I Trained Buddhist Monks as Death Doulas in Thailand—Here’s What Happened

What this episode covers

In this deeply moving and expansive episode, Suzanne shares her personal experience traveling to Thailand to train Buddhist monks in end-of-life care through the Doulagivers program. What unfolds is a powerful reminder that while cultures, traditions, and languages may differ, the heart of caring for someone at the end of life is universal. Through moments of connection, humility, and shared wisdom, Suzanne reflects on what it was like to teach those who have long held sacred space for the dying—and what they, in turn, taught her. The experience revealed a profound truth: this global death doula movement is not about creating something new, but remembering something ancient—compassionate, present, human care at the end of life. This episode is a beautiful bridge between East and West, science and spirituality, and tradition and modern practice—showing us that no matter who we are or where we live, we are all connected through this sacred human experience. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Suzanne’s journey to Thailand and the opportunity to train Buddhist monks The role of monks in end-of-life care within Buddhist traditions How Doulagivers training aligns with ancient spiritual practices The monks’ powerful reflection: “Same heart, different cultures” The universal nature of death, dying, and compassionate care Why end-of-life care is a human experience—not just a medical one How this work is part of a growing global movement to bring back sacred care No matter where you are in the world, the essence of a “good death” is the same: presence, compassion, dignity, and love. This episode reminds us that what we are building through the death doula movement is not new—it is a return to what humanity has always known. “This experience showed me that we are not teaching something different—we are remembering something together. Across the world, across cultures, there is one shared truth: how we care for each other at the end of life matters deeply. And it always has.” If this episode resonates with you, you are being called into this work—whether for your own life, your family, or your community. Join the global movement and learn how to care for someone at the end of life with presence, confidence, and love through the Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver Training.    Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here  Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE  Or visit our website here!  GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here      Please Share!   Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience.    Listen & Subscribe:Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube       JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE   This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL educationJoin Here: 4491664174178077   ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily.  Click here to subscribe! ツ  CONNECT WITH ME  ツLeave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too: Instagram Facebook TikTok Website Podcast

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