For a PDF file of the text, click here<\/a>. (This is an earlier version.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Reflecting](\"https:\/\/dying-and-death-reflections.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_5494-e1573596161207-1024x768.jpg\")
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The life of beings is fragile. My wife and I were vividly\nreminded of this when we learnt that an auditor received a phone call last week\nwhile working with a client (who was a friend of ours) \u2013 a phone call that informed\nhim his 40-year-old son had just been killed in a traffic accident. How totally\nunexpected; so sudden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another striking reminder of the fragility of life is that\nof an older couple whose husband has Parkinson\u2019s Disease \u2013 as the disease has worsened\nover the past decade, how tragic it has been to see the losses involved, both\nfor the sufferer and the marriage partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These two touching examples became the backdrop for our\nconversation from which these personal reminders emerged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We need to understand how\nprecious a human life is \u2013 when used wisely, it continually offers the\npotential to be of service and lasting benefit to many others. Yet, used\nunwisely, it is so easy to neglect or squander the gift of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, we need to respect\nthe life of others. In this context, for example, think of those who will be\nleft behind when the time of death arrives \u2013 and to leave them something of\nlong-term benefit. Seek not to leave a mess of unfinished business, requiring valuable\ntime to sort through and clean up. A loving responsibility, born out of respect\nfor others, is that we leave our things in order before we depart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can see the changing and\nephemeral nature of all things all around us \u2013 such as days and nights that fly\nswiftly by, the changing seasons. At times, life\u2019s circumstances can change\nswiftly and unexpectedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this context, take time to\nensure having an up-to-date will \u2013 and, again, dispose of as much as possible\nwhile one has the time and energy to lovingly do so. No-one keeps on living\nindefinitely \u2013 we all have to go, sooner or later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whenever causes and conditions\ncome together, a result is certain to follow. We all need to do our best to\nhelp others, and to engage in positive deeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this context, the disorganized accumulated\npossessions over a lifetime may well be the effect of years of neglect and lack\nof discipline. To streamline and restore neatness and order will take\nmotivation and discipline. (A strategy that can help is to imagine getting\nready for a relocation \u2013 imagine preparing for a move. If and when the time for\na move does arrive, one will be much more ready!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We may wish to finally come to\nterms with the realities of life. The Buddha taught four basic truths: (1) the\nreality of suffering which should be understood; (2) the reality of the origin\nof suffering which should be abandoned; (3) the reality of cessation of\nsuffering which ought to be actualized, and (4) the reality of a path to bring\nabout cessation of suffering which ought to be relied upon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this context, understand that\nsentimental reasons are not sufficient for hoarding accumulated possessions (including\nbooks). In time, obsessive attachment and clinging only results in\ndissatisfaction and a degree of suffering. (Some family treasures should be\nkept \u2013 and with foresight passed on to family members.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serve others by donating to\ncharities and giving items that are no longer needed. One can have the joy of\nbeing generous and kind to others now, rather than having a lot of items mindlessly\ntrashed when one has died. If that occurs, gone would be the opportunity for\nloving generosity today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get our affairs in order now \u2013\nand so be better prepared for whatever happens. And, remember, one cannot plan\nfor one\u2019s death \u2013 it is a certain reality, but remains uncertain as to its\ntiming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Realize that in one\u2019s seventies,\none simply does not need \u201ca lot of stuff\u201d! It can take far too much\nincreasingly precious time and energy to organize and maintain lots of items\naround the home \u2013 that are simply no longer really needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earnestly consider having a spiritual path in life which embraces lasting values rooted in reality. Such a path will enable a more peaceful death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alexander and Eva Peck. (Based on a conversation over a special 70th<\/sup> birthday meal in one of our favourite restaurants. November 4, 2019.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n For a PDF file of the text, click here<\/a>. (This is an earlier version.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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