The Self
Fulfillment is the nature of the Atma, not of the body or mind.
After reading in bed and learning Portuguese, I washed most of my white clothes. We had a Meditation and breakfast before I continued to work on our new app. Time seems to pass fast when you are enjoying something. Time seems to slow down when you are bored. Fortunately, I am never bored, there is always something nice to do, or just to be in Meditation. For me there is a balance of doing and being, both are equally justified.
Before noon I left to to Mapusa. First I stopped at the watchmaker after I found the shop. It is just where the big Mapusa market begins. I asked them to change the battery as the old one was empty. The old battery lasted nearly 21 months.
It was quickly done and I left for the ‘Vision Hospital Goa’. There is an optician, ‘Ben Franklin’. I parked my scooter and went straight into the shop. I told them that I needed new glasses. He asked me if I had a prescription. When I denied he said I had to go to the optician’s next room in the hospital. I went to the counter, around 50 patients were waiting in the room. So I left for today. Later Kabir told me just to go and ask for the optician, no need to wait so long. I will try it again tomorrow. On the way back I stopped at Tulsi Cafe and had a Masala Dosa, good as always.
The last days of our evening Meditations were all related to impermanence. So here is a good advisor from the Tibetans.
The Tibetan Nine-Point Death Meditation
The Tibetan Nine-Point Death Meditation is a powerful contemplative practice from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It is designed to help individuals reflect on the impermanence of life, develop an awareness of death, and cultivate a sense of urgency to live meaningfully and engage in spiritual practice. Below is a summary of the nine points, traditionally divided into three categories:
- The Inevitability of Death
These points remind us that death is certain, no matter who we are.
1. Everyone must die.
Death is a natural part of life; no one can escape it. Reflecting on this helps us confront reality and prepare ourselves.
2. Life span cannot be extended.
No matter how much effort is put into maintaining health or acquiring resources, time is finite. Death approaches steadily.
3. Death comes even if one hasn’t completed everything.
Life’s tasks and desires will never be fully completed before death. Reflecting on this encourages focusing on what truly matters.
- The Uncertainty of the Time of Death
These points emphasize the unpredictability of death.
4. Lifespan is uncertain.
Death can occur at any age; there is no guarantee of living a long life. This encourages mindfulness and urgency.
5. There are many causes of death.
Life can end through illness, accidents, or unexpected events, reminding us of life’s fragility.
6. The human body is fragile.
The body, though resilient, is vulnerable to breakdown, emphasizing our physical impermanence.
- What Will Help at the Time of Death
These points focus on what truly matters at the end of life.
7. Worldly possessions and achievements are of no use.
Material wealth and accomplishments cannot be taken beyond death. Reflecting on this can shift priorities.
8. Family and friends cannot prevent death.
While loved ones can provide comfort, they cannot delay or stop the process of dying.
9. Only spiritual practice and mental conditioning will help.
At the moment of death, only the qualities of the mind—such as compassion, wisdom, and spiritual realization—will matter.
How to Practice
1. Set aside time daily or weekly for contemplation.
Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and reflect on each point in sequence.
2. Visualize scenarios.
Bring to mind personal examples or imagery related to each point, allowing the truth of the reflections to settle deeply.
3. Cultivate motivation.
Use the meditation to inspire meaningful action, such as cultivating compassion, pursuing spiritual goals, and living fully.
4. End with resolve.
Commit to living with mindfulness, kindness, and a sense of purpose.
By meditating on these nine points regularly, you can develop a profound understanding of impermanence and an appreciation for the preciousness of life. This practice is not meant to create fear but to inspire clarity and purposeful living.
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