"It is the fundamental right of every human being: not to be afraid of death, or of life; to die at peace, surrounded by wise, clear and tender care; and to find the ultimate happiness that can only come from understanding the nature of mind and reality."

Sogyal Rinpoche

Rigpa's Spiritual Care programme offers practical ways in which the wisdom and compassion of the Buddhist teachings can benefit those facing illness or death, and help support their families and care-givers.

The programme offers courses for medical professionals and caregivers, as well as for the public, in all countries where Rigpa has a centre, through a team of 30 educators and facilitators.

Dzogchen Beara, Rigpa's centre for long-term and secluded retreats in the west of Ireland, serves as the centre of activity for the Spiritual Care programme. Over the years, Dzogchen Beara has welcomed people affected by motor neurone disease (ALS), multiple sclerosis, and those suffering from different forms of cancer.

A new Spiritual Care Centre opened in 2009 at Dzogchen Beara that will be a model of how to offer spiritual care. The centre will serve people from all walks of life and religious orientation, providing a home from home where they can come, with family or friends, for periods of rest in a welcoming and healing atmosphere.

In April 2009 in Ireland, the Spriritual Care Programme will hold a ground-breaking conference on Compassion and Presence - Spiritual Care for the Living and Dying. The meeting will investigate what is authentic spiritual care, and what benefits it can bring to health care professionals and those they care for. Leading experts from the fields of medicine, science, psychology and pastoral care will present different spiritual and contemplative approaches to care, and show how they can be applied in any setting. Read the article announcing the conference from View II.

Further information and registration details for Compassion and Presence - Spiritual care for the Living and Dying can be found here.