There’s Only One Thing You Need to Know About Death, According to Buddhism

I think we can all agree that the fear of death is the greatest fear we can face. How can we wrap our minds around the mystery of the great unknown? What does Buddhism have to say about it?

Buddhism has taught me that death doesn’t need to be approached as a tragedy. It’s the one certain event in our lives from which a profound understanding of life can take hold.

I’ve hand picked these quotes from Buddhist Masters which are designed to help you think differently about the great day of reckoning that you will inevitably experience.

The one thing we all need to know is that death is inevitable, and therefore it’s wise to start preparing for it now.

It’s not an easy subject to think about, but it’s probably the most important one to come to terms with.

Practice the Path of Wisdom

With mind far off, not thinking of death’s coming,
Performing these meaningless activities,
Returning empty-handed now would be complete confusion;
The need is recognition, the spiritual teachings,
So why not practice the path of wisdom at this very moment?
From the mouths of the saints come these words:
If you do not keep your master’s teaching in your heart
Will you not become your own deceiver?
Tibetan Book of the Dead

If You Need To Think About Something, Make It Death

Planning for the future is like going fishing in a dry gulch;
Nothing ever works out as you wanted, so give up all your schemes and ambitions.
If you have got to think about something—
Make it the uncertainty of the hour of your death.
Gyalse Rinpoche

You Can’t Fight Against Death

There is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands.
Lao Tzu

When Will It Happen to You

Body lying flat on a last bed,
Voices whispering a few last words,
Mind watching a final memory glide past:
When will that drama come for you?
7th Dalai Lama

It Is Wise To Prepare For Your Death

Ageing destroys youth, sickness destroys health, degeneration of life destroys all excellent qualities and death destroys life. Even if you are a great runner, you cannot run away from death. you cannot stop death with your wealth, through your magic performances or recitation of mantras or even medicines. Therefore, it is wise to prepare for your death.
14th Dalai Lama

Originally published on The Power of Ideas.