Atiśa’s contemplations on death offer a simple way to understand and to accept death. Attain mindfulness of death and clarity of life with his 9 fundamental truths.
Death meditation and mindfulness of death is a core practice of Tibetan Buddhism. It has long been considered a way to lose the fear and to be comfortable with death.
Many of us suffer a great deal of anxiety about death and the simple practice of sitting with death, visualising death and contemplating death may help to ease that anxiety.
One of the most cited contemplations on death comes from Atiśa (Atiśa Dīpankara Śrījñāna), the eleventh century Buddhist master and spiritual leader, who believed that if a person is unaware of death, their meditation will have little power.
Atiśa’s contemplations on death:
- Death is inevitable.
- Our life span is decreasing continuously.
- Death will come, whether or not we are prepared for it.
- Human life expectancy is uncertain.
- There are many causes of death.
- The human body is fragile and vulnerable.
- At the time of death, our material resources are not of use to us.
- Our loved ones cannot keep us from death.
- Our own body cannot help us at the time of our death.
You can sit in contemplation any time and any place, on a train, in a coffee shop or comfortably at home. Simply take a few deep breaths to find calm and repeat one or all of the statements. Sit with the thought of death and observe any emotions, feelings and sensations that arise, without judgement or response.
Remain deep in this contemplation for a few minutes, or as long as is comfortable for you.
The thought of death can cause a great deal of anxiety for us, but through this practice we may learn to accept it and to approach it with grace.
Life and death after all are inextricably linked. One as real as the other. Stop fearing death, as it’s an inevitable and natural part of the process.
Disclaimer: Deep contemplation of death and meditating on death is not suitable for everyone, and should be avoided by those with severe anxiety, depression or trauma. Please consult your healthcare or mental health practitioner before attempting this exercise.