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TLC RENTAL VIDEOS

Welcome to TLC's video page and the recordings of our past events.

 

See the list of currently available videos here - to read descriptions of each, scroll down below the links. We request a small donation - this is another way you can support our Film Archive Project and efforts to bring you meaningful guidance for end of life preparation and related topics of interest. Thank you! May all beings benefit. 

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The video you select will be accessible for one month from the date of your rentalIf you are unable to make the small, suggested donation, you may email us and we'll send you a code: TLCvideoaudio@gmail.com

SCROLL DOWN FOR INFO ON EACH VIDEO

Descriptions of each video are located at the bottom of this page. 

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1. Chagdud Khadro - The Healing Power of Prayer 1:09 Click Here

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2. Tulku Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche - The Truth of Impermanence, translated by Jacob Archuletta

1:15 Click Here

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3. Loppon Yudron Wangmo - Before Rebirth: The Bardo of Becoming in Plain English 2:28 Click Here

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4. Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche - Releasing Attachment

to Prepare for the Bardo 2:13 Click Here

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5. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - Meditations for Here to Hereafter - Teaching Series - Six videos of varying lengths. Click Here

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6. HH Kathog Getse Rinpoche - Preparing for Death / The Sutra on Wisdom for the Time of Death 3:06 hrs. Click Here

 

7. Chagdud Khadro - Teachings and Advice for the End of Life 2:40

  Click Here

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8. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - Understanding the Neydren Ritual for the Deceased 2:11 Click Here

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9. Lama John Ross - Skillful Means at the End of Life 2:23 Click Here

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10. Caregiving at the End of Life with Joshua Hayes, Hospice RN, and Buffy Plante, RN/ICU 2:16 Click Here

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11. A Deep Chat About Hospice with Joshua Hayes, Hospice RN 2:04 Click Here

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12. Khenpo Tenzin Norgay Rinpoche - The Sutra that Reveals the Eleven Recognitions ~ Lord Buddha's Advice for the Time of Death - 2 Parts/3:41 Total Click Here

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13. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - The Bardos During Transition, translated by Shashi Reitz - 2 Parts/5:31 Total Click Here

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14. Legal Matters at the End of Life with Attorneys Kathleen Pratt and Vanessa Kubota  2:33 Click Here

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15. Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel - The Importance of Faith During the Dying Process - 2 Parts/3:44:59 Total Click Here

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16. Tibetan Medical Approaches to Care in the Dying Process - Dr. Nashalla Nyinda, Menpa TMD MA Acu LMT

1:53:00 Click Here

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17. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - Experiencing the Bardo through    Dreaming, translated by Jacob Archuletta 4:31:00 Click Here

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18. The Death of Death ~ Tibetan Views on the Ultimate Journey - with Andrew Holecek 1:56:00 Click Here

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19. Care for the End of Life and Terminal Illness - with Stephanie Crawford, RN, BSN, Death Doula, and Hospice Nurse

1:45:00 Click Here

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20. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - Dream Yoga - A Three Part Series, translated by Vanessa Kubota 10:45:00 Click Here

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21. Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo - Cutting Through Fear at the End of Life 1:36:19 Click Here

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22. Judith Simmer-Brown Ph.D. - Present at the Bedside-The Wisdom of Vimalakirti 1:46:52 Click Here

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23. Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche - Freedom Upon Hearing: Teachings on the Bardos 4:37:00 Click Here 

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24. Lama Sonam Tsering Rinpoche - Caring for the Body After Death & Instructions for Cremation, translated by Ila Reitz 1:33:55 Click Here

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25. Lama Tsering Everest - Life in Relation to Death 1:50:37

Click Here

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26. Venerable Robina Courtin - How to Face Death Without Fear 1:48:17 Click Here

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27. NEW! Lama Glenn Mullin - Mindful Living, Mindful Death: Assisting a Loved One Through a Graceful Transition 1:54:56 Click Here

 

MORE FILMS WILL BE POSTED IN THE FUTURE!

TLC Video Introductions

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1. Chagdud Khadro - The Healing Power of Prayer

 

The healing power of prayer cannot be underestimated. Buddhism embraces prayer as a vital part of practice that creates a deep connection with our hearts, awareness, and faith. Chagdud Khadro, an esteemed American lama, shares how to bring this profound practice into our daily lives. Chagdud Khadro has been offering Buddhist teachings worldwide for many years. She is the Spiritual Director of Khadro Ling in Tres Coroas, Brazil, has developed various p’howa support groups among practitioners, and also provides counsel for the end of life.  Khadro was the spiritual wife and companion of HE Chagdud Rinpoche who empowered her to teach and perform p'howa, the transference of consciousness.  

