Even death is not to be feared

“Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.” – Buddha

Now I wonder if this is a topic I can speak about here without causing you disturbing emotions. deathSo the question I ask myself is, am I ready to die? Am I afraid of death?
Part of me feels that I am prepared for this, but I quickly realize that unless I am free of all attachments, I will have fear.

Now many of you may think you are prepared to die one day and you accept this reality. But are you ready today?
One of my dear Monk friends often uses the saying “Don’t be late” (Appamada).
This teaching by the Buddha, the Appamada Sutta, really seems to give us an answer to this. And saying “Don’t be late” is just a very simple way of conveying the meaning. We need to be heedful.
Being mindful, thoughtful, and attentive to ourselves and others, this is the path to freedom of fear.
If we learn to live from our Hearts, and care selflessly for others, I believe we will have no attachment. We will see our death as part of all things. The coming and going. The inhale and the exhale.
When you look outside right now, it seems all things are frozen and dead. Yet we are aware that Spring will come and all things will bloom again. Life will renew itself. This is our nature too.
Remember, even the Buddha was impermanent. Yet here we are!
Be joyful in this. Be joyful in all things, all nature, all beings. And don’t be late.

May you be free of suffering, sickness, fear and hunger.
May you each be well, happy and peaceful.

Namo Budhaya