Maranasati - Guided Contemplations on Death Using Atishas Nine Points

Shri Amir Mourad presents a guided meditation on death during a satsang with students.

In order to benefit in a way which is most conducive to the practice, the following is suggested :

1) Practice pranayam to cleanse the body and tranquilize the mind as preparation for this contemplation (nadi shuddhi or adham pranayam).

2) There will be segments of silence in the audio. These are intended to allow space to contemplate on your own terms with the point being expounded.

3) This teaching can be considered a commentary on Atisha's Nine Contemplations on death. The points are introduced in no particular order, but choosing one at random as part of a free-flowing stream of consciousness.

4) Please note that this can be a challenging contemplation for some. It may awaken coiled up fear and repression surrounding the subject of death and an increasing familiarity with one's own feelings towards death. This is part of a purifying process to purge the mind of such repressions by confrontation. The practice may temporarily awaken a feeling called samvega. Samvega is a general anxiety, shock at one's own self neglect, and the urgency to overcome mental obstacles for ones liberation. To avoid falling into nihilism, it is important that this samvega is blended with pasada. Pasada is faith in the teachings and the possibility that there is indeed another way of being which is without conflict and free of suffering. Both samvega and pasada working together serve as an engine for finding the "right effort" on the spiritual path. Finally, as one becomes more conscious of the reality of the death of one's own body, the larger picture of life can be seen with a more holistic view. If these contemplations are nourished in the right way, it is bound to give rise to a greater sense of gratitude for life.

May these contemplations guide you towards a wholesome understanding of life. Namaskar

Atisha's Nine Points of Contemplation are :

1. Death is inevitable.

2. Our life span is decreasing continuously.

3. Death will come, whether or not we are prepared for it.

4. Human life expectancy is uncertain.

5. There are many causes of death.

6. The human body is fragile and vulnerable.

7. At the time of death, our material resources are not of use to us

8. Our loved ones cannot keep us from death.

9. Our own body cannot help us at the time of our death.

—Atisha Dipamkara, A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment

Видео Maranasati - Guided Contemplations on Death Using Atishas Nine Points канала Shunya Yoga