Myanmar Participant #1
By attending this workshop, as a Christian I got a chance to learn about the perspective of death from Buddhism side. It helps me in widen my understanding level for the pain they suffer from losing their loved one and the fear they have about death. I also learnt about inner child theory and I started applying them for myself and it really helps me in healing my own wound and trauma from my past. I really enjoyed making vision board and give me a lot of ideas to apply back in my community. This workshop really moves my desire to learn more and apply back in my community. I feel like I may not be prefect or qualified but I can still a kind counselor or listener for everyone as we wrote on the card.
Sri Lankan Participant #1
Attending the Death Workshop in Indonesia was a deeply transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. As a lawyer and a mental health professional, I approach life and human experiences through the lenses of law, psychology, and compassion. This workshop offered a rare opportunity to reflect on mortality in a mindful and structured way, and it provided insights that have profoundly enriched my understanding of life.
Confronting the reality of mortality during the workshop brought remarkable clarity. It reminded me that life is not something to be taken for granted. Life is a short and precious journey, and it deserves to be lived with awareness, purpose, and meaning. This realization naturally leads to another important understanding: many of the worries and anxieties we carry about painful events and difficult moments in life are temporary. When we view life through the perspective of its finite nature, we learn to let go of unnecessary burdens and focus on what truly matters.
One of the most powerful reflections I experienced during the workshop was the realization that, in the end, neither material possessions nor even the people we often feel we cannot live without ultimately define our journey. Life, at its core, is a deeply personal path that each of us must walk alone. While we are fortunate to share our lives with many people along the way, the journey itself remains an individual one. Recognizing this truth encourages us to live with authenticity, responsibility, and inner peace rather than attachment and fear.
One of the aspects I particularly appreciated was the Zen meditation practice introduced during the program. The meditation sessions were calm, reflective, and grounding. They helped me reconnect with stillness and awareness, allowing me to align myself with a more peaceful and mindful way of living. These practices are not only beneficial on a personal level, but they are also valuable tools that I can integrate into my professional work with clients.
Another powerful learning experience was the discussion and guidance on supporting individuals who struggle with suicidal thoughts. In my work, I often encounter people who feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and emotionally exhausted. What I learned during the workshop reaffirmed something profoundly human: when a person feels worthless, helpless, or hopeless, the most powerful response we can offer is genuine warmth and compassionate presence. Sometimes it is not complex techniques but simple human warmth that creates the space for healing and hope.
The instructors facilitated the workshop with great skill, sensitivity, and authenticity. Their ability to guide participants through such a profound subject with care and wisdom was truly admirable. Every session reflected thoughtful preparation and deep understanding.
I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and perspective I gained from this experience. The insights I received will continue to support my work in legal and psychological advocacy and counselling in Sri Lanka. This workshop is not only an exploration of death; it is ultimately a powerful lesson on how to live a more conscious, compassionate, and meaningful life.
Pasadi Dias Samarasinghe
