To live a fully liberated life, we must embrace the reality of death wholeheartedly. Death isn’t our enemy; rather, we should befriend it and accept its inevitability. To lead a deeply satisfying life, we must first overcome our fear of death. This is accomplished by contemplating death, understanding its inevitability, and thereby appreciating every fleeting moment. This comprehension of the transient nature of our existence, the karma of the world, and our impermanent role within it, allows us to live more freely, unfettered by the trivialities of everyday life.

The Buddhist practice offers a series of meditations on death, termed the five remembrances:

1. I am subject to aging; aging is unavoidable.
2. I am subject to illness; illness is unavoidable.
3. I am subject to death; death is unavoidable.
4. I will be separated from everyone and everything dear to me.
5. I am responsible for my actions, good or bad.

Further nine meditation on death reveals:

1. No one, not even revered figures like Jesus, Buddha, or Muhammad, could escape death.
2. Life has a definite limit, and every moment inches us closer to our end.
3. We begin dying from the moment we’re born.
4. Death can come suddenly; all that separates life from death is a single breath.
5. The duration of our lives is uncertain; the young may perish before the old, the healthy before the sick.
6. Numerous factors contribute to death.
7. The fragility of our physical body adds to life’s uncertainty, easily succumbing to disease or accidents.
8. Worldly possessions—such as wealth, position, money, and relationships with relatives and friends—provide no escape from death.
9. Even our own bodies are of no help. We will leave them behind like empty shells.

When I say death is our best teacher, I mean that no person or ideology can instruct us as profoundly as death can. It highlights our insignificance and reminds us of our fleeting presence. Every individual, regardless of status, wealth, or color, meets the same fate in death. If you seek guidance, turn to the teachings of death; it will always offer a stark and unvarnished perspective.

Do we wait until our final moments to learn from death, or can we incorporate its teachings throughout our life? Wise individuals acknowledge the unpredictable nature of death. Instead of fearing it, they turn to it during difficulties and dilemmas. For instance, if you face issues with someone, consider how significant those issues would be if you or that individual were to die tomorrow. Recognizing the transient nature of life, why should we bother with trivial disagreements?

The inevitability of death pushes us to strive for our best, to savor every moment, for life can change with just one breath. Death serves as our compass, reminding us of our impermanence and the transitory nature of our existence. Yet, many shun even the thought of death, finding its reality too daunting.

If we accept and understand death, how transformative our lives would be! By acknowledging death’s certainty and unpredictability, our perspective shifts. Instead of living in fear, we appreciate the value of each moment. Imagine if life were endless; its significance would wane. Death bestows meaning to our existence, prompting gratitude. Thus, far from being our foe, death becomes our greatest ally and teacher.

We often take our interactions with loved ones for granted, assuming there will be a tomorrow. But what if tomorrow never comes for us or for them? If we were told today would be our last day, would we still harbor resentment? By acknowledging that one day we will all depart, we can use death as our greatest teacher throughout our life.

Let us reflect on this thought: what if Death approached us, whispering that we had only one week left to live? How would our perspectives shift? Would we re-evaluate our priorities, thoughts, and actions?

If knowledge of imminent death would inspire drastic changes, why wait for that last week? Why not implement these changes now? After all, time is not promised. It’s a fleeting resource that doesn’t discriminate by age, location, or activity. No matter our current roles or pursuits, time continues its relentless march, reminding us of our mortality.

Taking a step back, consider the things you currently deem essential. Think of the time you spend on distractions, like constantly checking your phone. If you knew your days were numbered, would these still matter? Understanding and accepting the unpredictability and impermanence of life helps reshape our priorities. This heightened awareness can lead to a shift in our intentions, thoughts, and ultimately, our actions.

Contemplating death isn’t about dwelling in fear but gaining perspective. The famous scholar, Al-Ghazali, once said that every moment of his life felt as though a sword dangled above his head, held only by a spider’s web. This wasn’t a sentiment of fear but of awareness. Every step we take could be our last, making it essential to live each moment fully.

Embracing death as an inevitable part of life gives our existence deeper meaning. It’s not the end but a transition, and if lived correctly, nothing is truly taken from us at death. A wise person is always prepared for this transition, having lived a life of fullness and meaning.

In conclusion, our relationship with death should be one of respect, not fear. By conquering our fear of the end, we unlock a life of boundless potential. Death, in its paradoxical way, gives life its value. Let us cherish every moment, understanding its precious nature, and live fully in the present.