Nine-point meditation on death

• The purpose of having an awareness of death
• The nine-point mediation on death, the main points, sub-points, and conclusions
  • Thinking that death is certain and nothing can turn it back
  • Contemplating the uncertainty as to the time of death
  • Contemplating that at the time of death everything but the Dharma is useless
• The benefits of the meditation

Gomchen Lamrim 14: Nine-point death meditation (download)

Contemplation points

1. The text says, “Consequently, from the depths of your heart contemplate your death, and see that the great importance you attribute to this life is futile.” What “importance” is this line instructing us to relinquish? In what ways IS this life important?
2. What is the purpose of meditating on death? What kind of mind is it designed to evoke?
3. The text uses a sutra quote to illustrate the fleeting nature of this life. Consider each of these analogies: “The impermanence of the three worlds is like autumn clouds; beings’ births and deaths are like watching scenes from a play; beings’ lives pass like flashes of lightening in the sky; and are swiftly spent like water down a steep mountainside.”
4. Think of the people in your life who have died, how old they were, and how they died. Get a feeling that death is certain and that the time is uncertain.
5. Go though the 9-point death meditation, really spending time to contemplate each point and coming to the conclusions that we must practice, we must practice now, and we must practice purely.
6. Ask: In what ways am I using my time wisely in this life? What excuses do I have for putting off my practice? How can I relate to the people and things in my life in a way that creates merit? What are things I need to change or abandon to really make this life meaningful?