How to Face Death Without Fear

September 19- 21

In-Person and Online Via Zoom

Death is a natural part of existence, but because of our intense attachment to this life, this body, and our own sense of self, we live in denial of it. As Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains in his book, How to Face Death Without Fear, “Death itself is not what causes fear. It is simply the consciousness leaving the body; we label death on that event. There is no terrifying death from its own side; the terrifying death is made up by our own mind.”

During this retreat Venerable Robina will explain Rinpoche’s teachings about karma and reincarnation, which are fundamental to the Buddhist views about life and death. We will go through the death process itself and the many practices and meditations Rinpoche recommends to help our loved ones before, during, and after death, ensuring that whether they die at home, in a hospital, or suddenly, or if they offer their organs, they will be peaceful and ready to leave this life with a happy mind.

As Rinpoche says, “Helping our loved ones at the time of death is the best service we can offer them, our greatest gift, Why? Because death is the most important time of life: it’s at death that the next rebirth is determined.”

Whether you choose to join us in person or online, you will learn how to face your own death with equanimity and therefore be empowered to be a source of strength for your loved ones, including your pets, during their time of transition.

Course Materials:

Participants are encouraged to read Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s book, “How to Face Death Without Fear” prior to the retreat. You can purchase the e-book here. The paperback is out of print but is being worked on. We will send an update if it becomes available.

Retreat Schedule:

Friday, September 19

4:00 pm – 5:45 pm Check in (overnight guests only)

5:45 pm – 6:00 pm Welcome talk in Dining room (overnight guests only)

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner (overnight guests only)

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Teaching and Guided Meditation

Saturday, September 20

7:30am – 8:00am Guided Meditation

8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast

9:00am – 12:30pm Teachings with a 30-minute Tea Break

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch

2:30pm – 3:30pm Discussion Groups

3:30pm – 6:00pm Teachings with a 30-minute Tea Break

6:00 pm – 7:30pm Dinner

7:30 pm – 8:30pm Teachings and Guided Meditation

Sunday, September 21

7:30am – 8:00am Guided Meditation

8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast

9:00am – 12:30pm Teachings with a 30-minute Tea Break

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch

(End of Retreat)

Lodging Options

​​During the retreat, we provide various lodging options to accommodate different preferences. We have a variety of lodging available to make your stay comfortable. 

Single Room: Ideal for those who need privacy, each room has an ensuite bathroom. Please note Single rooms are limited and book out quickly.

Shared Double Room: This can be booked by a couple, two friends, or by individuals happy to share with someone else. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. Ideal for those who like to have a bit more privacy, but have the convenience of being close to everything at the main campus. Each double room has an ensuite bathroom. You would be sharing this room with one other person. The price is per person

Shared Room: This can be booked by families, groups of friends or individuals. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. If you prefer a more communal setting, we have shared dormitories available. These dormitories provide a cost-effective option for participants who enjoy the camaraderie and interaction with fellow retreat attendees. Each dorm has an ensuite bathroom. The price indicated is per person. 

Yurt Village: Experience the charm of traditional yurts, offering a unique and cozy atmosphere. These circular dwellings provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for rest and relaxation. There are two bathrooms available to use at the Yurt Village – these bathrooms are shared with the other retreatants staying in the Yurt Village.

Please note the Yurt Village is a Walk-In and Walk-Out site. Your belongings will be shuttled out to the site at check-in and picked up again at check-out. You will only be able to walk to and from the Yurt Village to the Gompa and Dining Room each day. Please note that it’s approximately a 20-minute walk to the Yurt Village from the Lower Campus.

Tent Platforms: For those who enjoy a closer connection with nature, we offer tent platforms where you can set up your own tent. Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. Please note we have two Platforms at the Wish Fulfilling Temple and 1 platform in the Yurt Village.

Please contact Liah at [email protected] if you have questions or requests around lodging.

Meals

All of our lodging options include 3 delicious vegetarian meals a day. There will be gluten-free and vegan options at each meal. We will do our best to cater for additional dietary requirements.  Please contact Liah at [email protected] to communicate your specific needs with as much notice as possible.

Commuters: Please note that lunch and dinner are included in your program costs. Breakfast is not included. 

How to Get Here

Access to LMB is via a small, winding road (Prescott Road) which we share with numerous neighbors. As you are driving to our property please turn on your headlights, go slowly, and be prepared to pull over to the side when you meet oncoming traffic.

Closest Airports: The nearest airports to LMB are San Francisco (~1.5 hours away) and San Jose (~1 hour away). To reach LMB from either of these airports you can use a rideshare app (Uber, Lyft etc), or a shuttle service (Early Bird Airport Shuttle Service). Expect to pay $100 – $150 from San Francisco, or $60 – 80 from San Jose using a rideshare app. LMB is unable to offer assistance in helping you get to or from the center. Please make your own arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Overnight Guests

If you cancel more than 2 weeks in advance a full refund will be offered. If you cancel up to two weeks prior to the retreat starting a 50% refund will be offered. If you cancel up to 1 week prior to the retreat starting no refund will be offered.

Commuters

If you cancel 1 week prior to the retreat starting a 50% refund will be offered.