This thought-provoking course, co-taught by Dr. Welch along with Drs. Shubham Kulkarni & Robert Svoboda invites participants to delve into the universal and inevitable process of death through a unique blend of Ayurveda, mental health insights, and end-of-life care practices. Designed for those who are either fascinated by or fearful of death, the course offers a rich exploration of the emotional and spiritual dimensions associated with dying and the care of those at the end of life. Registration and details for Death & Dying here.

This class might be for you if you are

• eager to understand death from multiple perspectives, including the medical, emotional, and spiritual.
• interested in the practical and clinical aspects of end-of-life care, as well as the philosophical and ethical considerations.
• looking for a compassionate approach to managing fears and curious about death, and would like to explore this with experienced instructors versed in Indian wisdom traditions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the philosophical perspectives on death and dying within Indian knowledge and spiritual traditions, contrasting them as appropriate with perspectives from other traditions
• Explore the concept of karma and how it influences the process of dying and the afterlife.
• Learn about the stages of death and the journey of the soul as described in classical texts including the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads.
• Analyze the practical, ethical and moral considerations in end-of-life care.
• Investigate the practices of ancestor worship and the importance of honoring the departed.
• Develop skills for providing compassionate support to those who are dying and their families.
• Comprehend the foundational principles of Ayurveda and how they relate to end-of-life care.
• Identify the signs and symptoms of impending death (ariṣṭa lakṣaṇa) according to Ayurvedic texts.
• Understand the significance and interpretation of ariṣṭa lakṣaṇa in clinical practice and care planning.
• Explore the emotional spectrum experienced by individuals at the end of life from both Ayurvedic and psychological perspectives.
• Learn techniques for managing emotional distress, anxiety, and fear in dying patients using Ayurvedic practices.
• Develop comprehensive care plans that integrate Ayurvedic treatments, dietary and lifestyle modifications.
• Develop effective communication strategies for discussing end-of-life issues with patients and their families.
• Emphasise the importance of self-care based on Ayurveda to prevent burnout and maintain emotional resilience for caregivers of The Dying.
• Role of Music as a therapy in end-of-life care & after death.
• What is happening in life vs. death, from the perspective of sāṅkhya philosophy
• Explore what one might do to prepare to die & prepare for the passing of loved ones
• Describe the relationship of the four āśramas and death
• Explore the role ahaṅkāra may play in the death process
• Be able to describe the relationship between attachment and ahaṅkāra
• Explore how one might support another to prepare for their death
• Consider how you might support the family of someone dying
• What different forms of grief might look like and the process of being present with this

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, if you have assimilated the material, you will be able to:

• Engage deeply with the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of death and dying
• Understand some models of the journey of the soul
• Understand the implications of karma on the dying process
• Appreciate the rituals and practices associated with death, and know how to perform a simple post-death ritual
• Have techniques to turn to to manage the overwhelming emotions that can accompany death
• Transform personal fears of death into opportunities for spiritual growth and liberation.
• Articulate & use core Ayurvedic principles in end-of-life care
• Use music as a companion dealing with death
• Know better how to live your life, because of its implications in death.

Registration and details for Death & Dying here