 

Recorded on Zoom 10-4-20

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2. Tulku Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche - The Truth of Impermanence translated by Jacob Archuletta

 

Chakung Jigmed Rinpoche offers a simple and direct 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. Chakung Jigmed Wangdrak Rinpoche is a descendant of the 19th century Vajrayana Nyingma master Dudjom Lingpa. He founded The Abhaya Fellowship, and is resident lama at Longsal Ling in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

Recorded on Zoom 7-18-20


3. Loppon Yudron Wangmo - Before Rebirth: The Bardo of Becoming in Plain English

 

Loppon Yudron's workshop focuses on the period after death and before conception known as the “intermediate state of becoming”, the Si pa’i Bardo. She discusses a range of related topics, such as reincarnation, children's memories from former lives, interdependent origination, and how Buddhism relates to contemporary science. Loppon Yudron Wangmo is the director and resident teacher of the Mayum Mountain Foundation in Oakland, CA and leads online classes and  individualized programs of study, practice, and support for practitioners.

 

Recorded on Zoom 10-31-20

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4. Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche - Releasing Attachment to Prepare for the Bardo

 

Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche is an esteemed Nyingma lama in the Palyul tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism, as well as a recognized scholar and accomplished Dzogchen master. In this teaching, Khenchen Rinpoche gives a comprehensive overview of the Buddhist view and approach to the end of life, along with practical advice. This talk includes a concise review of the bardo of death, the dharmata bardo, and the bardo of becoming, and is a fully qualified resource to help practitioners prepare for the end of life transition.

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Recorded on Zoom 1-31-21

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5. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - Meditations for Here to Hereafter - A Six-Part Teaching Series translated by Vanessa Kubota

 

Khenpo Paljor Gyatso focuses on ‘The Wheel of Analytical Meditation that Thoroughly Purifies Mental Activity’, composed by the great Nyingma Master, Mipham Rinpoche. Suitable for practitioners on many levels, straightforward explanations about meditation, both analytical and practice-based,  and an expansive and clarifying discussion of Buddhist philosophy is offered. The latter part of the series includes brief meditation sessions. Questions and answers are included. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso is a brilliant scholar and was a disciple of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. He served as a lecturer at the Tibetan Language Program at Stanford University and has founded dharma centers in the USA. Khenpo Paljor is currently the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City, Iowa. 

 

Recorded on Zoom November 2020 though April 2021 [Part One: 11-11/21/20, Part Two: 12/9/20, Part Three: 1/16/20, Part Four: 2/13/20, Part Five: 3/13/20 & Part Six: 4/17/20]

 

6. HH Kathog Getse Rinpoche - Preparing for Death translated by Dr. Robert Clark

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His Holiness Getse Rinpoche, an esteemed Dzogchen Master and, at that time, Head of the Nyingma School of Vajrayana Buddhism, elucidates pith teachings from a Buddhist sutra, 'The Sutra on Wisdom for the Time of Death'. This film contains heart advice and guidance focusing on the end of life and how to prepare the mind for transition. It was TLC's great fortune to be able to host this great master. The teaching was filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den Temple in Alameda, CA almost exactly one year before His Holiness's parinirvana, and it's poignancy is evident.

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Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den Temple 8-20-17

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7. Chagdud Khadro - Teachings and Advice for the End of Life

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Esteemed American lama and p’howa master Chagdud Khadro clearly explains the dying process from the Vajrayana Buddhist perspective in this teaching. Her straightforward advice and detailed descriptions of the dissolution of the elements, practical advice regarding "end of life" paperwork, stories, and other invaluable information, reassure us that we can ready ourselves and help others during the end of life transition. This film includes questions and answers and is highly recommended for Buddhists and those of any background. Chagdud Khadro has over thirty years of experience teaching Buddhism in countries worldwide. She provides p’howa training  to guide the dying and deceased, authorized by her teacher and husband, HE Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, and is the Spiritual Director of Khadro Ling in Tres Coroas, Brazil. Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den, Alameda, CA.

