The reports I follow on the radio international news touches me most when the survivors suffer the missing-partner -syndrome. They cannot imagine how death works spirituality. That the body is not functioning any more they can grasp, but that the persons light and life are gone, baffles them. The more as nothing about the way how to die has been taught in schools, church, temples etc. My curiosity has lead me to the most satisfying: "Book 0f the Dead", from Tibet. The ancient unperturbed monks in the monasteries high on the slopes of the Himalaya have preserved the teachings of the Enlightened Ones and composed a guide for the spirit of the dying person. The symptoms of the arriving death are well described as in normal cases death takes about the time it takes to use a meal. This manual for the spirit of the dead person is to be read out loud by a friend even as minutes and hours and days go by. Time exists only on our side of the clock, and after 7 weeks it is said that the spirit must have found its way and the guiding prayers cease.
This reading while one is alive, for a dead friend or relative, or for only one self, while living, gives the reader the wisdom to help others that happen to die in the
field of influence of the present. It makes life so much richer, this knowledge of how to die. That, if it comes, at least I have an inkling as to where to steer my spirit, if it is true that it cannot die and live forever. The information, once stored in the brain, after reading a modern translation, will be of use in case an instant death takes place. Life becomes so fearless and easy, bad habits are laid off , morality strengthens, integrity sublime, here follows the name of the book: The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-500223-7.
This version is a bit old-fashioned and I recommend you find a newer edition. I have seen one that explains the message clear and good. Life becomes more marvelous and full when you have understood that you have been here forever and will stay, no matter how many death we pass. We grow towards fulfillment of the Lord and appreciate His mysteries the more we do scientific research to celebrate His ways.
