14th Dalai Lama: “Imminence of Death”

Now is the time to make ourselves
different from the domesticated animals.

- The Great Tibetan
Yogi Jangchup
Rinchen

IMMINENCE OF DEATH

The illusion of permanence, or being unaware of death, creates the counterproductive idea that you will be around for a long time; this, in turn, leads to superficial activities that undermine both yourself and others.

Meditation on the imminence of death takes place by way of three root reflections, each of which is based on the three reasons, leading to a decision.

First root: Contemplation that death is definite

1. because death can not be avoided
2. because our life span cannot be extended and grows ever shorter
3. because even when we are alive there is little time to practice.

First decision:
I MUST PRACTICE.

Second root: Contemplation that the time of death is uncertain

1. because our life span in this world is indefinite
   
2. because the causes of death are many and the causes of life are few
   
3. because the time of death is unknowable due to the fragility of the body
   

Second decision:
I MUST PRACTICE NOW.

Third root: Contemplation that at the time of death nothing helps except transformative practice

1. because at the time of death our friends are no help
   
2. because at the time of death our wealth is no help
   
3. because at the time of death our body is no help
   

Third decision:
I WILL PRACTICE NONATTACHMENT TO ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS OF THIS LIFE.

~ His Holiness The Dalai Lama of Tibet
(Religious name: Tenzin Gyatso, shortened from
Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso,
born Lhamo Dondrub, (6 July 1935–))
is the 14th and current Dalai Lama.
Tibetans often refer to him as
Yeshe Norbu, the “Wishfulfilling Gem”
or just Kundun – “The Presence”.
“Becoming Enlightened” (2009)
pg. 75

~cave canem~

~ by the Dead Dog Barking on 12/16/2010.