Being with the dying

Joan Halifax is a renowned American anthropologist, Zen Buddhist, and social activist born in 1942. As the founder of the Upaya Zen Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she has dedicated her life to the intersection of Buddhism, death, and compassionate care. Her pioneering work in accompanying the dying has significantly influenced modern palliative care. In addition to being a Zen teacher, Halifax has conducted important research on shamanism and altered states of consciousness. She has written several influential books and continues to teach about mindfulness, compassion, and the importance of facing death with dignity. Her work has been internationally recognized for combining contemplative wisdom with social service.