CBD 2024: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunity with Andrew Holecek, DDS

Reflecting on impermanence and death is “the supreme contemplation” that led to the Buddha’s awakening and is summarized in his teachings on the Wheel of Life. By transforming ignorance (the first link on the wheel) into wisdom, we transform death (the last link) into enlightenment. With the Right View of wisdom, death becomes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In Tibetan Buddhism, death is referred to as “the dream at the end of time,” and the yogas of dream and sleep are preparations that keep that dream from turning into a nightmare. Meditation in general, and nocturnal meditations in particular, allow us to “die before we die”, leading to “the death of death.” This presentation will show you how meditation practices including lucid dreaming leads to lucid dying, and how reflecting on death ironically brings you more fully into life.

Andrew Holecek, DDS, has completed the traditional three-year Buddhist meditation retreat and offers seminars internationally on the art of dying, meditation, and lucid dreaming. He is the author of many books, including Preparing to Die: Practical Advice and Spiritual Wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition; and Dream Yoga: Illuminating Your Life Through Lucid Dreaming and the Tibetan Yogas of Sleep. Dr. Holecek is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and the author of scientific papers on lucid dreaming. His work has appeared in Parabola, Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, Utne Reader, Buddhadharma, Light of Consciousness, and many other periodicals. He holds degrees in classical music, biology, and a doctorate in dental surgery. Andrew Holecek also will be leading an Interactive Workshop on Oct. 28 titled Meditations for Dying Beford You Die and an ipause Guided Practice titled Meditations for Opening on Oct. 29.