The Question of Life and Death
Based on the ancient belief that “life is better than death” and “life is good, death is bad,”
people begin to cherish life and fear death, leading to an ultimate greed for life and fear of death.
Grounded in the notions of “cherishing life and fearing death” and “greed for life and fear of death,”
people live their entire lives, consciously or unconsciously, in a state of immense anxiety and fear.
In our struggle for life and escape from death, how do we actually live?
For those who have been told they cannot live any longer or that their time is short,
how do they choose to live?
Some of them live as if they are in constant struggle!
In our quest to stay alive, we have nearly lost the joy of living.
It is precisely because you are unwilling to die that you turn the paradise of living into a hell.
Even though we know that both life and death are parts of existence,
how much effort or mental energy do we expend in resistance?
How foolish are we to resist that which is 100% certain, obvious, real, and inevitable?
Can you see how deeply the differing concepts of life and death affect us?
What if we fundamentally believed from the core that “life and death are the same”? What would happen then?
What if we relaxed into living while alive, and welcomed death as we would welcome life when it arrives? What then?
What if we did not mistakenly believe that life is good while death is bad; what would happen if at the time of dying we thought it was time to live, and at the time of living thought it was time to die? How would life’s circumstances change?
It’s not about a distinction between life and death; rather it’s about our differing perceptions regarding them;
it’s not life or death torturing us but rather our stories about them causing us distress!
Can you recognize that our experience of “life” is entirely a projection, just as “death” is too?
Can you see that our lives consist of a series of stories, just as death tells its own story?
Apart from our narratives about life and death, where can true existence be found?
Regarding life and death, we project our concepts onto all living beings—plants as well as animals;
not only do we suffer for our own lives but also because of theirs!
When a small animal dies, we experience its passing as though it were ourselves or a loved one who has died; even when a tree or flower withers away, we feel its loss.
Our notions of “distinction between life and death” and “life being good while death being evil” permeate everything!
Can you perceive that birth and demise are equal?
Can you see the sorrow in living as well as the kindness in dying?
Can you find glimpses of mortality within existence itself while recognizing vitality within mortality?
Can you discern that what seems alive may not truly be alive while what appears dead may not genuinely be dead?
Can you understand clearly that both birth and demise resemble dreams—coming into being only to fade away again like illusions appearing then disappearing?
Practitioners often speak about understanding birth and demise; what does it mean to comprehend birth and demise?
To regard birth and demise as equal; seeing mortality within existence while recognizing vitality within mortality;
realizing there’s no reason for joy when witnessing birth nor sorrow when witnessing demise;
understanding there’s no true essence in what appears alive nor genuine absence in what seems dead;
perceiving there’s neither person nor thing nor event within birth or demise—this constitutes understanding birth & demise!
Since ancient times, enlightened beings have aimed to teach us this understanding regarding birth & demise.
Look at how everywhere we’ve reinforced notions such as “birth & demise aren’t equal” or “birth is good while demise is bad.”
Observe how we’ve projected onto everything around us—experiencing yet rejecting mortality.
Notice how we’ve treated our own deaths along with those close to us—and even losses among plants/animals—as well as damage done unto lifeless objects.
Examine whether your practice leads toward liberation from birth & demise or whether this very rope tightens around your neck further still.
From animals & plants scrutinize your views on birth & demise;
From loved ones observe your perspectives on these matters;
From yourself reflect upon your beliefs surrounding these themes:
Do you genuinely wish for liberation from birth & demise?
Step out from ancient identifications with “birth & demise aren’t equal” or “birth being good while demise being evil!”
by – Taiwan Fearless Tathagata Buddhamind Great Perfection Zen Meditation Center