A friend’s grandfather died this week. The family report that in his final moments he said his goodbyes and passed away peacefully.
The state of samadhi maran, the ultimate final moment, is one in which you have a totally peaceful inner state, regardless of the physical pain at the end of life.
All the work we do in this life is to cultivate that deep inner calm, so that there is zero turbulence (free from attraction, desire, aversion, hatred, sorrow, etc.) in the most troublesome of moments in life, including at the time of death.
As it is currently Paryushan in the Jain calendar – eight days of introspection, contemplation, repentance and forgiveness – we have the opportunity to look deep within and let go of the remorse of unfulfilled desires and harboured resentment towards others. Lighten the load by letting go.
What are you willing to do to seek, cultivate and protect your calm?