How do you address the spiritual dimensions of dying?
We bear witness to each individual's experience. We understand that death is not just a ‘medical event’ but a spiritual experience for all involved. We welcome and honor discussion about spiritual matters from any tradition. When asked, we engage residents in meditation and contemplation practices that center on loving-kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. We also bring our own practice to the bedside. An essential element of our service is to stay aware of our own body, mind, and heart as we encounter those who are dying, in an effort to remain present and focused.

What does Buddhism teach about death and dying?
One of Buddhism’s central teachings is about the impermanence of all things. When we come into contact with the precariousness of life, we also come to appreciate how precious it is, and we want to live it more fully. In this way, the reflection on death is a life-affirming experience.

What are Buddhist beliefs about an after-life?
They vary. What’s most important is for us to discover the resident’s beliefs about an after-life (if this comes up for them) and to help them to address their concerns and considerations.

What are key Buddhist practices relating to death?
There are multiple practices but the three we emphasize are mindfulness, forgiveness, and loving-kindness—simply sitting quietly at the bedside, extending love and kindness to the person who is dying. To learn more, go to www.beliefnet.org and www.buddhanet.net. Beliefnet provides general information about spirituality and spiritual traditions, including Buddhism; it also has information related to death and dying. BuddhaNet provides comprehensive information about Buddhism, Buddhist traditions, and Buddhist practices. It also has a list of Buddhist hospices throughout the world.

Do you perform any rituals around death?
Yes. We often sit meditation at the bedside, extending our loving-kindness and compassion to the person who has died. We also perform a ritual bathing of the body, and sometimes facilitate a memorial service at the bedside. We have memorial services on a quarterly basis to honor and remember all those who have died in our care.

Does Zen Hospice offer spiritual support or guidance to people outside its three residential sites?
Currently, we offer direct services only to people in our residential programs. However, our workshops and tapes address many of the spiritual issues around illness and dying many people have found these to be helpful. You may also contact our office for a referral list of spiritual counselors, grief groups, and therapists.

Do you have to be a Buddhist to be served by ZHP?
No. Our residents are not necessarily Buddhists and don’t necessarily come to us because we are a Buddhist hospice. They come to us because they need a place where they can be cared for. Part of our practice as caregivers is to honor our residents’ religious traditions—or lack of tradition—as these shape the dying process.

Do you allow or encourage assisted suicide?
No. First, physician-assisted suicide remains illegal in California and we need to abide by the law. Second, in our experience, the issue of physician-assisted suicide often arises as a response to a complex set of problems. We seek to help people sort through and address those problems one by one.

Do residents or volunteers have to be vegetarians?
No.

Are there other Zen hospices around the country, or is there a Zen hospice in my area?
ZHP is the first and oldest Buddhist hospice in America and serves people in the San Francisco Bay Area. Other hospice programs with Buddhist roots are listed at Buddhanet.net.

How can I start a Zen hospice in my area?
We provide consultations to groups wishing to engage in this endeavor. You might also have Zen Hospice sponsor a workshop in your area. For more information, please contact our Public Education Director, Jennifer Block.

Can I bring my dying mother to the Guest House, or what are your admission criteria?
ZHP accepts only local, San Francisco Bay Area residents. If you live outside the Bay Area, we suggest you contact the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at 1.800.658.8898 or the National Hospice Organization. They will help you find hospice services in your area.