In a world where discussions about death are often avoided, it is essential to recognise the ancient wisdom that emphasises the significance of contemplating our mortality. This practice, found in various cultures and philosophies throughout history, is a powerful tool for grounding individuals in the present moment and guiding them towards a more intentional and fulfilling life.
The principle of reflecting on mortality has deep roots in Stoicism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and other ancient philosophies. These teachings share a common thread: acknowledging that life is finite and confronting this reality can provide clarity on priorities and motivation to pursue one's aspirations.
Stoics, for instance, lived by the mantra "memento mori," translating to "remember you must die." By meditating on the inevitability of death, they aimed to instil a sense of urgency, prompting them to take purposeful actions aligned with their true desires. This practice clarified their priorities and dispelled the illusion of unlimited time.
Confucius, too, understood the transformative power of contemplating mortality. His insight that "we have two lives, and the second one begins when we realise that we only have one" underscores the importance of being present and making the most of our limited time.
Beyond the philosophical realm, the Bhutanese people exemplify the integration of death awareness into daily life. In Bhutan, the measure of success is not solely economic; instead, they gauge their well-being through "Gross National Happiness," a vital component of this happiness is the regular contemplation of death.
However, modern Western societies often shy away from discussions about death, treating it as a taboo subject. This avoidance can lead to complacency, as individuals live like they have unlimited time, lacking the urgency, direction, and guidance needed for a purposeful life.
Acknowledging mortality, on the other hand, can catalyse change. Daily meditation on the finite nature of life awakens individuals from complacency, making them appreciate the preciousness of life. This awareness provides access to the untapped potential of the human mind, allowing for a shift from the lower self to the higher self.
The societal norm of avoiding discussions about death is challenged by Bhutan's approach, where death is a natural part of the life cycle, embraced with rituals. This open acknowledgement of mortality coincides with Bhutan's status as one of the happiest nations on Earth, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating death awareness into daily existence.
Michael Easter's exploration of Bhutan's perspective in his book, "The Comfort Crisis," sheds light on how the Bhutanese achieve happiness by pondering death multiple times daily. This practice is a countermeasure to the increasing comfort and complacency characterising modern societies, leading individuals to become more present and purpose-driven.
In summary, the principle of reflecting on mortality is a timeless and cross-cultural concept that offers profound insights into the nature of life. By embracing the inevitability of death, individuals can awaken to the present moment, clarify their priorities, and find the motivation needed to pursue a life of meaning and fulfilment. This ancient wisdom challenges the prevailing avoidance of death in modern society, presenting an opportunity for transformative change in how we perceive and approach life.
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