The Preparing to Die Program
Currently SOLD OUT, we will be offering this again later this year. A three-month (Feb – Apr 2024) online interactive training on spiritual and practical preparations for death.
This unique program provides an accessible and integrated exploration of a rich and complete cycle of teachings and practices to help us get ready for the end of life. Live sessions begin February 7th (8 PM EDT) and occur weekly for 12 weeks. Full recordings will be available.
With Andrew Holecek and guests
The wisdom traditions proclaim that if you are prepared, there are more opportunities for rapid psychological and spiritual growth at the end of life than during life. PDP will get you prepared. It offers the teachings and practices that transform the greatest obstacle in life into the greatest opportunity. With this program, death becomes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attain enlightenment. Instead of dreading the end of life, you now have something to look forward to.
Do you fear death, or the thought of no longer existing?
Do you find yourself avoiding thinking about death?
Do you keep putting off preparing for this ultimate journey?
Would you like to approach the end of life fearlessly? And to die with grace and confidence?
When someone close to you died, did you wish you could have done more to help?
Are you curious about what survives physical death, what continues?
When you die, what will really count? What can you truly take with you?
Do you want a way to get focused on the impermanence of life, remove frivolous distractions?
If your answer is “yes” to many of these questions, then commit yourself to the most comprehensive preparation for dying, in a supportive teaching environment, that will give you everything you need to know to face the end of life with ease.
Who is the Preparing to Die Program for, and am I qualified to participate?
While there is no prerequisite to join, PDP is most appropriate for individuals who are committed to an in-depth preparation for life’s final transition. This program is also for helping professionals: hospice workers, palliative care practitioners, frontline health-care workers, coaches, educators, community leaders, death doulas, and parents. We welcome any person willing to participate in this enriching, life-changing event.
I’m not Buddhist, is this program still appropriate for me?
Andrew is a student and follower of many wisdom traditions, and believes that no one has a patent on truth. His primary scholarship in the study of spiritual preparation for death and dying has been the bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. However, the Preparing to Die Program will include interviews with some of Andrew’s colleagues in other wisdom traditions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, the Jewish mystical tradition, as well as experts in hospice, grief, the assisted dying movement and others. Andrew’s teaching approach also draws from psychology, philosophy, medicine, and modern science.
Andrew is sensitive to the idea that cultural differences and personal idiosyncrasies generate a variety of experience at the end of life. Why would a Christian or Muslim, with very different beliefs, experience death the same way as a Buddhist? In “Breaking the Circle: Death and the Afterlife in Buddhism”, author Carl B. Becker writes: “The afterlife is culturally relative insofar as its imagery is projected by the perceiver, and the perceiver has been conditioned by the culture in which he was educated.”
While the Tibetans have breathtaking resources that easily translate from their tradition into our own, modern Tibetan masters admit to instances of cultural insularity and peculiarity. The issue of universal truth vs. cultural vicissitude is present anytime teachings migrate from an ancient and foreign culture into a modern one. This is something each person has to wrestle with as they plunge into the bardo teachings.
The Transformation that awaits you
Psychological, Spiritual, and Practical Preparation
The Preparing to Die Program covers the necessary psychological and spiritual preparation, offering dozens of contemplations and meditations specifically designed for death. This program further offers the practical preparation, in terms of medical and legal advance directives. PDP then provides ongoing support and training, helping you stabilize the meditations, and deepening your understanding of the teachings. Finally, this program creates a rich community of like-minded people that will walk this path with you. You will develop friendships that can support you in your own transition, a cohort that will be with you (in person or online) when you face the end of life.
PDP is Integral in Spirit, Meaning That It Draws From Multiple Streams of Knowledge
While the core curriculum is based on the bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism (arguably the world’s most complete set of teachings on death and dying), PDP draws extensively from other wisdom traditions, as well as psychology, philosophy, medicine, and modern science.
