The-Tibetan-Book-of-Living-and-Dying

32 THE TIBETAN BOOK OF LIVING AND DYING1) I walk down the street.There is a deep hole in the sidewalkI fall in.I am lost... I am hopeless.It isn't my faultIt takes forever to find a way out2) I walk down the same streetThere is a deep hole in the sidewalk.I pretend I don't see it.I fall in again.I can't believe I'm in the same place.But it isn't my fault.It still takes a long time to get out3) I walk down the same streetThere is a deep hole in the sidewalkI see it is there.I still fall in ... it's a habitMy eyes are openI know where I amIt is my fault.I get out immediately.4) I walk down the same streetThere is a deep hole in the sidewalkI walk around it.5) I walk down another street.The purpose of reflecting on death is to make a real changein the depths of your heart, and to come to learn how toavoid the "hole in the sidewalk," and how to "walk downanother street." Often this will require a period of retreat anddeep contemplation, because only that can truly open our eyesto what we are doing with our lives.Looking into death needn't be frightening or morbid. Whynot reflect on death when you are really inspired, relaxed, andcomfortable, lying in bed, or on holiday, or listening to musicthat particularly delights you? Why not reflect on it when youare happy, in good health, confident, and full of well-being?Don't you notice that there are particular moments when youare naturally moved to introspection? Work with them gently,for these are the moments when you can go through a powerful expe-