Living An Awakened Life Through Mindfulness of Death (Maranasati)

Instructor(s): Nikki Mirghafori

Program Description:

We all “know” that we die, yet we tend to ignore it and put our collective heads in the sand. Rather than running away from our mortality, the Buddha advised us to bring the intimacy of our finitude into the forefront of our minds. We can harness the power of this reflection to live with presence, staying aligned with our deepest values. Fully embracing our life’s impermanence can give rise to a deep letting go and freedom in the way we live. It can also support us in our dying, enabling us to cultivate peace and let go of fear and prepare for our own death as a potentially liberative moment. Through mindfulness of death (maranasati), we can live this miraculous, passing show called life with more wholesome qualities.

In this program we will come together to explore maranasati through dharma talks, guided meditations, Q/A, silent sitting and walking periods, as well as interactive inquiry in small groups. We will also explore sutta passages from the Pali canon. All mortals, with varying levels of experience and background, are welcome.

Noble Silence:

This program includes dedicated periods of both wise speech and noble silence. Some contemplative exercises may involve mindful speaking and listening. Noble silence is to be upheld at all other times.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Cancellation Policy:

This policy applies to all residential programs, including Paths. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us as soon as possible. Please note cancellation fees are at most $50 for those receiving financial assistance. As of 2023, 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date and there is a $50 cancellation fee if you cancel two weeks or more in advance. Beginning in 2024, prior to six weeks before the program start date, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs more than two nights and $25 for programs two nights or less. 50% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel between two and six weeks of the program start date. 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date.

Covid-19 Safety Protocol:

Please review our Covid-19 Safety Protocols here: https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/covid-19/.

DEI:

As we work to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, we invite feedback/suggestions you may have regarding ways that we can make participation in the program more accessible and welcoming. Please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org.

About the Instructor(s):
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  Nikki Mirghafori

  Dr. Nikki Mirghafori is a Buddhist teacher and Artificial Intelligence scientist. She is a lineage holder in the Theravada tradition, empowered by the Burmese meditation master Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, with whom she practiced the jhanas and detailed analytical (Abhidhamma-style) vipassana. She also received empowerment from the Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society, Insight Meditation Center, and is a Stanford-trained compassion cultivation instructor. She teaches with clarity and warmth on topics ranging from mindful leadership to cultivating kindness, with a rare expertise in mindfulness of death.