Sunday, March 28, 2027
9am-12pm Pacific
Spirit Rock, Online

“Open are the doors to the deathless.” With these words, the Buddha announced his decision to teach. On a day when Christian communities celebrate victory over death, we’ll explore what the Buddha meant by the deathless (amata), and how it differs from immortality or life after death. Is it a state, a metaphor, or more mysterious than either?

Through sutta study, guided meditation, and reflection, we’ll follow three threads: the Buddha’s first proclamation of the deathless; his own final days, including how he shielded from blame the man whose meal brought on his final illness; and his radical teaching on meeting hostility without hatred. We’ll close with his last words, which point to heedfulness as the way through.

All are welcome, whatever your relationship to Easter: celebrating, estranged, curious, or indifferent.