For some time there has been a group of dedicated people meeting regularly at Hayagriva Buddhist Centre with the aim to help ourselves prepare for the end of our life and to be able to support others to do the same.

With this in mind, the Wheel of Life Hospice Service has been formed and one of our aims is to offer support to those who have a life threatening illness as well as to their families, friends and carers.

Our wish is to encourage a meaningful perspective on life and death which is designed to create the optimum physical emotional and spiritual condition for the dying person to be at peace with themselves and others.

 Although we ourselves would approach this from a Buddhist perspective we have no wish to impose our beliefs on others but rather we aim to employ whatever compassion empathy and courage we have developed from our own understanding of Buddhist practices by looking at death openly and honestly according to each persons beliefs and personal outlook on life.

The Wheel of Life exists in order to benefit oneself and others, to help the dying person to help themselves, and to complement any existing service that is being used.

 Since our formation, the Wheel of Life Hospice Service has explored how we can all Find Hope in Facing Death by looking at important issues such as

• Impermanence: How death can come suddenly and without warning. Are we prepared?
• Practical Aspects: Making a Will. Being clear about Funeral Wishes. Being clear about Organ Donation. Unfinished Business!
• How to relate to a dying person and create a conducive environment for the best possible outcome.
• What we can do NOW to prepare for our journey into the next life.
• Important resources to have available for ourselves and others such as Books, Tapes/CD's, Teachings, Mantras and Prayers.
• What we can do is to help those who have died?
• How can we be of the greatest benefit for our animals both now and at their time of dying?

 By reflecting on, and acting upon these aspects we will have the knowledge and skills to lead a fuller, and more focused life, which will help us to face the inevitable cessation of life that oneself has to experience.

For further information in regards to this service, please ring Venerable Chodron on 9438 1994.