Dying

Dear Friends Near and Far:

A Buddhist student asked a monk for instruction that will help him at the time of death. Here is what the monk replied:

You have practiced many key points of focusing your mind. They involve concentrating, relaxing, projecting, absorbing, focusing inward, rest in simplicity, and be free and easy in your own nature.

When approaching your time of departure, meditate and remain undistributed, be free of clinging and attachment, of accepting or rejecting, of hope or fear, or any sense experiences you may encounter; just rest in being

Give up whatever desire and yearning you have for this life, cut your attachment toward those with whom you have ties. In that way, your thinking will be equal to that of an enlightened one.

To continue, at the time of dying, practice as follows:

All experiences of lights are the natural radiance of your awareness. These lights are your own lights. Have no doubt about this! If doubt arises, you will be thrown into samsara (realm of matter).

This teaching should be given to disciples and those of faith and great love.

May it then benefit many people?

For those who are new on the path, don't be alarmed by the above instructions. I would suggest that at the time of death, you do not have any regrets of this life, no attachment or clinging to this life’s belongings, confess of all your wrong doings. Should fears arises, think of your God, and finally know that all the experiences that you are having, are nothing but the reflection of your mind.