 

Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den Temple 4-24-18

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8. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - Understanding the Neydren Ritual for the Deceased translated by Kersten Ancheta

 

Khenpo Paljor Gyatso offers general teachings on the Vajrayana Buddhist Neydren ritual that guides those in the intermediate state following death to the Realm of Great Bliss, Sukhavati, and higher rebirth. Clear, accessible explanations are provided including locating & relaxing the consciousness, gathering accumulations & purifying obscurations, transference to the pure realm, cremation, and prayers. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso is an accomplished scholar and disciple of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Khenchen Tsultrim Lodro Rinpoche. He has served as a lecturer at the Tibetan Language Program at Stanford University and is currently the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City, Iowa. Translated by Kersten Ancheta. Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den, Alameda, CA.

 

Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den Temple 4-21-19

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9. Lama John Ross - Skillful Means at the End of Life

 

This dharma talk offers explanations about the importance of accumulating merit and enacting “skillful means”, and includes descriptions of the stages of dissolution from teachings by HH Dudjom Rinpoche Jigdrel Yeshe Dorje. Lama John's useful “Checklist for Travelers” suggests many essential tools we need to have at the "end of life" and his advice is simultaneously practical and spiritually oriented. Lama John has been authorized by Buddhist masters to teach since 2005 when he completed extensive retreat. He teaches, leads students in practice and study, and is an accomplished translator. His knowledge and proficiency in explaining how to navigate the end of life is cause for this film to be highly recommended by TLC.

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Recorded on Zoom 5-8-21

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10. Caregiving at the End of Life - Joshua Hayes, Hospice RN, and Buffy Plante, RN/ICU

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Two experienced medical professionals discuss an array of concerns familiar to families, caregivers, and medical advocates about the needs of the dying and how to serve them effectively, and with compassion. This program offers information about providing open communication, comfort, and support both in the home and in medical settings, while caring for ourselves in the process. Questions and answers are included. Buffy Plante and Joshua Hayes have both worked with the dying for many years, and as longtime Vajrayana Buddhist practitioners, they address these topics with empathy, clarity, and expertise.

 

Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den Temple 11-25-15

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11. A Deep Chat About Hospice -  Joshua Hayes, Hospice RN

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Joshua Hayes, RN and hospice nurse, meets in conversation with TLC’s SF Bay Area Deep Chat Support Group, embracing the topics of hospice and palliative care. He discusses details and facts, offering advice that reveals the truth about why hospice assistance is so helpful and essential. The importance of understanding these services and how to acquire them can be key to a graceful transition. Joshua Hayes, a longtime Buddhist practitioner, has worked as an oncology nurse in hospital, hospice, and  home settings. His knowledge and ability to provide clear answers to our questions with empathetic understanding is particularly helpful to those searching for the best options in end of life care. Q & A included. Highly recommended by TLC. [Please note: The video quality is not optimum due to Zoom recording issues, but the audio quality is good.]

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Recorded on Zoom 5-17-21

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12. Khenpo Tenzin Norgay Rinpoche - The Sutra that Reveals the Eleven Recognitions ~ Lord Buddha's Advice for the Time of Death

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This two-part teaching by Khenpo Norgay Rinpoche is essential, being the final advice Buddha Shakyamuni gave his disciples before his transition. Khenpo Norgay Rinpoche offers these pith oral instructions with clarity and authenticity as he reveals their profound meaning. Accepting and practicing these eleven “recognitions” or perceptions is all we need do to ensure an auspicious passage from this life. Khenpo Tenzin Norgay Rinpoche was educated at Namdroling Monastery in Mysore, India and in 1998 His Holiness Penor Rinpoche formally enthroned him as a Khenpo. He taught at the Palyul Buddhist college in Tibet, and now, due to his accomplishments and excellent command of the English language, Khenpo Norgay teaches for Palyul lineage programs in the US. Highly recommended by TLC.

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Recorded on Zoom 8-29-21

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13. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - The Bardos During Transition translated by Shashi Reitz

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Khenpo Paljor Gyatso provides a compelling and informative examination of the experience of the dying process from the Vajrayana Buddhist perspective. His explanations about the dissolution of the elements and his descriptions of the bardos provide clear understanding for preparing oneself for the end of life. Khenpo Paljor is an accomplished scholar and disciple of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Khenchen Tsultrim Lodro Rinpoche. He completed his studies at Larung Tarig College in Tibet. He has served as a lecturer at the Tibetan Language Program at Stanford University and founded dharma centers in the USA. Khenpo Paljor is currently the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City, Iowa. Excellent translation by Shashi Reitz.