The Community Aspect is Central to PDP
In addition to weekly sessions with Andrew, you will have the opportunity to join in a smaller weekly group of the participants. The small size of this group provides ample opportunities for personal interaction, fostering the development of close friendships and providing more comprehensive support. An online discussion platform will be available for participants to share questions, insights, and resources, further nurturing a sense of camaraderie. After completing the curriculum, participants have the option to continue their involvement, which will allow them to maintain the community and enhance interpersonal support.
Knowledge from Experts in Many Different Fields
Another key component will be fresh tributaries of knowledge coming from experts in many different fields, implementing the integral aspect of this program. This will be in the form of ongoing interviews with spiritual and religious authorities, scholars, professional caregivers, legal and practical experts, and a host of specialists in the field of thanatology (the study of death and dying).
The Preparing to Die Program
Cost is $899 – SOLD OUT
Live sessions begin February 7th, 2024 (8 PM ET) and occur weekly for 12 weeks. Full recordings will be available.
Other pricing options:
Early Bird Price: $799
Purchase by Midnight (MDT) on January 8th, 2024
Patron Price: $1,099
To help others attend
Installment Price: 2 payments of $455/month
One payment at registration and one payment 30 days later.
Partial Scholarships are Available for $299
THE structure of the Preparing to Die Program
Opening Welcome Gathering of the Cohort
Our three-month program begins with an opening session where Andrew will provide a road map of the course, and discuss intentions and aspirations for the months to come.
The PDP curriculum will be presented over three months.
Each month will be based on one of the three death bardos (which means “gap, transitional process”): The Painful Bardo of Dying; The Karmic Bardo of Becoming; and The Luminous Bardo of Dharmata. This bardo material will be presented as a series of self-guided pre-recorded online audio courses.
The Cornerstone of the Preparing to Die Program is the Weekly Live Online Sessions with Andrew
Each week, you will participate in a 90-minute Zoom session led by Andrew, where he will provide a combination of new material, reviews of recorded sessions from the week, guided meditations, and Q&A. If you are unable to attend the live session, recordings will be available within 24 to 48 hours. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns that you may have. As topics related to death and dying can be difficult to confront, it is important to feel heard, which is a fundamental part of the PDP curriculum.
Guest Interviews Provide Valuable Tributaries of Knowledge
Andrew will conduct regular interviews with experts from various spiritual traditions who will share their perspectives on death and dying. Additionally, there will be interviews with experts on topics such as advanced directives, the conscious dying movement, “green” burials, and near-death experiences.
The Very Structure of This Program Will Apply to Helping Each Other When We Die
PDP is nontraditional in many ways, and one central aspect is its pedagogical approach. We will explore several unique forms of learning, but one topic is warranted here. The notion of energy fields, and fields of learning, is core to our journey. Professor of religion, and author of The Living Classroom, Christopher Bache, writes, “Consciousness is an open field and within this field, states of consciousness are contagious. Fields of consciousness [and love] emerge in groups that reflect the intention and activity of that group. The better focused the group’s intention and the longer such activity goes on, the stronger these fields become.”
PDP is going to create a force field of learning, and love, actively evoking the “field effect” with teachings and practices. Learning fields – that transcend the limits of space and time — reflect the cumulative efforts of students working with the same material, doing the same practices, having the same vision. As we will see, these same fields will be engaged to help others after they die, because space and time don’t apply at these deeper dimensions. So the very structure of this program will apply to helping each other when we die. There’s more going on with PDP than meets the eye. Be prepared for some magic!
Who is this course for?
The Preparing to Die Program is for anyone interested in learning how to get ready for the end of life, from both a spiritual and practical perspective. It is for those who want to learn how to help someone else who is aging, sick, or dying, and to support them and their loved ones after death. The Preparing to Die Program aspires to produce graduates that understand, embody, and share this way of living and dying with their loved ones, their communities, and the organizations in which they serve.
