Dza Kilung Rinpoche initiated the Pema Kilaya Death and Dying Project in 2015 in order to provide guidance and focus to his students regarding spiritual preparation for death.

In keeping with the spiritual importance death holds in Tibetan Buddhist teachings, the project has developed resources to help prepare for dying and death in order to benefit oneself and others.

The project has released a booklet “Inspiration and Guidance for Death and Dying,” providing key points of spiritual encouragement and guidance from Dza Kilung Rinpoche about preparing for one’s own death and helping others who are dying or dead. You can download a full copy HERE. (See excerpts from Rinpoche below, and an audio file of Rinpoche chanting the OM MANI PADME HUNG mantra.)

For information about how to support a Tibetan Buddhist friend of family member who is dying or has recently died, click HERE

For guidance on putting spiritual end-of-life wishes in writing, click HERE. 

For a list of books with more information about the Tibetan Buddhist view of death, click HERE.

For more general resources about dying, death, hospice care, and dealing with grief and loss, click HERE.

If you would like general information about the Pema Kilaya Death and Dying Project, email deathanddying@kilung.org

Below are some excerpts of wisdom from Dza Kilung Rinpoche contained in Inspiration and Guidance for Death and Dying:

“Inevitably, at some point, we will die. At that time we may think, “Why am I sick and dying?” Then we must remember that birth, old age, sickness, and death are part of life and not something that we should see as our worst enemy. Everything is impermanent; nothing lasts forever. Every day we pass through many smaller journeys and in essence death is no different.”

“You’re asking about the moment of death, but I prefer that we go a little bit further back—to right now.  For now we have a really huge opportunity for training the mind in this way. So try not to have so much regret in everyday life. That is something you can do, something you can be involved with. Just be satisfied, or happy. Even though we think this or that is not my ultimate desire. But we can also be happy with the ‘first draft.’ Even though we know this is just a draft. Say ‘Ok, this is what my life is, every second it’s moving. So why not enjoy this moment?’ In this way I think that there is a greater chance of the mind becoming trained and familiarized with letting go of the regrets when they arise. And then at that moment before death when you might say, ‘Oh, I wish I had accomplished this or that and now I’m leaving this world,’ I’m sure the thought might arise, but then you have more skills and are more used to letting it liberate. So that is, I think, a good practice.”

Dza Kilung Rinpoche was asked “What are the most important daily practices for preparation for death?”  He responded:

“Generally speaking, just being a Buddhist practitioner is preparation, and it’s good preparation. But why? Buddhist practice teaches loving kindness, generating bodhicitta mind (aspiration to awaken for the sake of all beings), and opening the heart. Read more HERE.

To support a Tibetan Buddhist friend or family member who is dying or has recently died, or for non-Buddhists who are curious, the following document offers helpful suggestions.  To download, click HERE.

Below is an excerpt from that document about the power of compassion:

“During the dying process and after death, there is a famous Sanskrit phrase that can help the person’s consciousness connect with the power of compassion.  It is OM MANI PADME HUNG, a sound associated with the universal energies of ultimate love and compassion.  It does not matter if the person is Buddhist or not:  this phrase is beneficial.  You can say it aloud or in your mind while around the dying person or when thinking of them after they have died. This also can be very comforting to the person who is reciting it…When reciting OM MANI PADME HUNG or prayers of your choice, remember that your pure motivation is most important in helping your loved one.  Similarly, it is a beautiful gift to encourage your loved one to remember their own good deeds, their motivation of loving kindness and compassion, and the intention to be of benefit to self and others even after death.”

Here is Dza Kilung Rinpoche chanting OM MANI PADME HUNG