The Dukkha of Aging

Early Bird Offer: As a special offer for anyone signing up to this course before 1 May 2026 we include a talk with Christina Feldman and Yuka Nakamura on Knowledge, Insight, Embodiment.

'Aging is stressful (dukkha)' SN 56.11. 

In defining the First Noble Truth, the Buddha said that birth, sickness, old age, and death are tinged with suffering. 

Indeed, the experience of aging and the losses associated with it can be difficult to bear, and brings us face to face with the task of embracing and understanding this fundamental aspect of dukkha (suffering, stress, unsatisfactoriness).

On this weekend we will explore the views we hold around aging - often unconscious.  As well as the identities we adopt and the complex relationship between time/change amid the experience of aging. We will look at how practice and mindful attention can support us in meeting this challenging dimension of the human condition with wisdom and compassion, so that it becomes an opportunity for letting go, growth and freedom in the midst of life.

Our teachers 

[sc name="tony-oconnor"]

[sc name=Sophie-Boyer]

Both teachers are graduates of our teacher training programme and have been asked by the co-founders of the college to devise and offer this course.

Praise for Sophie Boyer:

“I have known Sophie Boyer for the past twenty years both as a student, friend and assistant-teacher. Over this time I have seen a continuing evolution both in her own practice as well as in her role as a teacher. She impresses me as someone who is sincerely dedicated to the principles of the dharma, and empathetic, articulate and imaginative in her ability to share her understanding with others. I am delighted that she will be teaching for Bodhi College.” 

— Stephen Batchelor, Bodhi College co-founder, teacher and author 

Praise for Tony O’Connor: 

“Tony O’Connor is a dedicated dharma practitioner I have known for 25 years. He has become a wonderful, wise and compassionate teacher.  He is grounded and deeply human and very interested in Dharma in daily life including creatively engaging with illness.” 

—    Martine Batchelor, Bodhi College teacher and author 

Format:   

A weekend workshop from 09:00 to 5:00 PM BST.

Sessions will involve a mixture of silent stillness meditation, reflections from the teachers, small group dialogues and space for questions/group discussion. 

Timings:

Saturday 6 June:

Morning: 0900 to 1200 UK Time (1000 to 1300 European Time)

Afternoon: 1430 to 1700UK Time (1530 to 1800 European Time)

Sunday 7 June: 

Morning: 0930 to 1200 UK Time(1030 to 1300 European Time)

Afternoon: 1430 to 1700 UK Time (1530 to 1800 European Time)

Suitability:

Open to all - new and experienced practitioners alike.

This is for you if you are looking to explore the experience of aging with others. Or perhaps you have never given it much thought but would like to prepare and practice for what’s ahead. Maybe you are caring for, or close to someone who is experiencing age-related suffering and would like to support them, or perhaps you are just curious. The course is suitable for both people new to Buddhism and meditation as well as those who are more experienced practitioners. 

Cost:

• The fee does not contribute towards the livelihood of our teachers. You will be invited to offer teacher dana at the end of the course.
• If you are unable to afford the rate please let us know. We will make sure that no one is turned away because of lack of funds.