Your Three-part Journey in the Preparing to Die Program
The PDP curriculum is structured in three month-long blocks based on the three death bardos (where bardo means “gap, transitional process”): The Painful Bardo of Dying, The Luminous Bardo of Dharmata, and The Karmic Bardo of Becoming.
Month One:
The Painful Bardo of Dying
Month Two:
The Karmic Bardo of Becoming
Month Three:
The Luminous Bardo of Dharmata
The Painful Bardo of Dying is our opening month, where you will become familiar with the process of old age, sickness, and death.
In this opening month, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Painful Bardo of Dying, a critical part of the spiritual journey that can lead to immense personal growth and transformation. By studying this bardo, you will learn how to recognize the signs and stages of the dying process, providing support to those around you who may be facing the end of their life.
Through this exploration, you will discover in your own dying process how to let go of everything you have and everything you think you are, creating space for new growth and opportunities for enlightenment. While this transition can be painful, releasing your grip on this world can transform it into the bardo of letting go.
Topics in this month’s teaching will include:
- Core meditations to prepare (tonglen, shamatha, vipashyana, reverse meditation)
- What is the bardo like?
- How to transcend anxiety and fear
- The eight stages of the dissolution process
- Outer, inner, and secret signs that orient the journey
- The trikaya (three-body) principle
- Contemplations that help you prepare (the four reminders)
- Preparation for sudden death
- How lucid dreaming and dream yoga help you prepare
- The bardo of dying in daily life
By embracing the teachings and lessons of the Painful Bardo of Dying, you will gain the confidence to face the unknown and the unfamiliar with courage and strength. You’ll learn how to overcome your fears and uncertainties, and prepare for what comes next with grace and dignity. In this way, this exploration can help you become a more compassionate, empathetic, and resilient person, ready to face life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.
In the second month, you will learn about the rebirth or transition process into your next incarnation.
Even though the second bardo is the luminous bardo of dharmata, three of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism don’t teach this second bardo, because it is so subtle and profound, and because most people will not experience it. We will return to the bardo of dharmata in the third trimester better prepared to understand it (and therefore more likely to experience it) if we go through the teachings on the karmic bardo of becoming first.
The karmic bardo of becoming is a crucial state in which the power of thought and habit becomes the most significant factor. By understanding this bardo, you can learn how to direct the winds of karma to your advantage and control your mind in the face of developing panic. Developing stability of mind through the practice of shamata meditation is essential for navigating this bardo, and the degree to which you can control your mind now will determine your ability to withstand the onslaught of your thoughts in the bardo.
Topics in this month’s teachings will include:
- The role of phowa or “transference of consciousness”
- The power of mantra
- The place of Pure Land practice
- Voluntary vs involuntary rebirth
- The six realms
- Typical experiences in this bardo
- The role of dream yoga in this bardo
- What should we do in this bardo?
- Instructions from The Tibetan Book of the Dead
- The bardo of becoming in daily life
The bardo of becoming is like a cosmic Pandora’s Box, filled with the contents of your own mind, your karma. If you’re unprepared, this is the bardo where all hell breaks loose, and the confused dimensions of your mind come to the surface. Just like in a dream, your habits then take control. By studying this bardo, you will be equipped to face the urge to run away from yourself and take refuge in a new solid body. With this knowledge, you can direct your winds of karma (habit) toward a fortunate realm of existence, and wake up into your next life with awareness and intention. Studying this bardo offers the opportunity to gain greater control over your thoughts, actions, and future lives, and move towards greater enlightenment.
In the third month of the program, you will have the opportunity to delve into the most profound of all three bardos.
This is the luminous bardo of dharmata, and it presents a chance for you to awaken to the true nature of your mind.
During this bardo, the raw and naked nature of your mind is revealed in its true form. This is a phenomenon that is the same for everyone, yet uniquely experienced by each individual. Without any conceptual or cultural influences clouding your mind, you will have the chance to experience the thermonuclear power of your awakened mind. All heaven breaks loose in this bardo. The question is: can you contain this much divinity? If so, this is a rare opportunity that changes everything.
