Before understanding the need for transformation of our faculties, it becomes necessary to understand Life and Death. Not many of us think of death, but are reminded of the same when persons known, related or connected with us pass away. Sometimes the thought of death leads to fear and the easy way out seems to be to not face the reality of death at whatever time it may occur. The purpose of facing the reality of Death is not to run away or fear it. It is to understand that Life has to be lived to the fullest.
Also the fact that we cannot determine when we will pass away is itself a matter of worry! Why does one not think of death? If the answer is because we are too busy living, it is good. However the need to live life to the fullest and surpass Death (if possible) will become real only when we squarely face the reality that we are not permanent and our faculties will undergo changes as we move on in life.
The next question we need to answer is why we fear death. The philosophers would say that it is because of a wrong identification with the Body/Mind consciousness. This may be true, but the answer most of us can experience is that we do not know what happens when we die. Fear of the unknown or what we cannot predict is one of the most common fears. This leads to anxiety, worry and so on. In fact many times all logic fails and only a fear remains. The Mind is not able to comprehend what happens post death and hence we want to maximize Life. However does it matter if we know and can we change things then?
The solution to change this reaction in Life seems to arise only when the Mind and the Vital energy(Will) act in unison. The way to go beyond the Mind is possible when the Mind is silenced but there is a need to make the Mind a true partner in progress.
Why should one die?
Let us examine Death. It is clear that everything in this world waxes and wanes away. This is the perfect rhythm of Nature. The Body/Mind complex has to also rejuvenate itself and the soul has to witness new experiences. This is very similar to going to sleep and waking up fresh the next day. When one day ends and we sleep the Body/Mind complex rests and we then become ready to open to new experiences going forward. When one understands that Time (as we know it) is of no relevance in the constantly evolving world then how does Death matter. Do we grieve or be afraid of the time spent in sleep?. No, because we think we will wake up again the next day or after a nap!
Let us assume that one does not believe in rebirth. Even then by worrying about Death or how to prevent or postpone it how is any purpose served? Therefore it is ideal if we face the reality that all of us will die one day- in one second or many days later. We don't know when and knowing when does not matter.
The pressing need in Life is to develop a strong courage to face reality. A courage which laughs at or enjoys Death as it does Life. A courage which does not think of Death as an escape from the vicissitudes of Life, but instead knows that Life is meant to be lived in full enjoying each experience as it arises. A Love of Life should not lead to fear but a courage which seeks freedom from fear not only of death but of anything and from everything which causes fear.
Life is meant to be lived, experienced in full and either lacking the courage to do that or fearing the unknown is the path to a Living Hell. The active Mind must experience the knowledge that Life will have no certainty, no perfect and easy solutions but that in itself makes Life worth living!
What is Immortality?
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Joy of being: Life, Death and Immortality