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Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den Temple 7-29-18

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14. Legal Matters at the End of Life - Attorneys Kathleen Pratt and Vanessa Kubota

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Putting things in order for the end of life to support yourself and those who care for you involves extensive preparation, and includes several documents. Putting all of this together is a time-consuming task involving a need for guidance. This program is perfect for anyone who wants to accomplish this. Kathleen Pratt, a CA attorney with extensive experience and knowledge, offers advice about why this matters, and how to complete Wills and Trusts, Advance Directives, and Powers of Attorney. The included and useful PowerPoint presentation explains what needs to be done and why it's important. Kathleen M. Pratt is a long-time Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner and an AV-rated attorney and mediator with over 30 years of experience, including estate planning. Throughout her life, she has also volunteered as a “death doula”, and has helped many people navigate the dying process. Vanessa A. Kubota is a Tibetan Buddhist translator as well as a licensed attorney with a special interest in estate planning. This presentation is highly recommended by TLC.

 

Recorded on Zoom 11-6-21

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15. Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel - The Importance of Faith During the Dying Process

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Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel makes use of inquiry as a path toward understanding faith and awakening. She leads us to question our ideas about spirituality and “emptiness”, while examining our relationship with life and our practice, and looks deeply at assumptions and beliefs. In this teaching, Ms. Namgyel introduces “open dimensionality” and allows listeners to truly explore our conceptions of awareness and how we view the world, and how this relates to faith at the time of transition. Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, Buddhist teacher and author, is a long-time heart student of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. She is the retreat master of Samten Ling in Crestone, Colorado, and has spent over six years in retreat. She holds a degree in anthropology and an M.A. in Buddhist Studies, and teaches throughout the U.S., Australia, Europe, and South America.

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Recorded on Zoom 2-12-22

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16. Tibetan Medical Approaches to Care in the Dying Process - Dr. Nashalla Nyinda, Menpa TMD MA Acu LMT

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Dr. Nashalla Nyinda, TMD MA reveals the experiences that take place during transition into death in this video. She clearly explains the various physical and elemental stages one goes through from the Tibetan medical viewpoint, a system that reveals more than western medicine is able to. Her explanation is very helpful for caregivers, families, and friends who are witnessing and/or assisting during this process. Dr. Nyinda’s Power Point presentation explains the dissolution of the elements in detail and how this can be recognized, and she shares personal anecdotes. Dr. Nashalla Nyinda began the study of Tibetan Medicine over twenty years ago. She attended Chagpori Institute Clinic in India, the Quing Hai Tibetan Medical College, Tibet, The Shang Shung Institute of Tibetan Medicine, Naropa University, and The Institute of Taoist Education and Acupuncture. She is now an Adjunct Professor at Naropa University and teaches healing techniques worldwide. Dr. Nyinda is the director of the Nyinda Clinic of Tibetan Medicine & Holistic Healing Clinic in Boulder, Colorado.

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Recorded on Zoom 9-10-22

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17. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - Experiencing the Bardo through Dreaming translated by Jacob Archuletta

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These teachings on the practice of “dream yoga” reveal the “bardo of dreaming” and allow us to recognize and utilize the dream state in waking, sleeping, and mediative states. Khenpo Paljor gives clear instructions about various methods that help to induce lucid dreams and transform them into the path in order to expand our awareness. This accessible and profound process assists with the preparation for death, when “clear light” will be experienced. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso is an accomplished scholar and was educated at Larung Tarig College in Tibet. He is a disciple of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Khenchen Tsultrim Lodro Rinpoche. He served as a lecturer for the Tibetan Language Program at Stanford University. Khenpo Paljor is currently the resident lama at Milarepa Buddhist Center in Iowa City, Iowa. Clearly translated by Jacob Archuletta.

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Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den Temple 1-20-19

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18. The Death of Death ~ Tibetan Views on the Ultimate Journey with Andrew Holecek 

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With an accessible and fascinating delivery, Andrew Holecek reveals the Tibetan perspective of death, interwoven with quotes by great wisdom teachers and philosophers, and offers explanations about how to incorporate the truth of our deathless nature. He examines the nature of fear and instills a sense of confidence in practice and our ability to accomplish it, along with a positive and potentially “awakened” transition. This talk includes inspiring information about how to utilize dreaming and dream yoga and how mediation will help us prepare for transition. 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.

