Embracing death

[Doshin]

Metta to all who have suffered a loss and to all that will suffer a loss. Even knowing we all grow old, get sick and die does not remove the sorrow...nor do I want it to be not felt. Sadness expresses the great joy I took sharing my life with that person (and I include animals that have been part of my life)

I too never have totally understood no death. I do understand the concept that energy can not be destroyed or created. But when I have been there when someone or something dies I recognize it as death. It is an event that is very distinct. Maybe because I see that the bundle (bag of bones) of energy has it's own characteristics modeled by however long it's life in this world. That uniqueness has died. We are the same but we are also different. I love that difference.

As I said in another thread a time ago., I take solace in knowing my energy/molecules and those of all whom I have loved, love now and will love, will become part of so many other living and non living things things that are the essence of this beautiful life on this beautiful world. In that way I see all things continue.

Gassho
Doshin
Sattoday

[Jundo]

I will be sitting for the child and your family, Shozan. My family had such times too.

Gassho, J

[Shokai]

Thank you all for this lovely thread which includes much wisdom and teaching. My condolences to all who are suffering loss (and I think that includes everyone). I had the honor yesterday of attending the funeral for a 96 year old friend who after checking his email in good spirits, sat on the edge of his bed and died. Realizing that not everyone gets the opportunity to die in that manner, the tributes offered in service and the number of people in attendance evoked unabashed tears to flow on my cheeks. There are not many ninety year olds that pack the church like Ivan did! He lived his life in gratitude and sacrifice and leaves an inspiring model to live by. He is a wonderful Bodhisatva for the local community. May the same be thought of me when my turn comes.

May we all be at peace; embracing all conditions of life.

gassho, Shokai

[lorax]

Thank you all for keeping us in your thoughts.

SAT TODAY

[Byokan]

Hi All,

Metta for all that are dealing with grief right now. Shozan, and Entai, my heart is with you and your families.

David, thank you for posting this beautiful little film, it really touched my heart. When Life (the deer) turns and looks at Death straight on, there is acceptance and no fear. Life goes on, doing what it does, and doesn’t try to hide or run away. Life and Death walk together. They become friends, and at one point Death even shields Life from the rain. They sleep side by side with trust. Life looks at the moon in wonder and awe with Death at her side. Life is fully aware of Death, but goes on joyously with living, and time passes until, all things being impermanent, it is time to go. Life comes to death with full awareness and an open heart. There is an embrace of the natural order of things.

This isn’t to say that death is always gentle and easy. If only it were so. But, we all fight and resist the truth of impermanence. If we can really accept the truth of life and death we can make peace with it. I think that coming to terms with death does not have to be only a sad and sorry resignation. Realizing our true nature, we can let go of a lot of our burden of fear and resistance that isn’t serving us. Equanimity arises in accordance. This is not a death wish or a negation of life. It’s being here now with what is real, and I think it increases the joy of living and the depth of meaning in our lives.

Death is here with us always, if we open our eyes and see. Can we turn and look at it with an open mind and heart? Can we sit with it, in peace? Can we walk with it, in beauty? Can we find a measure of gratitude for it? For death truly makes life possible, doesn’t it? I think opening the heart to this can be difficult, scary sometimes, but ultimately it's a joyful, freeing, and essential part of practice, on and off the cushion. Beginning to free oneself in this way will most certainly carry forward to help others.

Many thanks for everyone's thoughts and wisdom in this thread.

Gassho
Byōkan
sat today

[Chiko]

Beautiful video, thank you.

“Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to sea and sink.”
― Shunryu Suzuki

Gassho,
Chiko
SatToday

[Kyonin]

Hi guys.

I have faced death in my family lately, so this thread is very timely.

To me the Heart Sutra helps me a lot to understand death but not in words, but more like a feeling. I feel it's engraved in us all and that it may come in any second, which makes life a precious gift regardless of the conditions we dwell this world. Death is part of what is, and works hand in hand with life.

Thinking deep about this, I am not afraid of the idea of me leaving this plane of existence. Whatever may come is alright. What makes me nervous is the pain that will take me to the tumb. I have no idea what will happen or how I will react, but I hope our practice keeps me calm and centered.

Yesterday I went to an old folks home to be there with the elders. Most of them know what's coming and they feel very confident and calm about it.

Life and death are but the same and are inside. What may make the difference is whether if we decide to be present and calm or stressed and sad. But I could be totally wrong.

Gassho,

Kyonin
#SatToday

[jtlewis]

Just wanted to thank you all for this wonderfully touching thread. Life and death are two sides of the same coin. When my mother passed away from lupus and cancer four years ago - even though I knew it was going to happen and had time to prepare myself her passing hit me especially hard. However it was a month later that my wife found out she was pregnant our first child - a girl. Every time I see my daughter I see my mom; and smile and cry at the same time.

Gassho and metta to all.

Joshua Lewis
Sat Today

[Kyotai]

Shozan Lorax and Shokai. Thank you for sharing. Josh Lewis, I can identify with your words very much.

I believe we will all meet death in the way we meet it. I would prefer it be with ease and grace, like the doe..embracing the end of life with honor. But no right or wrong way. Those that accept like the great masters, and those that do not. Both experiencing this life until the end. Our little girl, met death with grace and ease three years ago. She left this world in the arms of her nurse, at 2 in the morning, rocking back in fourth in a rocking chair..her twin sister sleeping nearby in her incubator. We were not with her, but she was not alone. In that moment, she was warm, and cared for by that nurse. I believe she went like the doe.

Frank, please thank your wife for the work that she does.

Gassho, Kyotai
sat today

[Amelia]

Our little girl, met death with grace and ease three years ago.

Kyotai,

Metta chanting for her and everyone. Gassho and thank you for your post.

[Risho]

This is such a wonderful thread. Thank you all. As chance would have it I'm reading an excellent sutra on death and life called "Tuesdays with Morrie"

Gassho

Risho
-sattoday

[Byokan]

Wow. Even in such a small group as this, we have the whole spectrum. Much metta to all. I just wish it didn't have to be so hard, losing the ones we love. Sometimes the suffering of the world is overwhelming. But, truly, it is one thing that we share, that connects us, all of us. May our compassion grow with our awareness and understanding, may we find the way to keep our hearts open in the midst of it all.

Gassho
Byōkan
sat today

[Joyo]

Thank you David ... life and death are of supreme importance. When we are born, we are on the path to death - the path to death reveals the path to life. =)

Gassho
Shingen

#sattoday

This is exactly what I thought after watching.

Thank you David, this is truly a beautiful video.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today