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As I was sitting my mother's bedside, I was reading “The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying” by Sogyal Rinpoche. I have read this book twice before, and am finding it easier on the third read. Below are some particular passages that stood out to me. They, each in a different way, spoke to things I have observed in my own life, both for myself and in others actions. Some of you may recognize yourselves here too.
P16 “Perhaps the deepest reason why we are afraid of death is because we do not know who we are. We believe in a personal, unique, and separate identity; but if we dare to examine it, we find that this identity depends entirely on an endless collection of things to prop it up: our name, our “biography,” our partners, family, home job, friends, credit cards… It is on their fragile and transient support that we rely for our security. So when they are all taken away, will we have any idea of who we really are?”
P36 “When you fall from a great height, there is only one possible place to land: on the ground; the ground of truth. And if you have the understanding that comes with spiritual practice, then fall is in no way a disaster but the discovery of an inner refuge.
Difficulties and obstacles, if properly understood and used, can often turn out to be an unexpected source of strength.”
P96 “ I have noticed that many people feel menaced by the reality of karma, because they are beginning to understand they have no escape from its natural law. There are some who profess complete contempt for karma, but deep inside they have profound doubts about their own denial. During the daytime they may act with fearless contempt for all morality, an artificial, careless confidence, but alone at night their minds are often dark and troubled.”
P16 “Perhaps the deepest reason why we are afraid of death is because we do not know who we are. We believe in a personal, unique, and separate identity; but if we dare to examine it, we find that this identity depends entirely on an endless collection of things to prop it up: our name, our “biography,” our partners, family, home job, friends, credit cards… It is on their fragile and transient support that we rely for our security. So when they are all taken away, will we have any idea of who we really are?”
P36 “When you fall from a great height, there is only one possible place to land: on the ground; the ground of truth. And if you have the understanding that comes with spiritual practice, then fall is in no way a disaster but the discovery of an inner refuge.
Difficulties and obstacles, if properly understood and used, can often turn out to be an unexpected source of strength.”
P96 “ I have noticed that many people feel menaced by the reality of karma, because they are beginning to understand they have no escape from its natural law. There are some who profess complete contempt for karma, but deep inside they have profound doubts about their own denial. During the daytime they may act with fearless contempt for all morality, an artificial, careless confidence, but alone at night their minds are often dark and troubled.”