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Recorded on Zoom 3-25-23

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19. Care for the End of Life and Terminal Illness with Stephanie Crawford, RN, BSN, Death Doula and Hospice Nurse.

 

Stephanie Crawford, RN guides us through an overview and brief history of the US funeral industry, the differences between practicing as a death doula and hospice nurse, and between hospice and palliative care. She explains how the fear of death and associated anxiety can be relieved by cultivating calm with mindfulness, spiritual exploration, education, and practical planning. This supportive and comforting program highlights the understanding that dying is a sacred part of life. 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', an organization that educates and improves quality of life by way of death doula assistance.  Questions and answers are included - suitable for a wide audience.

 

Recorded on Zoom 4-22-23

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20. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso - Dream Yoga - A Three Part Series - translated by Vanessa Kubota

 

Khenpo Paljor Gyatso’s teachings in this three-part Dream Yoga series introduce and guide practitioners, step by step, to recognize the dream state with lucidity. These instructions explain the transitional state we are able to access as we dream, which is very similar to the (Chikkhai) bardo entered during the transition of death, experienced as “clear light”. By understanding how to utilize this accessible and profound method, dream yoga becomes a swift path to liberation during and throughout the dying process. These teachings are selected from the Six Yogas of Naropa and other texts. Khenpo Paljor asks that these teachings be watched consecutively and in their entirety. Questions and answers are included. Khenpo Paljor Gyatso was a student of Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche at Larung Tarig College in Tibet. He is a learned scholar and inspiring teacher, and is now a lama at Pure Land of Iowa Buddhist Center.

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Recorded on Zoom 4-22-22, 5-21-22 & 6-25-22

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21. Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo - Cutting Through Fear at the End of Life 

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Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo offers helpful instructions from the views of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism to help us release attachment and fear during the dying process. Her teachings lead us to closely examine our actions and thoughts in order to cut through clinging to the self. Jetsunma’s clarity and her natural ability to provide practical, accessible methods offer the listener effective ways to work with ourselves as we face impermanence. Questions and answers are included. Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo is a scholar, retreat master, and teacher recognized by His Holiness Sakya Trizin Rinpoche and enthroned by Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche. She is the rebirth of Freda Bedi, known as Sister Palmo, who helped bring Buddhism to the west in the early 1970s. Jetsunma completed nine years of study at Ngagyur Nyingma Nunnery at Namdroling and nine years of retreat. She also has a degree in western psychology and currently teaches at Ewam Buddhist Center in Arles, Montana. 

 

Recorded on Zoom 10-28-23

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22. Judith Simmer-Brown, Ph.D. - Present at the Bedside - The Wisdom of Vimalakirti

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Judith Simmer-Brown, Ph.D., a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Contemplative and Religious Studies and founding faculty member at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and an “Archarya” at Shambhala International, shares the profound teachings of the accomplished lay practitioner Vimalakirti who lived at the time of Buddha. In the Vimalakirti Sutra, pith advice is given about how to effectively recognize and provide “hands on” bedside care as dharma practice in order to actively train in compassion. This artful PowerPoint presentation utilizes clarifying slogans created by Ms. Simmer-Brown that she adapted from the sutra, along with traditional Buddhist art. Later in the teaching, she addresses the importance of Buddhist chaplaincy, and questions and answers are included. This video marks the premier release of Professor Simmer-Brown’s slogans as part of this lucid and educational PowerPoint. A Buddhist practitioner since the early 1970’s, she became a student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1974. Her teaching specialties are meditation practice, Buddhist philosophy, tantric Buddhism, Buddhist chaplaincy, and contemplative higher education.

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Recorded on Zoom 12-2-23

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23. Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche - Freedom Upon Hearing: Teachings on the Bardos translated by Vanessa Kubota​

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For the first time, Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche teaches from his book, ‘Natural Freedom Upon Hearing - The Instructions on the Source Concerning the Intermediate States’. Rinpoche clearly describes the dying process as depicted in Guru Padmasambhava’s teaching in the ‘Tibetan Book of the Dead’, and explains the instructions for attaining liberation within six intermediate states. This text contains instructions on some of the highest levels of tantric practice and the presentation focuses on the various displays understood in the Vajrayana tradition. Questions and answers are included. Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of Ewam International Centers around the world. He is known to be an incarnation of one of the 25 heart disciples of Guru Rinpoche, and is a renowned meditation master, teacher, scholar, author, and 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. 