By studying and practicing the teachings of this program, you will greatly increase your chances of recognizing and realizing the intrinsic awareness and enlightened nature of your mind during this bardo. This realization is the key to achieving enlightenment.
Topics in this month’s teaching will include:
- What is the dharmata?
- The 100 peaceful and wrathful deities
- Meditations that prepare for this bardo
- How to meet the deities in daily life
- The role of sleep yoga
- The power of habit / karma in this bardo
- How to handle all the light and space
- The role of luminosity and emptiness in this bardo
- The central players of contraction and expansion
- Death as the Grand Opening
It’s important to note that without familiarity with the nature of mind, it will be experienced as nothing at all, or in other words, you will black out. It’s similar to the black out of deep dreamless sleep. Without an understanding of the subtle states of mind revealed in this bardo, it can be easily missed.
But don’t worry, despite the complexity of this bardo, the meditations that prepare us for it are simple and relaxing. With the guidance and support of this program, you can be confident in your ability to navigate this powerful and transformative experience, and emerge from it with a new perspective on life and a deep understanding of your true nature..
This program includes a comprehensive set of exclusive resources to support you in your journey.
Cost is $899 – Register Now – Space is Limited
Live sessions begin February 7th, 2024 (8 PM ET) and occur weekly for 12 weeks. Full recordings will be available.
Other pricing options:
Early Bird Price: $799
Purchase by Midnight (MDT) on January 8th, 2024
Patron Price (to help others attend): $1,099
Installment Price: 2 payments of $455/month (one payment at registration and one payment 30 days later)
Partial Scholarships are Available for $299
Over 60 Hours of Recorded Audio Teachings
All these audio recordings will be downloadable for you so that you can listen on the go, at a time that works best for you.
Dozens of Contemplations, Meditations, Exercises
Designed exclusively to help you reflect and strengthen your understanding, bringing the teachings alive in your daily life as well as preparing you for death.
A Community of Like-Minded Friends to Support Each Other
Studying death in a supportive group provides comfort, empathy and encouragement.
Recommended Resources and Readings List
An extensive list of books, articles, and videos for deepening your study and practice.
Six-Month Membership in Night Club (new members only)
An international community of meditation, lucid dreaming, and the nature of reality (existing members excluded).
Weekly Live 90 Minute Online Sessions with Andrew
Online with Andrew Holecek. A critical support feature of PDP, where you ask questions about content, or any issues you may have along the way.
Edited Transcripts of All Material
Printable texts of all lectures and online sessions, so you can review the teachings at your own pace and highlight concepts for future reference.
Guest Interviews with Leading Authorities in the Field
Fresh tributaries of knowledge implementing the integral aspect of this program.
Contacts to Professionals in the Field
Grief counselors, advance directive specialists, death doulas, etc.
A Digital (ebook) Copy of Andrew’s Book
Guest Interviews with Leading Authorities in the Field
Another key component will be fresh tributaries of knowledge coming from experts in many different fields, implementing the integral aspect of this program. This will be in the form of ongoing interviews with spiritual and religious authorities, scholars, professional care givers, legal and practical experts, and a host of specialists in the field of thanatology (the study of death and dying). See the list of confirmed interview guests below (which will continue to grow). Please note that while the interviews with these guests are confirmed, it is unlikely that ALL of these interviews will take place during the three months of the program. This is why we are offering long-term access to the course.
Zvi Ish-Shalom, Ph.D.
Gregory Shushan, Ph.D.
Karen Van Vuuren
Chelsea Waves
Fr. Francis Tiso, Ph.D.
(death from a Christian perspective)
Nataraja Kallio
Tarron Estes
Dr. Terri Daniels
Yusuf Al-Hurr, Ph.D.
