DP, I think Kristy's idea is worth trying. DP, try helping others. That will hopefully solve your problems. Anthony
--- On Mon, 30/8/10, Kristy McClain <[email protected]> wrote: From: Kristy McClain <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Zen] Death To: [email protected] Date: Monday, 30 August, 2010, 3:25 AM *bows* to you DP... I've often read and heard that the reality of death is an important part of zen practice and training. Personally, I have never devoted any time to it. I will explain why. WhenI I was 25, I had a life-altering car accident. So serious that I was technically "dead" for moments while my heart and kidneys stopped functioning. I spent a month in a coma, and six months in the hospital. No-- I didn't experience any of those "near-death" visions. I wasn't at all religious then --or now. It was long before I found Zen. But if I HAD died, I wouldn't have known the difference. If there is some kind of transcent existence after death, I suppose I'll find out. If not, I won't experience anything at all, including pain, fear or loss. I suggest you look within about why you fear death. Do you have unfinished business here. Finish them. Do you feel guilty due to some behavior or action you have done? Fix it and work on forgiveness. Do you believe in a hell where you fear you are headed for eternity? If so, seek guidance from those who share your belief. Is your ego so big that you feel entitled to be immortal? Truthfully, what is there really to fear? I guess I just can't wrap my head around such a fear. If someone runs me over at a crosswalk today..(which is possible due to these crazy, texting, cell-phone-talking, putting on lipstick on with one hand while driving with their knee), I guess I will die. Other than the fact of dealing with resolving my financial and living issues by family and friends as they grieve my loss-- in the end..life goes on. Perhaps your problem with being stuck on this issue is due to your focus on it. Get involved in someon else's life, and the fear and focus will gradually cease. Be well. :) Kristy --- On Sun, 8/29/10, Rose P <[email protected]> wrote: From: Rose P <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Zen] Death To: [email protected] Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010, 12:26 PM Hi DP I've read your posts and the replies you've gotten with interest. I don't have much information, zen wise, to offer with regards death and the fear of it, although I do *get* where you're coming from. Some of the others will hopefully post on this subject perhaps. What I have found extremely useful is the site www.dharmaseed.org. I try to listen to at least one talk a day. In terms of repetitive, troublesome thoughts, there are some fairly good talks given by a teacher called Gloria Ambrosia. I've only been using the site for a month or so, so I'm sure there's a wealth of other stuff on there that could be checked out, and might be of some use. Take care, Rose --- On Sun, 8/29/10, DP <[email protected]> wrote: From: DP <[email protected]> Subject: [Zen] Death To: [email protected] Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010, 2:59 PM ARe there any good meditations I can do which helps me deal with my fear of death? I just finished Thich Nhat Hanh's No Death No Fear, and I liked it, but I feel such a hard time getting around the idea of continuance - it's too much for my materialist mind. So maybe I need a different tack... How do I confront the reality of death with the aim towards lessening my fear of this?
