Tergar Asia End-of-Life Care & Legacy Giving Program

Although "dying" is a topic that many people prefer to avoid, on the Buddhist path, death is one of the most important subjects on our journey toward liberation.

Rinpoche has taught us that we need an ABCD plan for rebirth in the Amitabha Pure Land. As his students, we are committed to practicing diligently. However, in the process of preparing for dying, there are still many worldly matters we need to properly arrange, so that at the time of death, our minds can be clear and at peace, enabling us to be reborn in the Amitabha Pure Land.

Therefore, Tergar Asia has launched the newly established “Tergar Asia End-of-Life Care & Legacy Giving Program”. The deep meaning of this program is this: when we practice arranging our legacy, we are actually practicing "letting go" – letting go of attachment to our possessions, and letting go of attachment to our relationships. This is precisely the ability we need most at the time of dying. Through this practice, our minds become more at ease, more peaceful. Whether we seek rebirth in the Amitabha Pure Land or pursue liberation, we will have greater confidence.

“Tergar Asia End-of-Life Care & Legacy Giving Program” is not merely a legacy donation program. It is also an end-of-Life care program that accompanies our dharma friends through the complete journey of life and death. The entire program is built on two core pillars:

(1) End-of-Life Care (Sangha Level): Supporting each other, so that we do not have to face dying alone.

(2) Legacy Giving (Individual Level): Practicing letting go, transforming compassionate aspirations into long-term support.

Under the framework of "Tergar Asia End-of-Life Care & Legacy Giving Program," Tergar Asia has established a sangha-based end-of-Life care network. This is a group of Dharma Friends who, under the lineage of Mingyur Rinpoche, are willing to accompany each other with loving kindness and compassion.

1. Companionship and Care

When a legacy donor faces a serious illness or is near end-of-Life, members of the "End-of-Life Care Team" can provide:

Spiritual Companionship: Listening and being present, so that the legacy donor feels they are not alone.

Practice Guidance: Helping the legacy donor remember their usual practices and rest in awareness.

2. End-of-Life Guidance

At the moment when the legacy donor needs support the most, the End-of-Life Care Team can provide:

Chanting and Mantra Recitation: Reciting Buddha's names and mantras for the legacy donor, creating a pure and peaceful atmosphere.

3. Support After Death

After the legacy donor has passed away, the End-of-Life Care Team will provide support to the family, helping them understand how to care for the deceased according to the lineage of Mingyur Rinpoche:

Keeping the Body Undisturbed: Whenever possible, avoid unnecessary touching or moving of the body.

Covering with the Bardo Cloth: Cover the body with the “Sangye Sey Chig Tantra” Blanket with blessings from Mingyur Rinpoche, and use other sacred objects to help the deceased receive blessings and protection during the bardo stage.

Continuous Chanting: Continue to recite Buddha's names and mantras beside the deceased.

4. 49-Day Memorial Ceremony

According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the deceased remains in the bardo stage for up to forty-nine days. During this period, Tergar Asia will assist the family in arranging:

At Osel Ling Monastery in Nepal, monastic sangha will conduct ceremonies every seven days, for a total of seven times.

5. Family Care

The departure of a loved one is often most difficult for the family members left behind. The End-of-Life Care Team will also:

Continue to care for the physical and emotional well-being of the family.

Help the family understand subsequent dharma-related arrangements.

Provide grief companionship and support.

"Legacy Giving" is not merely a donation of money or property. It is a profound practice – practicing letting go of what we have accumulated and attached to throughout our lives, and extending this virtuous connection into the future.

When a Dharma Friend is willing to include Tergar Asia as a beneficiary in their will, insurance policy, or retirement fund, we regard this as a precious continuation of trust and aspiration. This is not a "fundraising campaign." It is an opportunity for your compassion and aspirations to continue benefiting sentient beings after you are gone.

Additionally, all Dharma Friends can contribute by joining the "End-of-Life Care Team" in their respective regions as volunteers. We are currently recruiting volunteers for the End-of-Life Care Team and will provide regular training. Training content includes:

Basic concepts and attitudes of end-of-life care

How to listen and accompany the dying

Practical guidance on reciting Buddha's names and mantras for the dying

Members of the End-of-Life Care Team are not medical professionals. They are Dharma Friends who are willing to accompany others with loving kindness and compassion, according to Mingyur Rinpoche’s lineage.

"Under the lineage of Mingyur Rinpoche, prepare yourself, and support each other." We encourage every Dharma Friend:

Prepare for yourself: Practice letting go, arrange your will, designate your beneficiaries. This is not only worldly preparation but also a profound practice.

Support others: When you see a Dharma Friend facing end-of-life, do not hesitate. Reach out your hand and accompany them through their final journey.

Because one day, every one of us will need such companionship.
And on that day, you will not be alone.

Tergar Asia End-of-Life Care & Legacy Giving Program – Prepare for dying, extend your aspirations, accompany each other.

May every Dharma Friend face dying with peace of mind, and depart for the Amitabha Pure Land with freedom and ease.