Gives meaning to life and death.

 

Introduction : Post below excerpted from translation of a book of the Dalai Lama titled "Awakening the Soul, The Wisdom advice for today's people" ( L'Esprit en Eveil, CONSEILS de Sagesse aux hommes d'aujourd'hui , publisher Presses du Chatelet, 2009. English version: In My Own Words , publisher Hay House, 2008). The full translation of a short chapter (Chapter 9, p. 131-140) raises thoughts about life and death and the advice of the Dalai Lama helps us to live and go How.

            All of us are more or less nagging problem: how to find serenity during life as well as death came? Death is a form of suffering, a kind of experience that we are all trying to avoid, but sooner or later, death will come to each of us. Anyway, faced with the unfortunate fact that we can still choose a treatment that will help us cope with the fear. The way we live will be one of the key factors can bring us peace and calm in the dying moments. If you know trying to make his life a certain sense, then the dying moments we will feel less regret than. Emotions arise in the dying depending on how his own life when he was healthy.
The practice direction on the infinite interval through countless lifetimes will open for us the more visionary ... When we accept its existence, including many successive lives, then death for others what we would not like dressing like that. When the decay of old clothes to new locker. The way of thinking that will influence and affect my reaction when confronted with death, it helps us realize death is an inseparable part of life. the grossest level of care dependence of the brain, they continue to operate until the brain still maintain operations. When the brain stops functioning, the mental part of the above crude levels would also be destroyed by. Brains create the necessary conditions to help the mind to reveal the grossest sense. For the mind is the main cause of its creation arising from the succession line of exquisite mind, and there is no continuation line beginning. relatives around to remind people dying trying to play progress can reveal a positive mind and can maintain it for as long as the level of knowledge evaporate crude (crude knowledge of the sense of feeling, thinking, including the common perception) . When the transfer has started to be refined as knowledge, when he was just dying to know who to rely on effects arising from the persistent trend from before (ie they make now) . When you have entered this phase is extremely difficult for those around the dying reminded of the need to keep the form of piety. So it is very important to practice how to create knowledge in the light of death (also called light of death throughout) right from young age to get used to it, so that later helped we deal with the disappearing of the mind. This can be done thanks to the repetition of the process can form due to death visualizations (ie meditation enables the progression of death) . In summary instead of fear, then we should know engrossed thinking about it. After years of diligent training given will feel fully able to cope effectively with the challenges of death (which means you have mastered the process of death, we do not What else is scared to death to actually occur, and moreover we can also process-oriented practice that in order to free themselves and not have to re-birth) . Overcoming the fear When they can sustain the profound and subtle forms of meditative consciousness thanks to (identify and keep track of the possible forms of the consciousness of death) , then we will be certain to be an initiative that effectively his own death. Of course this can only be done after achieving a certain level of practice. In excess melt-out has allowed the practice is very high, such as the conversion of knowledge allows (or transference of consciousness) , but I still believe that the most effective training allows the dying is a develop a consciousness awakening. It was allowed to practice stronger than all of the other practices allowed. Although the daily practice of meditation I was six to seven times the process of death and together with the melt-out allows other training, but I still believe that to be dying, the heart shape be aware of the most memorable as me. It is also allowed to practice spirituality that I'm most interested. Also please note that meditation on death as a way to prepare yourself before death actually happens, it will help prepare us less than the fear. Despite not really getting ready to deal with the death of my specific, but sometimes I still wonder, then I have to deal with it like when it actually happens. Indeed if my life is also extended certain I will prove to everyone that I will still be a lot of work done. But the will to continue my life which is equivalent to the zealous exercise to cope with death. frequently Thinking about death is an indispensable factor in surviving Buddhist practice . The reflections that bring many different shades. First and foremost is to regularly meditate on death, there is no way for us to cling to the life and the charm of it. The second method is to practice mentally rehearsed to death for the process of getting used to it almost makes it easier to remember the stages that will be encountered in the minds dying. After the grossest level disappears, the subtle consciousness will manifest a more pronounced way. It's very important to meditate on the death of one bar to help get the mind to form a transparent refinement. 