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Recorded on Zoom 9-23-23

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24. Lama Sonam Tsering Rinpoche - Caring for the Body After Death & Instructions for Cremation translated by Ila Reitz

 

At the request of Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche and TLC Transitional Life Care, in 2016 Lama Sonam Tsering Rinpoche shared his knowledge in order to offer guidance for assisting during the dying process, and how to care for the body after death from the Vajrayana Buddhist perspective. These instructions include in-depth spiritual and practical advice and detailed guidelines about preparing for traditional Vajrayana cremation. Refer to TLC’s ‘Vajrayana Cremation’ page here on the website for a short, additional video made to demonstrate how to “wrap the body”. These rarely given teachings provide knowledge gleaned from past centuries up until the present and contain accounts from great masters, personal anecdotes, and questions and answers. Lama Sonam Tsering is a Nyingma ritual master of Tibetan Buddhism and began training in the Dudjom Tersar lineage in India, circa 1959. He received extensive guidance from His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, HE Chagdud Rinpoche, HH Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, and Lama Tharchin Rinpoche. In 1984 Chagdud Rinpoche invited Lama Sonam to the US and for many years he served as a resident lama at Chagdud Gonpa’s

Dechen Ling Buddhist Center in Cottage Grove, Oregon. In 1999, Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche and Lama Tharchin Rinpoche both entrusted Lama Sonam to oversee and guide the Vajrayana Foundation at Pema Osel Ling.

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Filmed at Orgyen Dorje Den Temple 8- 7-16

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25. Lama Tsering Everest - Life in Relation to Death

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Lama Tsering Everest speaks from her heart and the pith instructions of HE Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche in this video as she reveals teachings from his book ‘Life in Relation to Death’. This inspiring contemplation on the nature of impermanence helps us to look at our lives and the way we think, and directly addresses our mortality and the precious gift of being able engage in dharma practice. Lama Tsering is endowed with a keen ability to help us open our eyes and keep our attention focused on utilizing our energies for the benefit of beings. This teaching offers many insights and much encouragement for those on the path. Lama Tsering Everest was recognized by HE Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche as an emanation of Tara and a Red Tara lineage holder. She acted as Chagdud Rinpoche’s translator for 11 years, and since completing a traditional three-year retreat during the mid-1990s, she has been teaching and offering empowerments. Lama Tsering is now the director of Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling in São Paulo, Brazil. She teaches and leads retreats across Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, and returns annually to North America. 

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Recorded on Zoom 3-24-24

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26. Venerable Robina Courtin - How to Face Death Without Fear

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In this teaching, Venerable Robina Courtin faces the truth of impermanence head on and leads us examine how attachment to this life is the source of fear. Her keen understanding and razor-like intelligence cut through the hesitancy many of us feel to talk about death, and her compassion allows for wit and empathy. Half of this program allows for questions and answers, during which we hear both common and very personal inquiries about dying and our relationship to dharma in the process. This talk is based on her teacher Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s book, ‘How to Face Death Without Fear’. It is clear that Venerable Robina has made his wisdom her own as she helps us prepare for and accept death, while fully embracing life, so that we can assist others in the doing the same. Venerable Robina Courtin is an Australia-bornVajrayana nun authorized to teach by her heart gurus, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Thubten Yeshe. She was ordained in 1978 and has worked and taught for FPMT, Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, since the 1970s. Venerable Robina has served as editorial director of Wisdom Publications, as editor of Mandala Magazine, and as executive director of the Liberation Prison Project, and continues to teach dharma worldwide. She is renowned for her direct, down-to-earth teachings about a wide range of subjects, and for her many meritorious activities.

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​Recorded on Zoom 2-22-24 

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27. Lama Glenn Mullin - Mindful Living, Mindful Death: Assisting a Loved One Through a Graceful Transition 

 

With characteristic directness and sincerity, Lama Glenn Mullin covers various aspects of the Vajrayana path related to the end of life. He stresses the accomplishments of dream yoga, sadhana practice, and p'howa as supreme methods to enter transition with grace and to successfully navigate the bardos. He also explains the dissolution of the body's elements, the bardo experience that follows death, and related aspects of transition. Personal stories 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. ​

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Recorded on Zoom 2-26-23

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