(death from an Islamic perspective)
Swami Sarvapriyananda
Mitchell Gershten MD
(end-of-life medical care)
About Andrew Holecek
Andrew Holecek is an author, speaker, and humanitarian who offers seminars internationally on meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying. He is the author of many books, including The Power and the Pain: Transforming Spiritual Hardship into Joy, and Preparing to Die: Practical Advice and Spiritual Wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition.
Dr. Holecek is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the co-author of scientific papers on lucid dreaming. His work has appeared in Psychology Today, Parabola, Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, Utne Reader, Buddhadharma Magazine, Light of Consciousness, and many other periodicals. He also hosts the popular Edge of Mind podcast, conversations with leading-edge thinkers in the fields of science, philosophy, spirituality, psychology, integral studies, and the arts.
Andrew is the founder of the international Night Club community, a support platform for the nocturnal meditations, and the co-founder of Global Dental Relief, which provides free oral health care to children in developing countries. He holds degrees in classical music, biology, and a doctorate in dental surgery.
Word is out on Andrew
“A very broad and deep dive into the bardos and transitional mind states. Andrew has developed an expertise in presenting this material with great intention and care.” – T.K.
“The PDP program is an essential program for all to participate in. It creates a pathway to navigate the bardos, “the dream at the end of time.” All beliefs can benefit from this program.” – D.G
“The formal course continues for 12 weeks, and the online access to the abundant archives continues indefinitely. This provided me with sufficient time for my mind and heart to get familiar with the material, which is deep stuff. And knowing that I could review the material whenever I wanted allowed me to absorb it at a pace that worked for me.” – A. E.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Preparing to Die Program for, and am I qualified to participate?
I’m not Buddhist, is this program still appropriate for me?
Andrew is a student and follower of many wisdom traditions, and believes that no one has a patent on truth. His primary scholarship in the study of spiritual preparation for death and dying has been the bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. However, the Preparing to Die Program will include interviews with some of Andrew’s colleagues in other wisdom traditions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, the Jewish mystical tradition, as well as experts in hospice, grief, the assisted dying movement and others. Andrew’s teaching approach also draws from psychology, philosophy, medicine, and modern science.
Andrew is sensitive to the idea that cultural differences and personal idiosyncrasies generate a variety of experience at the end of life. Why would a Christian or Muslim, with very different beliefs, experience death the same way as a Buddhist? In “Breaking the Circle: Death and the Afterlife in Buddhism”, author Carl B. Becker writes: “The afterlife is culturally relative insofar as its imagery is projected by the perceiver, and the perceiver has been conditioned by the culture in which he was educated.”
While the Tibetans have breathtaking resources that easily translate from their tradition into our own, modern Tibetan masters admit to instances of cultural insularity and peculiarity. The issue of universal truth vs. cultural vicissitude is present anytime teachings migrate from an ancient and foreign culture into a modern one. This is something each person has to wrestle with as they plunge into the bardo teachings.
What will the coursework schedule be like?
You can expect to spend approximately five hours listening to the recorded audio talks per week.
You will also have a one hour live guided meditation/contemplation/Q&A session with Andrew (which will be recorded), as well as a one hour discussion group each week.
What if I can’t attend the live sessions?
What is your refund policy?
Full refunds will be honored for 30 days from the date of your registration and will be refunded back to your credit card. Refunds after 30 days, but before the program begins, will be refunded via a paper check (in US dollars) and mailed to the billing address on file. If this is not possible, we will apply a credit to your account for future programs.
After the program begins refunds are not available, however we will apply a credit to your account for future programs.
The Preparing to Die Program
Cost is $899 – SOLD OUT
Live sessions begin February 7th, 2024 (8 PM ET) and occur weekly for 12 weeks. Full recordings will be available.
Other pricing options:
Early Bird Price: $799
Purchase by Midnight (MDT) on January 8th, 2024
Patron Price (to help others attend): $1,099
Installment Price: 2 payments of $455/month
One payment at registration and one payment 30 days later.
Partial Scholarships are Available for $299