's death is a proof that the body contains only a limited potential. When it is no longer enough to sustain life again, and I will die, and then we take a new body. Individuals may or basic ego , represents a combination of body and mind will persist after death (please note this is an understandable teaching raised by "individual" or "me" in the conventional field, symbolizing the structure of the mind-body-body-consciousness, by because the concept of "absolute selflessness" quite difficult to grasp for everyone) , and although the body can bring personality melted away the subtle body remains. Looking from the perspective of an individual that they have no beginning and no end, it existed until I achieve Buddhahood. Anyway, we also have fear of death itself. Except when we each made ​​alive many positive things to ensure a better future for her in the next life, which means there will not be reborn in the form of existing disadvantages. In this life it is only a matter refugees cut off all contact with their homeland, we can still continue to survive in the collective heart of humanity, and can still rely on the help and as the mutual assistance between people together. But when they die, we will fall into a whole different situation. The experience gained in revenue daily life now will not help matters more to me dying. If we are not careful preparation of course things happen will not be smooth. Exercise the mind is how to prepare for death. On a certain level this exercise is to develop true compassion and enthusiasm, made ​​the most positive action towards the help of other beings (cumulative virtuous and worthy causes ) . At a different level, then it is a proactive way to exercise your mind (intellect promoting) , and there is also a deeper way to prepare for the future. The exercise patience will help us be proactive and that his mind is the most important purpose of meditation. those who do not believe in anything after death, the death should be considered as a simple components of life. Sooner or later we have to confront it, thinking it might at least help us see death as a natural event. Even if we try to ignore and not think about it a certain way, then we can avoid it any where. To solve this problem, we have two solutions. First, do not think about death, kicked it out of mind - at least this solution also helps the mind to be a little relieved. But the solution was overly adventurous, why is the problem still intact and sooner or later we will encounter death. The second solution is to look into the problem and thinking very hard about the death. I know some soldiers and they told me that before in battle, they feel much more courageous. I often think of death, the mind was also getting used to it and less afraid of it than when death actually occurred to me to feel less surprise and more chaotic. In the event I thought about death and it's always a reminder of the benefits. should we live a meaningful life. Business books that our existence is similar as the clouds in the sky fall. I keep looking at the actor is playing a tragedy on the stage, it will clear, the appearance and disappearance of them is no different with the birth and death of human beings. The actors change of clothing to other clothing. In just a short time, so that their appearance does not deform many times. The existence of only one, too. The collapse of a human like a clap of thunder or an explosion in space rocks rolling down from the brink. On the slopes of water always poured down, not up the flow. Life walked silently, but still looks like we just accidentally unaware. If we believe that spiritual practice will bring a certain benefit, then maybe we can also think of the life future that awaits him, but he normally does not have that, from deep down we just worry about the implementation of the immediate objectives of this present life. That's why all the confusion (ignorance) we get invaded and tied it into the existing cycle. In fact we're wasting our lifetimes. At the moment we are born recently began approaching death. But the best time of our lives, we just worry about everything hoarding food, clothes shopping, find more friends. When death came, which is where we have to bring those things. I engage in a solitary journey brought us to a different world, not a companion side. Only one thing can bring benefits to us: that is what brings positive from our previous practice, although this practice is done in the other way it will also save with wounds deep into his consciousness (ie karma) . If you do not want a useless waste of life, then we should focus it into practice, that means that reflection on impermanence and the situation could happen to my death, and consciousness was just born when the body had suffered the impermanent nature itself, and it certainly will not be able to avoid disintegration. Uses death to spiritual practice The practice is not necessarily just for the purpose of finding some benefit in this life, but rather is aimed at the future life after death. The biggest obstacle preventing the practice is that his feelings alive longer. That attitude can visualize images via a permanent determination to build his life in a certain place. He throws himself into the routine of secular love, such as the plunder of wealth, the high door wide construction, planting harvesting, etc. ... In contrast to the one who cares about the life will occurs later, they will have the attitude of someone who is prepared to go far. A prudent person would travel prepared to deal with the difficulties that may occur, and most of them will get there. The more thinking about death makes it even more less more obsessed by what is in this life, whether it is praise or fame, wealth or status. A reflection on the practice of the death of what the purpose of bringing practical for their own existence, of course, will promote energy is a possibility to bring peace and joy for the future life . Knowledge of death (ie knowledge occurs during the process of ongoing death) can be created using two