We would like to see at least one person in each Shambhala Centre or study group trained in end-of-life issues or at least know what resources are available in the area. It would also be helpful to have some of this training included meditation instructor training. Sangha members could be encouraged to volunteer in hospice organisations or in hospitals.

We would like to see a WEB site, with a link from the Shambhala Web Page, which would include

• the "Death and Dying Section" of the Shambhala Practice Manual (with modifications and/or explanations for non-Buddhists);
• a list of people, world-wide, both sangha and not, who are trained in end-of-life and bereavement issues, and who are recommended by sangha;
• an annotated list of books and videos which are recommended by sangha members;
• hospice facilities or palliative care programs, world-wide, which are known to meet the needs of the people they serve,
• and an ability to have a threaded discussion so we can get support from each other as we deal with our dying friends and loved ones, and as we, ourselves are dying and would like to communicate with others living with a life-threatening illness.

A curriculum for volunteer training should be made available at each centre. Jacquie Bell will be working with Ann Cason, in the fall but would love input from sangha experienced in training others in death and dying issues.

Both Judy Lief and Ann Cason have books being published which deal with these issues. We thought it would be helpful, if they are going on book tours to give talks to sangha on their travels..

The following principles, or slogans, should be incorporated into the practice of caregivers:

• Have a genuine willingness to face our own fear of death.
• Honour each other's basic goodness.
• Stay present in the moment with whatever arises
• Rest in space - Allow what is happening to happen
• Approach each person and each situation without judgement or bias
• Have an awareness of one's body as well as one's mind
• Appreciate death as a part of life.
• Be where the patient is without having to control
• Continually ask yourself, "Whose needs am I meeting?"
• Understand that there is no one "right way" to die, and honour each person's journey.
• Ask the terminally ill person what they need or want rather than assuming we know.
• Try to be a caregiver who "serves" rather than one who "helps" or "fixes."