Eastern philosophy on dying

A Tibetan master said “Seeing emptiness, have compassion”.

When through contemplation we really have seen the emptiness and interdependence of all things and ourselves, the world is revealed in a brighter, fresher, more sparkling light, just like the reflecting net of jewels of which Buddha spoke. No longer do we have to protect ourselves or pretend, and it becomes easier to do what that master advised:

“Always recognise the dreamlike qualities of life, and reduce attachment and aversion. Practice good-heartedness toward all beings. Be loving and compassionate, no matter what others do to you. What they will do will not matter so much when you see it as a dream. The trick is to have positive intention during the dream. This is the essential point. This is true spirituality”.

True spirituality also is to be aware that, if we are interdependent with everything and everyone else, even our smallest, least significant thought, word, and action has real consequences throughout the universe. This cause and effect, karma, is how you, and you only, control your own destiny.

Throw a pebble into a pond; it sends a shiver of ripples across the surface of the water. Ripples merge into one another, and create new ones; everything is inextricably interrelated. We come to realise that we are responsible for everything we do, say, or think; responsible in fact for ourselves, everyone, and everything else, and the entire universe.

The Dalai Lama has said:

“In today’s highly interdependent world, individuals and nations no longer can resolve many of their problems by themselves. We need one another. We must therefore develop a sense of universal responsibility - it is our collective and individual responsibility to protect and nurture the global family, to support its weaker members, and to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.”

Therefore, a counter to fearing death is the acceptance of reality, this acceptance of constant change. Death is a fact of life; no one escapes it, so don’t fear what you can’t change.

Therefore it is better to think about it now, and affect your future while you are still alive, and able to do something about living. Your life today was shaped by your previous life. Your present life shapes your future one. Death is just like the hour hand on the clock at midnight ticking over to the next day.

Don’t be attached to today - plan for the new day tomorrow, and be happy.