During the days when hurricanes Helene and Milton ravaged the United States, typhoon Yagi also swept through northern Vietnam. These storms caused severe damage to both lives and property. Bridges collapsed, storms raged, floodwaters rose in many places, rains triggered landslides, and floods swept everything away. These reports indicate that, in a very short time, the efforts and resources of individuals and communities were lost, beyond human control. Among these images, a video clip recorded the Phong Chau bridge collapsing when a long truck just drove onto the bridge, both the truck and the people on it disappeared. Flash floods easily and swiftly swept away houses and people, while landslides buried people and property — images that are truly heartbreaking from the viewer’s perspective. I can’t even begin to imagine the panic, fear, and pain experienced by those involved. It would be difficult for any actor to capture these extreme emotions in a similar scene!

 

How have we prepared ourselves for death?

 

It is certain that everyone living in this world hopes to experience the cycle of birth-aging-death smoothly (without even mentioning illness). Everyone wants to live a fulfilling life, and when old age comes, they hope to pass away peacefully in their sleep. However, the truth is when talking about “death,” it is often considered an unlucky and taboo topic. Few people dare to discuss or think about it, or not to mention to prepare their mindset for death while still alive, especially when they are still young, still in their prime, still enjoying countless pleasures, and flourishing in terms of wealth, fame, and health.

 

In reality, death gives no warning to anyone for preparation. For instance, following Typhoon Yagi’s impact on Myanmar and Vietnam, a bridge collapsed in Germany, other storms hit the U.S. and Nepal, and gunfire still echoes, between Ukraine and Russia, Iran and Israel, etc., many people lost their lives unexpectedly.

 

What are we preparing for death?

 

If someone has ever experienced the death of a loved one, that is when they receive a warning. From the passing of a loved one, that person comes to realize that on the journey ahead, they must walk alone, even when there are many people around them. With this realization, they will cultivate the inner strength and awareness to prepare for their own death.

 

How are we preparing ourselves for death?

 

Practicing to live fully in each second, in the work we are doing, in every relationship, and in daily interactions is the best preparation to “die.” Why? It’s because if we focus on turning off the stove before picking up the phone to chat or browse social media, there won’t be a burnt pot on the stove; if we carefully turn off the water after using the faucet, there won’t be water flooding the room, causing unnecessary trouble. Furthermore, when children and parents, husbands and wives, always speak kindly to one another and show respect, sincerity, loyalty, and caring, there will be no regrets or remorse when separation comes! In Buddhism, this is called living in “Mindfulness.” This complete practice of “MINDFULNESS” includes understanding and love, the practice of patience, and the cultivation of loving-kindness in Buddhism.

 

Giving (dāna) is also an excellent way to prepare to “die.” It is the practice of letting go and the virtue of renunciation. It’s understandable that giving away money or property you have worked hard to earn can be difficult, we can also imagine how great the regret we would feel if we suddenly passed away while still holding onto a pile of assets.
Frequent acts of giving small gifts or a gesture of kindness to those around us help cultivate an open and joyful heart, a feeling that only those willing to give can experience. It is like how water refreshes the person drinking it.

 

Living fully and practicing dāna help eliminate attachment and regret, nurture a heart of selflessness and generosity, and thus bring inner peace of mind, free from fear, ready to accept death in any situation.

 

Personal essay by Dhammacetiya Volunteer – TKHS (October 2024)

 

Translated by Dhammacetiya (MTNH)

 

 

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