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

[michel]

(this is obviously aimed at non theists)..................

Do you fear Death ? (I am presuming that you believe that there is nothing left of you after death than the memories of those still living of you).

It seems to me that the pain of dying could be the only thing you would have to fear.

So, do you fear Death? If so, why?

[Nanda]

I do, to a certain extent. I don't fear dying itself, but knowing that everything that I am will be gone is a little rattling. Maybe I'll welcome it by the time I'm old, like some of my friends suggest, but as a relatively young person still, the idea of simply ceasing to be is a sad one. It's quite easy for me to understand why many people turn to religious promises of eternal life, or reincarnation, but I just don't buy it. Plus, as much as I'd like to go on forever, I don't find the options I've seen so far as described by organized religion to be particularly comforting.

[Scarlett Wampus]

Originally Posted by michel

Do you fear Death ? (I am presuming that you believe that there is nothing left of you after death than the memories of those still living of you).

It seems to me that the pain of dying could be the only thing you would have to fear.

So, do you fear Death? If so, why?

Sometimes I do in certain moods but mostly I'm with what you said - the pain of dying is what I'd seek to avoid if possible.

If I let my mind drift then I find...I'm uncomfortable of the thought of how my death might effect others, again like you said.

I used to be uncomfortable with the thought that I'd done so little so to die before I'd had to chance to think things through; to have an "examined life" as Socrates supposedly said, would be a tremendous shame. That thought shocked me into really trying to think things through. It worked out and I felt ready for death afterwards, only, then there was the business of actually living. Much harder work.

[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

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by michel

(this is obviously aimed at non theists)..................

Do you fear Death ? (I am presuming that you believe that there is nothing left of you after death than the memories of those still living of you).

It seems to me that the pain of dying could be the only thing you would have to fear.

So, do you fear Death? If so, why?

The greatest fear I have of death is the event being painful. Because I've had a great life and am thankful for the experiences and love I've had, (sounds contrite and corny - sorry, it's how I feel)....I'm not afraid to die. Besides, I truly do believe we live on somehow though I'm not concerned with the prospect.

I do often think about leaving my loved ones.....and the thought is so painful I avoid it. If my mind wanders in that direction I usually go into the other room to talk to one of them or call one of my loves on the phone. I feel better then.

[Engyo]

Hi Michel -

Is it a stereotype that all non-theists must believe that existence ends with this lifetime? It ain't so, my friend!

I do not fear death. I do not wish to die anytime soon, of course, but it isn't something I fear per se. I also don't believe that my death is "The End" of all things, either.

[UnTheist]

I only fear the pain of death (to an extent)

I don't fear not existing.

[MysticSang'ha]

Even though I obviously have not completed the journey in this lifetime, I try to compare dying with giving birth. Most women aren't scared of having the baby in her arms, but of the process of labor and delivery.

It's VERY much like that. There's a certain amount of pain and suffering that isn't comparable to every day life. So, in effect, it's natural to want to avoid the pain of dying.




Peace,
Mystic

[Engyo]

A friend on another forum has this as his sig line:

Living is wonderful. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that worries me..........