Description:
In "Advice on Dying," His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a profound and compassionate guide that, despite its title, is fundamentally about how to live a better life. Drawing on ancient Tibetan Buddhist teachings, the Dalai Lama explains the process of death and dying not as a morbid or fearful subject, but as a central part of the human experience that holds the key to living with greater purpose and peace. He outlines the subtle physical and mental changes that occur as life ends, providing a clear roadmap to navigate this final transition.
The book’s core message is that by contemplating our own impermanence and the inevitability of death, we can gain a fresh perspective on what truly matters in life. This awareness encourages us to let go of trivial attachments, embrace compassion, and live each day with intention and gratitude. For those in recovery, this book provides a powerful framework for facing the "death" of their old self and their addictive lifestyle. It teaches that by accepting impermanence, one can reduce fear and build the courage to embrace a new, more meaningful existence.
Study Guide for Recovery
This study guide is designed to help you explore the concepts in "Advice on Dying" and apply them to your own journey of recovery.
Key Themes & Concepts
- Contemplating Impermanence: The book emphasizes that a deep understanding of impermanence—the knowledge that all things, including life itself, are temporary—can reduce our suffering.
- The "Death" of the Old Self: In recovery, we often face the "death" of our old lifestyle and identity. The book's teachings provide a framework for navigating this transition with courage and grace.
- Letting Go of Attachments: By focusing on the end of life, the Dalai Lama teaches us to identify and release the attachments and cravings that cause us suffering in this life.
- Living a Better Life: The book's ultimate lesson is that by facing our fear of death, we are freed to live more fully, compassionately, and peacefully in the present moment.
Discussion Questions
- The book encourages us to reflect on our own mortality. How does contemplating the impermanence of life change your perspective on the urgency and importance of your recovery?
- Recovery often feels like a death of an old identity. What aspects of your "old self" are you grieving, and how can the book's teachings help you to navigate this process?
- The Dalai Lama discusses letting go of attachments. What are some of the cravings or attachments (beyond substances) that you still feel are holding you back?
- The book teaches that by facing our fears, we can find greater peace. What is one fear you have about your recovery that you are willing to face today?
- After reading this book, what is one new intention you can set for "living a better life" in your recovery, and what is one action you can take to honor that intention today?
Additional Resources
- Website: The Dalai Lama Official Site:
- Visit the official site for His Holiness the Dalai Lama for more teachings, public schedules, and information on his work. https://www.dalailama.com/
- Article: "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying"
- This article from the Lion's Roar provides an overview of the classic Tibetan Buddhist text that heavily influences the Dalai Lama's teachings on death and impermanence. https://www.lionsroar.com/the-tibetan-book-of-living-and-dying-by-sogyal-rinpoche/
- Guided Meditation: "Mindfulness of Death Meditation"
- This guided meditation is a practical way to explore the book's teachings on impermanence and reduce anxiety about the future. (Search "mindfulness of death meditation" on a podcast or meditation app.)
- Video: "The Dalai Lama on Impermanence"
- Watch a short video clip where the Dalai Lama discusses the concept of impermanence and its liberating power. (Search "Dalai Lama impermanence" on YouTube.)
