Nine-point death meditation

45 The Foundation of Buddhist Practice

Part of an ongoing series of teachings (retreat and Friday) based on the book The Foundation of Buddhist Practice, second volume in “The Library of Wisdom and Compassion” series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron.

  • Death is definite
  • Our life span cannot be extended
  • Time of death is uncertain
  • Death happens when we are in the middle of doing something
  • It takes a lot of efforts to stay alive
  • Importance of stable dharma practice
  • Only dharma is helpful at the time of death
  • Money, possessions, friends, relatives, or body are not of any help when we die
  • Results from our actions and tendencies come with us to the next life

The Foundation of Buddhist Practice 45: Nine Point Death Meditation (download)

Contemplation points

  1. What is the best way to prepare for death and to what degree are you doing this right now?
  2. In what aspects can you improve your practice so that you feel you are best prepared for death and future lives?
  3. What can ease our minds at the time of death?
Venerable Thubten Chodron

Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.