The Nine-Point Death Meditation

This practice is divided into three general topics: (1) the inevitability of death, (2) the uncertainty of when we will die, and (3) the fact that nothing but the Dharma can help us at the time of death. Each category includes three contemplations.

Following are the nine contemplations for meditating on death:

A. The Inevitability of Death

1. Everyone must die.
2. The remainder of our lifespan is decreasing continually.
3. Death will come regardless of whether or not we have made time to practice the Dharma.

B. The Uncertainty of the Time of Death

1. Human life expectancy is uncertain.
2. There are many causes of death.
3. The human body is fragile.

C. Only the Practice of Dharma Can Help Us at the Time of Death

1. Our wealth cannot help us.
2. Our loved ones cannot help.
3. Our own body cannot help.

Source: Rosenberg, Larry. “The Third Messenger: Death Is Unavoidable” in Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End-of-Life Care. Edited and introduced by Koshin Paley Ellison and Matt Weingast. Wisdom Publications, 2016.

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Like cattle intended for slaughter,

Death is common to all.

Moreover when you see others die

Why do you not fear the Lord of Death?

(Aryadeva, The Four Hundred)

Considering the mortality of ourselves and others helps us clarify our priorities so that we make our life truly worthwhile and meaningful. Thinking of your own life, consider:

(1) Death is inevitable, definite. There is no way to avoid dying. Contemplate:

· Nothing can prevent our eventually dying. Everyone who is born must die, no matter who we are. Reflect that you and everyone you know and care for will die one day.

· Our lifespan can’t be extended when it is time for us to die. With each passing moment we approach death. We cannot turn the clock back or escape from death.

· We will die even if we have not had time to practice Dharma.

Conclusion: You must practice the Dharma, that is, you must transform your mind.

(2) The time of death is uncertain. We don’t know when we’ll die. Contemplate:

· In general there is no certainty of lifespan in our world. People die at all ages. There is no guarantee we will live long. Reflect on the people you know who have died. How old were they? What were they doing when they died? Did they expect to die that day?

· There are more opportunities for death and less for remaining alive. It takes great effort to stay alive and very little to die. Protecting our body by feeding, clothing, and sheltering it requires a lot of energy. Dying, on the other hand, requires little effort.

· Our body is extremely fragile. Small things—viruses, bacteria, or pieces of metal—can harm it and cause death.

Conclusion: You must practice Dharma continually, beginning now.

(3) Nothing else can help at the time of death except the Dharma. Contemplate:

· Wealth is of no help. Our material possessions can’t come with us after death. We spend our lives working hard to accumulate and protect our things. At the time of death, the karma we created doing this comes with us, while we leave the money and possessions behind.

· Friends and relatives are of no help. They remain here while we go on to our next life. However, the karmic seeds of the actions we did in relation to these people come with us into the next life.

· Not even our body is of any help. It is cremated or buried and is of no use to anyone. The karma we created in beautifying, pampering, and seeking pleasure for this body, however, will influence our future experiences.

Conclusion: You must practice the Dharma purely. You may have spent your entire life accumulating and taking care of your wealth, body, friends, and relatives, but at the time of death, you must separate from them without choice.

What, then, is the use of chasing after these things while you’re alive and creating negative karma to get them? Since your karma comes with you and only your spiritual development aids you at death, isn’t it more worthwhile to pay attention to these? Knowing this, what is a healthy and balanced attitude to have toward material possessions, friends and relatives, and your body?

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Imagining Our Death

The rich and poor alike shall feel (Death’s) touch,

The fool and sage as well shall feel it too;

But while the fool lies stricken by his folly,

No sage will ever tremble at the touch.

Ratthapala Sutta

(1) Imagine a circumstance in which you are dying. Where are you? How are you dying? How are your friends and family reacting? How do you feel about dying? What is happening in your mind?

(2) Ask yourself:

· Given that I will die one day, what is important in my life?

· What do I feel good about having done?

· What do I regret?

· What do I want to do and to avoid doing while I’m alive?

· What can I do to prepare for death?

· What are my priorities in life?

Conclusion: Feel the importance of making your life meaningful. Make specific conclusions about what you want to do and to avoid doing from now on.

Reflecting on our transient nature and mortality makes us concerned with preparing for death and for our future rebirths. To do this, we need guides on the path and thus turn to the Buddhas, Dharma, and Sangha for refuge.

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Source: Chodron, Thubten. Guided Buddhist Meditations (p. 84). Shambhala. Kindle Edition.

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