A question about death (Earth, mystic, reincarnation, experience, theist)

[Jaiket]

Originally Posted by Aasimar

I think this kinda misses the fundamental question. The fact that your personality will cease to exist doesn't scare many people. Of course a person faced with a handgun will be afraid, it's a natural response. Just because they aren't afraid of death itself doesn't mean they aren't afraid of being killed

To me, that's much the same thing.

[Aasimar]

Originally Posted by Jaiket

To me, that's much the same thing.

Okay, I guess I'll answer for myself then. I am not afraid of being dead, but I am afraid of being killed. Maybe that's a contradiction but it is the truth.

[kadzbiz]

Originally Posted by Jaiket

Would you be afraid if someone threatened to kill you with a handgun?

I don't have a fear of death. I have had a loaded shotgun pointed in my face and the trigger pulled. It failed to discharge. At the time I couldn't have cared whether I lived or died, but today I'm happy to be alive, but don't fear death. I would feel sad for my family being without me if I died prematurely, but I feel death is the beginning of a new life, so almost relish the anticipation.

[TurkeyOnRye]

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

I have already looked death in the face once in my life. And even after years of meditation and practice, it was blissful and terrifying at the same time. My body was deteriorating, but my mind was in a place that surprised me. It was emotionally overwhelming for me. But the moment when I fully accepted my fate, all phenomena suddenly became so beautiful, vibrant, and precious.

Some have called it a miracle, but obviously I am here now and quite healthy. So my recovery has allowed me more time on this Earth to contemplate that moment in time when all I saw was love and beauty.

Death is by no means scary anymore. I certainly want to be here in order to finish raising my children, but if my number is up today or tomorrow or whenever, I'll have my arms open and my chin up.




Peace,
Mystic

This sounds an aweful lot like enlightenment. Do you believe that is so?

[Jaiket]

Originally Posted by kadzbiz

I don't have a fear of death. I have had a loaded shotgun pointed in my face and the trigger pulled. It failed to discharge. At the time I couldn't have cared whether I lived or died, but today I'm happy to be alive, but don't fear death. I would feel sad for my family being without me if I died prematurely, but I feel death is the beginning of a new life, so almost relish the anticipation.

Fair enough. Very few people I know (myself included) have confronted potentially fatal situations without fear, which is why I tend to be a little sceptical when people assert that they are not afraid of death (or dying - which is unnecessarily precise as far as I can tell).

[WhiteSeal]

I don't see why you'd be afraid of death if you were an atheist. After all, nothing important happens. If anything atheism is a great encouragement to stay alive, since most people would agree it doesn't dictate much outside living.

[Somkid]

I don't fear death, not in the least. Death is the natural cycle of life, it is also necessary that I die so others may live and have the opportunities that I have had. In Buddhism death is the end of suffering and I believe that 100%.

[WhiteSeal]

Originally Posted by Somkid

I don't fear death, not in the least. Death is the natural cycle of life, it is also necessary that I die so others may live and have the opportunities that I have had. In Buddhism death is the end of suffering and I believe that 100%.

Directing this not at you but to everyone reading:
Hypothetically speaking, would you be more afraid of death if you knew there was a 50% chance of eternal damnation or a 100% chance of ceasing to exist?

Atheism definitely leans towards the latter, which is slightly less disturbing me to me than fire and brimstone.

[Somkid]

Originally Posted by WhiteSeal

Directing this not at you but to everyone reading:
Hypothetically speaking, would you be more afraid of death if you knew there was a 50% chance of eternal damnation or a 100% chance of ceasing to exist?

Atheism definitely leans towards the latter, which is slightly less disturbing me to me than fire and brimstone.

If the God of Abraham was in charge most likely yes, I'd be pooping my pants. I mean fire and brimstone do not appeal to me nor does the Christian or Muslim idea of heaven. I would chose to cease to exist rather than be sentenced to either one of those places. I think I prefer the Native American concept of the after life.

[Fluffy]

I don't fear death because that won't delay it.

Fear of something is simply the desire for an alternative. However, if we don't like feeling afraid then why endure it instead of enjoying ourselves whilst we have that alternative? I can be afraid of death when I'm dead.