Being with Dying

Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death

By: Joan Halifax, Ira Byock MD - foreword

Narrated by: Claire Slemmer

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Buddhist approach to death can be of great benefit to people of all backgrounds - as has been demonstrated time and again in Joan Halifax's decades of work with the dying and their caregivers. Inspired by traditional Buddhist teachings, her work is a source of wisdom for all those who are charged with a dying person's care, facing their own death, or wishing to explore and contemplate the transformative power of the dying process. Her teachings affirm that we can open and contact our inner strength, and that we can help others who are suffering to do the same.

©2008 Joan Halifax (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Tender and honest perspective

I'm caring for a loved one with a terminal illness and turned to this book for help. I am well acquainted with Buddhist thought, but you do not have to be to reap the benefits of this book. I have been comforted, validated, and informed. Mostly I realize how little any of us knows about death and I can accept that in peace. I also realize that sometimes when I feel I should be doing more, simply bearing witness is all there is to do. May this book bring comfort to others.

A critical tool for the death experience

I recently listened and used this book in a loved one’s death and it was invaluable. Read this for both your growth as an individual and for the challenge of caring for a dying individual. Highly recommend.

Fear of Death

I go back and forth with a slight fear of death; however, after listening to this book, I can better deal with the thought of actually dying one day. As if it might not happen right: I know death is natural, and I know it happens. Being with Dying will help guide you through the process while you are still alive and breathing. .

deathwork to improve life

Excellent book to understand life as well as death. Buddhist perspective but not too esoteric. Inspiring quotes and comforting guidance to help at the bedside of a dying loved one.

Transformative

I may not know how long I have but I know that I have rediscovered life through this book.

Masterpiece in Death and Dying

Like the advice about approaching with a beginners mind, bearing witness, and providing active compassion. Works with those actively dying, and those not so near death. Also helpful in dealing with one’s self. Simple, but not easy. Very good discussion of hospice practice, issues that arise, practical examples, pitfalls, insights. Lots of sharing from a Dalai Lama level US Buddhist about her path and how she came to specialize in helping people (including families friends and caregivers) in dealing with often arduous and traumatic end of life scenarios. Sorry to say death and dying are not well appreciated in the US these days. Thankfully Joan Halifax does a nice job reviewing practices over time as well as in other cultures to explain best approaches to caregiving, death and dying.

Acceptable

An arduous journey through dealing with dying. A great spiritual look at the preparation both mentally and emotionally processing grief and accepting death as part of life.

Okay

I'm not a Buddhist, but I appreciate some of their philosophy and practice. I found this book too detached and abstract, however, which is also the side of Buddhism with which I do not resonate.

Loved it!

This one of my 2 favorite books. I am rereading it after only a month. I don't usually enjoy reading a book twice, but plan to read this book frequently.