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Contemplating Death and Dying (2 of 5)

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Teacher: Rodney Smith
Date: 2007-10-16
Venue: Seattle Insight Meditation Center

Series

Homework

The Buddha is reported to have been asked, “Do all mortals fear death?” He is said to have replied, “Only those who (1 )pursue sense pleasures endlessly, or (2) are vain about their bodies, or (3) perform a lifetime of unethical behavior, or are (4) confused about the nature of reality, fear death.” Pick one of these categories that best exemplifies you.

Study this pattern. Watch every facet of how it operates. (Above all be easy with yourself! This is not an exercise to reinforce self-hatred.) How does this pattern keep you resisting any thoughts of your death? Can you visualize yourself on your deathbed and see how this pattern could hold you back from letting go into the unknown? Conversely, how can reflections on death help you with this pattern?

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