Death As An Ally: Aligning Our Life With What Matters Most

Of all the meditations Buddha taught, it’s the meditation on death that leaves the deepest impression, strongly influencing our actions. At present, at least for most of us, the reality of our eventual death is something we don’t care to think about. As a result, every day we live with the assumption ‘I will not die today.’ One day that assumption will be wrong. Will be be ready?

Repeatedly meditating on death is a wisdom that aligns our view with the truth of our existential vulnerability and can motivate us to make the most of every moment. Awareness of our mortality is supremely clarifying. We stop obsessing over the past that has already happened and the future that may never happen, and all the small stuff of this one life that weighs us down. We let go of our hurt and grudges, tell people we love them, and prioritize our spiritual practice. This leads us to profound experiences of peace and lightness, allowing us to let go of our attachment to things of this one life. Death becomes an ally, helping us live our best life, appreciating the preciousness of every moment while staying aligned with what matters most.

Led by Queens Branch teachers Woo Jung Cho and Henry Green, this half-day course will focus on the 8-line contemplation on death from The Mirror of Dharma to cultivate a wisdom-infused view of our mortality. Afterward, Woo and Henry will chat about how death can be an ally in daily life, helping us live lightly and joyfully while keeping our eyes on the ultimate prize.