Death & Dying
The Bardo Group
Background
The Bardo Group was formed in late 2006 at the request of Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Lama Zangmo in order to provide care and assistance to those Buddhists associated with Kagyu Samye Dzong London who were very ill or dying. Since then, we have responded to a number of people, Buddhist and non-Buddhist, who have requested our assistance around the time of death.
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Who we are
We are a group of volunteers connected to Kagyu Samye Dzong London who work under the guidance of Lama Zangmo.
The group members provide spiritual friendship, kalyanamitra, to nurture a supportive relationship based on shared Buddhist values. However, for spiritual direction and guidance during terminal illness we recommend seeking the advice of Lama Zangmo. The current coordinator of the Bardo Group is Kitty D’Costa who has held this position since the Bardo Groups inception.
What we do
We provide practical help and spiritual support to those who may be in need during critical illness or during the often difficult period leading up to their eventual passing from this life. Assistance includes hospital and hospice visits, home visits, being present near the time of death and saying prayers. We also organise and preside over Buddhist funerals as well as memorial services.
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The Bardo Group also provides information to Buddhists, families, carers, medical practitioners and undertakers about how to ensure correct and compassionate treatment of a deceased person's body. Please see useful documents section. The Bardo Group members dedicate their personal practice to those people for whom prayers have been requested.
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Since 2016, the Bardo Group has organised an annual event at the Centre to raise awareness of Death and Dying called Embracing Death and Dying; A Celebration of Life through Reflection on Death. The Bardo group has also hosted numerous Death Cafe events, both online and in person at the Centre.
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If you would like help from the Bardo Group and/or would like them to dedicate prayers to someone send and email to the office.