To many people, including some Buddhist laity themselves, it is always taboo to mention death. Death is a terrifying word and a fearsome feeling, as everyone perceives it as an unfortunate ending. Yet, death is always rewarding to those who have uplifted themselves to higher realms of existence.
Let’s explore deeper into the concept of death and break the misconceptions surrounding this natural event of life.
Death, to Many, is an Unknown Journey
Death is mostly an unknown journey to many, as people tend to live comfortably and luxuriously without realizing there is always a task to fulfill in our living—the principle, responsibility, and integrity to practice our training and cultivation while on this earth.
It is a wrong notion to believe we are here to live and eat; rather, we eat in order to live. Similarly, our five senses are not merely for maintaining our body but more importantly to learn the significance of going hungry, to understand the suffering of deprivation, and finally to grasp the brunt of being ridiculed, ostracized, slandered, and provoked. These experiences oppress, refine, and purify the five senses until they merge into one. Death becomes void and nonexistent for those who reach this stage of successful development.
The Fear of the Unknown
Whenever death is mentioned, it sends a terrifying feeling into our minds due to our fear of entering an unknown space. Little is ever done to highlight the existence beyond death. Truly, nobody believes in life after death, nor is there any proof of a realm beyond it. Hence, few are interested in writing about the afterlife, as no one believes in it.
However, whether we like it or not, death is certain for everyone. Due to a lack of exploration into its nature, we remain ignorant of death’s journey. Therefore, when death suddenly comes, we become paranoid and lose direction. We see darkness everywhere and are confused about what to do. This is the dilemma of death for those who do not believe in an afterlife. When death occurs, rebirth begins in another world.
Natural vs. Unnatural Death
It is important that we experience a natural death—where our departure from this earth is due to old age—rather than from diseases, terminal illnesses, or accidents. Death caused by sickness, COVID-19, cancer, road accidents, mishaps, suicidal death or plane crashes is classified as unnatural death. Premature death, such as a child dying young, is also unnatural.
All these deaths are unnatural and leave the deceased restless, resulting in an unsatisfactory passing. An unsatisfactory death means the departed will become a restless, wandering soul upon this earth. It is crucial for us to ensure we attain a good, natural death—one free from such misadventurous ends.
A natural death ensures a smooth journey into the next world, while an unnatural death results in a disrupted transition. Those who die unnaturally may become stranded despite having a funeral ceremony, unable to continue their journey unless special ceremonies are conducted. This is a hidden norm, yet many are unaware of the consequences of an unnatural death. Only through special chanting of mantras and sutras by trained spiritual masters can these stranded souls be guided to their rightful realms.
Unfortunately, many of us today cannot attain a peaceful death due to lacking moral values and proper spiritual practice—such as daily chanting of sutras and mantras, eating less meat, listening to the Dharma, and practicing generosity. This way, we are certain we will not easily encounter misfortune or depart this world prematurely.
Overcoming Ignorance and Fear of Death
Ignorance is the cause of suffering in this world, but there is no reason for us to remain blinded by a lack of knowledge. We should not be deprived of wisdom, as Buddhist teachings on these matters are widely available through spiritual teachers and masters in temples.
The only setback is that many Buddhists lack the effort to seek sermons on life after death or attend available teachings. We should not wait for invitations to such sessions but actively seek opportunities to listen to Dharma talks.
It is a blessing that Buddhist temples are everywhere, making it easy to find teachings on life beyond death. When we are well-informed about the afterlife, we can face death with confidence, knowing we have the basic knowledge to navigate its journey.
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How to Overcome the Fear of Death?
One way to prevent fear of death is to understand that life continues after death, basically, the afterlife exists. If we learn about the existence of heavenly realms and the Hade world (the lower realms), the fear of the unknown journey diminishes.
This is because, upon death, we will go either to a heavenly sphere or the Hade world. During the first 49 days, departed souls remain in the purgatory world—a transitional realm between Earth and the Hade sphere. After this period, they are guided to their destined realm: the heavenly world, the Hade sphere, or, for wicked souls, punishment in hell.
Just as a well-prepared student faces exams without fear, those who uphold daily spiritual practices such as devotional services, humility, moderation, simplicity, and virtuous actions, do not fear death. In contrast, those who are negligent, wicked, indulge in vice, or harm others through black magic will dread death deeply. Every human possesses a conscience: a sacred, pure inner guide that judges our actions. When deeds are evil, guilt breeds fear in the mind.
Conversely, sincere, kind, and helpful individuals radiate pure light, reflecting tranquility. They greet death with delight, seeing it as a blissful attainment and a welcoming journey.
Death as a Prelude to Liberation in the Afterlife
To many, death is sudden and unpredictable, but to trained and successful cultivators, it is a prelude to blissful rest and higher attainment. For them, death is a blessing—a moment of maturity where they receive recognition for their lifetime of achievement.
On the other hand, for those who have lived mediocre and comfortable lives, death is a nightmare. Without spiritual practice, many become stranded in the transition.
We must remember that life on earth is purely academic, transcending materialistic and technological pursuits. Our focus should be on accumulating wisdom and knowledge. Only then can we realize that death is a meaningful journey toward our ultimate reward.
To wrap up, here are some death quotes that can serve as food for thought:
