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Death

• Birth and death is as natural as sleeping and waking up.
• Death is certain. It is what lies ahead.
• What is it that dies? The body. Mind continues.
• At the time of death, rely on the Triple Gem. To rely on them, you must fist remember them.
• Attachment comes from ignorance. We are fooled by this idea of ‘I’.
• How to contemplate death? Don’t make long term plans.
• When we die, our breath stops. But awareness does not.
• When you die, stabilize in nature of mind. Don’t let the mind wander off. Don’t stay in bondage.
• At the time of death, remember there is no realm in samsara where you will find lasting happiness.
• If we have faith, we take that with us. We take bodhisattva vows with us. If we have love and compassion, we take that with us.
• When someone you love dies, the tears you cry will not provide them refuge.
• When we die, initially we will not know we have died.
• If you think about this lifespan, probably next life is nearer.
• Go with the vast intention of bodhicitta. “Until samsara is emptied, I will continue to work.”
• We keep on accumulating, but we don’t think we can die today.
• There is so much danger just beyond the threshold of death, but we don’t think about that.
• What remains when we die? It is like last night’s dream.
• Death does not mark the boundary of our existence.
• Be like a bird perched on a boulder ready to fly away.
• Die with bodhisattva mind. “Wherever I go, may I be of benefit to others.”
• We can die any time. We can die in womb. We can die at birth. We can die when we are learning to crawl. Some die young. Some die old - a mere skeleton wrapped in skin. Some people kill themselves.
• Say the names of the buddhas or recite their mantras to animals and humans who are dying.
• Abandon thoughts of attachment and aversion. At the time of death, this becomes very important.
• When we recognize we are dead, there is pain of separation from loved ones. Before dying, offer these things.
• Kings and emperors have died.
• Siddhas with clairvoyance and ability to fly in sky have also died.
• We are one day closer to death.
• When we sleep, mind continues to believe in ‘I’. After we die, mind continues to believe in ‘I’.
• Desire is the gate to enter the womb. Visualize oneself as deity. This blocks entering the womb.
• When you die, appearances of this life will vanish.
• Request prayers when someone dies.
• In the end, the universe dissolves. Only space remains.  There is no ash. No sediments. How can our bodies be stable?
• After death, mind still continues.
• We all know we will die. We don’t think it can be now. The truth is we can die at any time. Thinking we will live long is deceptive. Don’t waste even moment of time.