ਸ੍ਰੀਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਹ

Wednesday 3 December 2008

Remembering death in life - Rahit Maryada

Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma: are of Impermanence, Suffering, Death and Karma.

The people are intoxicated; they have forgotten death, and they have fun for a few days.Guru Nanak Dev Ji Siree Raag 15

The mind is totally attached to Maya; the mortal has forgotten his fear of old age and death. Bhagat Trilochan Ji Siree Raag 92

He has forgotten death, in the darkness of attachment to Maya. Guru Amar Daas Ji Raag Aasaa 430

The Dalai Lama says:
"First, it is meditation on impermanence and death that inspires you to engage in spiritual practices. It is an eye-opener. When you become aware that sooner or later you have to leave this world, you are bound to be concerned about the affairs of the next life. This awareness automatically helps you to turn to spiritual pursuits.
Second, death meditation is a powerful technique that helps you to prolong and continue your spiritual practice. In any endeavor of substance, be it spiritual or temporal, difficulties and problems are bound to occur. The power of death meditation helps you to face whatever hardships may come your way.
Finally, this meditation acts as a stimulus, helping you to successfully complete your practice. Therefore, awareness of death is essential at every stage of your spiritual life. As a practitioner, you will be more concerned about the affairs of the life after death. And by eliminating deluded thoughts and actions, you will be able to make this life meaningful."

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