Remembering your End

A few years back, I was having a discussion with a friend and he said … “What is life, but a preparation to die”. I did not agree with him saying that life is to be lived happily and fully and is not a preparation to die.

Some time back, I was talking to someone, and listened to her as se vented her complaints about her relatives … and suddenly in the midst of that interaction, it occurred to me that if this woman became aware of the fact that we are all going to die and that moment could be any moment, probably she will not hold grudges against others. Pl note, I am not saying that what she was saying was wrong, but when you suddenly remember that everyone is there temporarily, it becomes very difficult to hold a grudge. Taking the same thought forward, if everyone at all moments could remember this fact of our temporary existence, I feel we would not indulge in all the human drama that we normally do. It would be a more peaceful and harmonious existence.

… and then suddeny I was reminded of the conversation with my friend from years back. I don’t know if he meant it in this way, but yes, if we were to take life as a preparation for death, then possibly we would be able to remember this natural fact better in every moment and end up being better people. I am not saying being fearful about it … it is a certainty, so why fear… trees shed their leaves, … death for those leaves but get fresh ones. It’s a natural cycle. But remembering this or preparing may make this world a better place.

Funny, how life teaches you different perspectives at different times.