methods of meditation: meditation that is normally allowed and permitted by the analysis of meditation . Anyway, first is rational to accept death is inevitable. That is not something obscure treatise but rather an event can apparently be observed. It is estimated that the universe was born billions of years ago, and human existence from a hundred thousand years. So by the time class was over, someone had survived or not? Certain death inevitable, despite fled to the deep ocean or soaring skyward, then do not get it. Regardless of who we are, we must be certain death. Stalin and Mao are not two most powerful figures in the twentieth century or not, but both died, and apparently both terrified and extremely miserable when death approaches. In life they were the dictatorship, they crowd around me xun servant and surface xoe and ready to follow orders, they just use a finger or a glance is enough to dictate that crowd . They use its power so brutal, not tolerate anyone who does not appear to obey them. But before death, all the people that put all their trust and what they all rely constant - power, weapons, military - all of which are no longer useful anymore. In this context one without fear. Exercise to promote consciousness of death [in meditation] real benefit: it [indirect] gives meaning to his own life, his means for the peace and lasting happiness will become more important than the other superficial pleasures. Always remember that death is a way of smashing the negative impulses and emotional hysteria by the hammer blows hard. Want to arouse the awareness of death, the mind must first be aware of the nature of uncertainty of it. There is a proverb as follows: "Between tomorrow and a new life, not knowing what will happen to me before." We all know that certain death would happen someday, but we believe that every death is still far away, and there are obstacles created everything difficult. We are constantly surrounded by material worries. Thus should we think about death. Ancient sutras say that we can not predict the existence of man in this world will last long, especially in these troubled times it is even more difficult. Death does not comply with a rule or an order at all. Anyone can die at any time, whether they are old or young, rich or poor, sick or were healthy. It is impossible to grasp the situation of the death. Many healthy people are not sick at all but suddenly fell down and died unexpectedly while that the people are sick in bed, the back is not dead. If the comparison between the original big numbers who put to death and really small numbers causes preservation of life, then we will understand immediately why the death is very uncertain. We cherish the human body and we believe that it is still sturdy enough and there is a long struggle. But the reality is often coupled with our desire. If you compare your body with steel or stone and you will find even more fragile it is. We eat to sustain life and health protection, but in some cases, food is the main cause for the illness and was put to death. In summary, there is no guarantee that we will live forever. feared death and I see there is a final end of life. Worse is what we gathered with all of his breath - any property, power, prestige, friends or family - all useless not bring a practical help in the dying moments. Although it is a powerful, hands have a powerful military protection, but when death came, the whole crowd's army did not do anything. Maybe it is a rich man, the car shopping splendor, but when fell ill and approaching death, the moment there is no way he will find someone strong enough to save us from death to spend money that lease. When to leave this world, we left the property, a coin was not carrying. He's my best friend does not go by yourself. I will deal with the solitary afterlife. In short only by the practice of what can bring help yourself only. 's body was so precious. From the moment it was conceived as a solid partner and our most reliable. I try my best to care for it, feed it for fear it hunger, the thirst to drink for fear it. I am looking to rest when it tired. I am ready to do anything to refine it, bring everything to comfort it, protect it. But on the other hand should also be honest: the main body is a faithful servant who, always seeking to pamper yourself. For example, the activity of the heart, for example, simple but in fact the whole operation was a great. The heart does not stop working, it can be said that never rest, even though what we are doing, awake or asleep. But when death occurs, the body's great to have abandoned. Knowledge (consciousness) and my body apart, and one of our precious bodily before becoming a zombie disgusting. So, faced with death, wealth and possessions, friends and relatives, including his own body, all without his help any more. Only one thing can help us confront the stranger awaits us, it is the seeds that we sow direct into the knowledge of his always moving. seed that is the meaning of the life that only practice can give us . On dying moments can recall as if awakening of consciousness will immediately give us the calm and peace of mind (consciousness the meaning of death, to keep the peace, compassion unearthed ...) . Promoting an ethical attitude in the process of ongoing death will create a positive impact brought about a favorable rebirth. So for a Buddhist practice, if you want to live a meaningful life, they must know the format can promote virtuous mind, because that's what the future may help us to confront death. The perceived positive or negative one in the dying moments depending on the behavior of our daily life from before. Life must contain a certain sense, we have to create for themselves a positive attitude out of the warmth and happiness in the we.

