Deities and Faith
Does thinking about death mean you do not cherish life?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Not necessarily. Discussing death is meant to help people understand life better and cherish the present, not to wish death would arrive sooner. Since birth, aging, illness, and death are a process we must eventually face, we have all the more reason to consider whether we are making the most of the people we can be with and the things we can do now.
On the program, we read a passage linking reflection on death with love of life, and I could understand its meaning. Understanding death and preparing for it are ways of hoping for less fear and regret. While we are alive, let us cherish these days first. There is no need to rush their ending or spend every day worrying about what will happen later.
From the perspective of spiritual practice, I also consider what I can still do for others in this life and what meaningful contributions I can leave. Besides wondering how many years remain, live well now while you can still live your life and care for people. Thinking of life's endpoint should ultimately bring us back to the present and how we choose to live.