SANTA BARBARA — On Wednesday, February 27th, Roshi Joan Halifax, a renowned Buddhist teacher, author, Zen priest, and anthropologist, talked about her perspectives on death and dying before a packed house at the Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara. “Courage, Love, and Compassion: An Evening with Roshi Joan Halifax” was presented by Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Community Education and Engagement Series.
Roshi Joan Halifax is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Zen Center, a Buddhist monastery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her February 27th presentation focused on topics including end of life care, coming to terms with the concept of mortality, and the integration of wisdom and compassion.
“I hope everyone here tonight leaves feeling as inspired and enlightened as I do,” said Hospice of Santa Barbara CEO David Selberg. “What an incredible opportunity to learn from a woman that has touched countless lives across the world. Thank you to Roshi Joan Halifax for the impact you’ve made on the hospice community, and thank you to the Marjorie Luke Theatre for hosting this important community event.”
Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Community Education and Engagement Series would like to thank its Wellness & End of Life Network planning committee members, which include Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Friendship Center, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Santa Barbara, Cottage Health, Assisted Home Health and Hospice, International Association of Near Death Studies Santa Barbara, Shared Crossing Project, Center for Successful Aging, Alliance for Living and Dying Well, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Antioch University, Congregation B’Nai B’rith, Santa Barbara City College, Life Chronicles, Dying in Grace, LEON, Villa Alamar, Jesse Brisendine, George H.S. Singer, and SurfMedia Communications.
Hospice of Santa Barbara provides professional counseling, support groups, and patient care services free of charge to individuals and families who are grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing the impact of a life-threatening illness. Hospice of Santa Barbara also provides counseling in our offices and on twelve local junior and high school campuses to children and teens who are grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call (805) 563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org