A few words of translators overly

            Fear of death is a natural instinct and powerful govern all sensual beings, ie including insects and animals. For the animals of the low level of evolution, the only instinctive fear of death revealed by simple self-defense reaction, the most direct and time. With the evolution of organisms as well as the instinct that becomes more complex, and particularly for human cases contain lots of special abilities, the instinctive fear of death as well as that which is revealed diverse sometimes very deep and sophisticated.
Humans find every means of specific material realm to the spiritual realm is abstract and complex to fight death. There is a religious man put to find a way out or what? Religion helps them to live forever in some form though also, though it is the soul, flavored soul, souls, soul, etc. ... So if you want to live forever, but there must also be a place to live forever , so that heaven or the realm of human bliss was more patents. The kind of books yet to heaven or bliss realms are described where he was glad that so many exotic fragrant grass, everything around it have jade or gold ... But we also understand that plants need soil, water, sunlight and atmosphere of oxygen and carbon dioxide to grow and flourish. So the place that will help us live forever and nothing more for the planet or star, ie meet the conditions necessary for plants can flourish? Or flowers in that happy state is immensely artificial flowers used to decorate beautiful? Furthermore flower is the sexual organs of plants adapted for bee pollination to create butterfly effect, and the effect is to corrode insects, birds and humans for food, which can be summed up as the flowers things to decorate for heaven's bliss or anywhere. Yellow jade is true that very rare on Earth, but if the world had given them so much they will no longer be valid anymore. Maybe the spirits, the souls or spirits exist endless flavor in this place there is no time to dream walk barefoot on the sand and watch the flat moss rock?
summary yet we often on the value of conventional and artificial to deceive themselves, the perception of the most enduring visions confront death awaits ahead. The value and the perception that it is the manifestation of ignorance, pushing us ever further with reality, and they also generate impulses discreetly visible through the energy required to promote the we cut the endless cycle of existence. But for Buddhist forms also ask the live realms in a way, but it was just what the Buddhists referred to as the skillful means ( Upaya ), we have the ability to adapt some people to help them towards a further cure.
Holiness Dalai-Lama accepted pleading and see it is a necessity, manifest religious faith, but he does not promote broad aspects that are referred to the resolution allowing meditation to promote wisdom and focus on training methods to overcome these emotional hysteria in mind of each individual. In this lecture the Dalai Lama admonished us to turn fear death nature becomes instinctive power of compassion and love to bring a sense of life this to help us promote the practice direction on the final liberation. That is the finality of Buddhism. END=VIETNAMESE TRANSLATE ENGLISH BY THICH CHAN TANH.THE MIND OF ENLIGHTMENT.WORLD VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST ORDER=VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST NUN=GOLDEN LOTUS MONASTERY=AUSTRALIA,SYDNEY.11/9/2013.NAM MO SAKYAMUNI BUDDHA.( 3 TIMES ).