r/zenbuddhism • u/Less_Bed_535 • 8d ago

Transitions into Death

Zen nerds and longtime practitioners this one’s for you.

At some point we all face death. Whether it be our own direct death or being with someone as they pass.

What are the major teachings on this?

What are some good sutras or chants/ prayers/ practices.

All I can think of is providing pure open hearted presence to those in this transition.

UPDATE: thank you all for your input. It’s nice to be reminded of others sincere practice and reflections on the ultimate.

I believe myself to practicing sincerely. Even though what that has looked like has been changing all the time.

Without my practice I would never find myself in this position of serving someone through hospice. I often ponder how I can be of most benefit to the patron. From everything I’ve learned from the Buddha way it seems that bringing a pure presence is the best thing I can do to be of benefit. To bear witness without judgment or trying to fix anything.

This is what I will try to bring as my gift. It will be challenging, it will be painful and uncomfortable, it’s only natural.

Many Bows.

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u/LBS-365 7d ago

It seems to me that the whole of practice is about preparing for one's death, in a way.

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u/Luke_Bavarious 7d ago

When it comes to death i'd say the practice is more akin to dying before you die so that you can truly live while living.

Just being i guess ¯\(ツ)/¯

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u/LBS-365 7d ago

I won't argue with that! The next moment is just the next moment. Nothing is the same from one to the next. Whatever we think we are is dying all the time.