Advice for a Dying Practitioner (Dedicated to the Memory of Ian Maxwell)
DVD

Kyabjé Trulshik Rinpoche and Sogyal Rinpoche gave the advice compiled on this DVD directly to Ian Maxwell to help him in the most beneficial way possible through the transitions that take place at the time of death. Their invaluable instruction, as well as the love and the care they so generously express can also benefit any of us as the moment of our own death draws near.
Sogyal Rinpoche also explains how we—whether our practice focuses on meditation, bodhichitta, the ngöndro, Vajrayana or Dzogchen—can direct our practice to help a relative, a friend or a stranger at the time of their greatest need.

Ian Maxwell met Sogyal Rinpoche in 1977. He began to work for Rigpa in London shortly afterwards, and met all the great teachers who passed through the Rigpa centre in those early years. He received teachings and empowerments from Kyabjé Dudjom Rinpoche and Kyabjé Dilgo Khyentsé on many occasions, and was one of the first western students to complete a traditional three-year retreat. He went on to establish Rigpa’s long-term retreat centre at Dzogchen Beara, and also worked hard to establish the Rigpa Shedra. In the 1990s he travelled extensively throughout America, Australia and all over Europe, giving talks, guiding countless students and clarifying their practise.
Ian Maxwell passed away in Paris on 4 December 2005 at 9.27am with several of his closest Dharma friends by his side. Phowa practice was performed on his behalf by many great lamas, including Kyabjé Trulshik Rinpoche, who was in Lerab Ling with Sogyal Rinpoche and more than a thousand Rigpa students.