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 When the Buddha arrived in Kusinara and lay down between two sal trees, they burst into flower out of season and sprinkled their petals over him. Ananda expressed amazement that the very trees were revering him, the Buddha said: “Ananda, these sal trees burst into flower out of season in homage to the Tathagata and covered his body…But the monk or the nun, the lay man or the lay woman who lives practicing the Dhamma properly and perfectly fulfills the Dhamma, he or she honors, reveres and respects the Tathagata with the highest homage”
(D.II,137-8)
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhasa
I sit now before the Buddha and contemplate that he and all who knew him are now dead. Since his great passing countless beings have come, bided their time and gone. The names and deeds of but a few are remembered.
Their many pains, their joy, their victories and defeats, like themselves are now but shadows.
And so it will be with all whom I know.
Passing time will turn the calamities I worry about, the possibilities I fear and the pleasure I chase after into mere shadows.
Therefore, I will contemplate the reality of my own death that I may understand what is of true value in life.
Because death may soon come, I will repay all debts for all my transgressions and be at odds with none.
Because death may soon come, I will squander no time brooding on past mistakes but use each day as if it were my last.
Because death may soon come, I will purify my mind rather than pamper the body.
Because death may soon come, with separation from those I love, I will develop detached compassion rather than possessiveness and clinging.
Because death may soon come, I will use each day fully not wasting it on fruitless pursuits and vain longings.
May I be prepared when death finally comes.
May I be fearless as life ebbs away.
May my detachment help in the freeing of the heart.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
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© 2008 MDC Singapore
