist Practice with Lama Drimed, resident teacher at ODD and at Dechen Rang Dharma Center in San Jose. Program focus: Life Release and the three traditional Vajrayana customs that can lengthen life.

 

5/22/16 The East Bay Conversation Project & Atul Gawende’s film ‘Being Mortal’ with Dr. Peter Candell, formerly w/Alameda Family Physicians, Asst. Clinical Professor at UCSF School of Medicine, Department of Family & Community Medicine, currently w/The East Bay Conversation Project & the ACCMA Physicians Group dedicated to Physician’s Advanced Care Planning and End of Life Care Conversations. Program focus: exploring what matters most to patients facing terminal illness and their families and doctors, and taking control of one’s own health care decisions. 

 

7-31-16 Tsa Tsa Making Workshop with Magical Display of the Arts & Nirabhra Taylor, head of the department at ‘Magical Display of the Arts’ at Pema Osel Ling Vajrayana Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Program focus: learning to create Tsa-tsas, small clay forms (Tibetan Buddhist sacred objects of art) and their molds to be utilized after death. 

 

8-7-16 Caring for the Body After Death & Instructions for Cremation, Part 1 with Lama Sonam Tsering Rinpoche, a Nyingmapa Ritual Master of Tibetan Buddhism and resident teacher at Pema Osel Ling in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Program focus: caring for the body after death, including spiritual and practice advice, and instructions in preparing for traditional Vajrayana cremation.  

 

9-25-16 A Buddhist View of Grief and Loss & Lama Tsultrim Allione’s film ‘Taking Grief on the Path’ with Fran Anderson, retired Clinical Psychologist, and Rosie Kaufman, retired Marriage and Family Therapist, both from Tara Mandala Bay Area Sangha. Program focus: discussion about loss and grief, sharing experiences, exploring how to work with loss as Buddhist practitioners, and an overview of Tara Mandala Sangha’s ‘Bay Area Resource Guide for Death & Dying’.

 

11-12 & 13-16 Caring for the Body After Death & Instructions for Cremation, Part 2 with Lama Sonam Tsering Rinpoche, a Nyingmapa Ritual Master of Tibetan Buddhism and resident teacher at Pema Osel Ling in the Santa Cruz Mountains, translated by Joshua Duncan. Program focus: caring for the body after death, including spiritual and practice advice, and instructions in preparing for Vajrayana cremation. [A short film demonstrating wrapping the body for cremation will be available from TLC.] Kick off for TLC’s monthly ‘TEACHINGS OF THE MASTERS’ film series, starting with ‘Advice For Death & Dying’ taught by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche.

2015

 

3-8-15   Introductory Gathering: Program Launch and Overview Discussion with TLC Founder and Director, Julie Rogers, long-time student of Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche, hospice volunteer and caregiver educated in hospice and bereavement training, and author of ‘Instructions for the Transitional State’, the TLC end-of-life manual.

 

5-17-15 Living Fully, Dying Meaningfully/End of Life Decisions with Lama Pat Berube, RN, MA, dharma teacher and Director of Clear Light Institute in Fairfax, CA, a Vajrayana Buddhist program supporting contemplative approaches to dealing with illness, death, and dying. Program focus: stories about end of life; preparing end of life paperwork: Spiritual Wills, Advance Directives, Power of Attorney, POLSTs, and The Five Wishes Document.

 

7-26-15 Nursing Perspectives on the End of Life with Buffy Plante, critical care nurse, and Joshua Hayes, hospice nurse, both long-time Vajrayana practitioners. Program focus: Dying with comfort and dignity versus saving life at all costs, including anecdotes, advice, and needed information about caregiving, and navigating hospital and hospice situations to best provide care for those at the end of their lives. This program creates awareness about how to best advocate for those who need support.

 

8-23-15 Death and Dying from a Buddhist Perspective / The Conversation with Paloma Landry, Tibetan/English translator. Paloma has presented programs on death and dying for over twelve years in twenty-five Buddhist communities. Program focus: Having the necessary conversations with our families about our end of life wishes, and how Westerners address death and dying from both spiritual and practical perspectives.

 

9-27-15 Teachings on Phowa - Transference of Consciousness with Venerable Lingtrul Rinpoche, the reincarnation of Ling Lama Chökyi Dorje and an emanation of Longchenpa, translated by Cyril Kassoff. Program focus: Vajrayana practice at death; instructions for p'howa, reading transmission, and instructions about how to effectively provide care and practice for the benefit of others.

 

11-22-15 Caregiving at the End of Life with Buffy Plante, critical care RN, and Joshua Hayes RN and Hospice Nurse (invited to speak again due to popular demand.) Program focus: How to know the signs and provide comfort, support, and optimum circumstances for those entering the end of life transition. This program provides much information useful to advocates of those approaching the end of life, complete with questions and answers. [This video is available for rental on our TLC Videos Page..

bottom of page