Death
Rodger R Ricketts, Psy.D.2019, Thoughts on Death
An age-old question haunts humanity: why do we die—sometimes in senseless, violent ways? Why do the good among us meet untimely ends? This is the dilemma that self-aware beings grapple with. Reflecting on this through the lens of Buddha’s teachings, I felt compelled to articulate my thoughts on death. A year ago, I stumbled upon a compelling blog by Joe Goldfarb, where he wrestled with the ethics of killing plants. He wrote, “For one organism to live, another must die. There is no escaping this harsh reality. Assigning a tiered value to life—a mammal deemed more valuable than a plant—is a false perception. I believe in a reality of equality, regardless of an organism’s form or capabilities. A bear does not hold greater worth than a flower; both are ephemeral, mere constructs of existence. The only true currency is life itself, shared equally among all living beings. Therefore, it is the gift of life, rather than consciousness, that deserves acknowledgment and respect. Even when we kill organisms lower on the life scale, we still take life. This is why Veganism, despite its noble intentions, poses inherent contradictions. In search of a resolution, I’ve turned to Native American belief systems.” I can’t say whether Joe has found his personal resolution, but his insights illuminate a crucial truth: life entwines with death. Watching the relentless news cycle, I am confronted time and again with tragedies—innocent lives snuffed out in an instant by natural disasters, bombings, or man-made calamities. It’s a brutal reminder that death can strike when least expected, leaving behind grieving hearts. Strip away the comforting platitudes of clergy proclaiming divine purpose and the solace of an eternal afterlife, and we are left face-to-face with the stark reality: death simply happens. So, why does it happen? Perhaps the universe is indifferent. Life and death are but two sides of the same coin—inseparable, complementary. Thus, death is as natural as living, devoid of any grand design. Under various conditions, lives flourish and perish, without a celestial blueprint separating life from death. We have seen stars and planets extinguish only to be reborn, and our own sun and solar system face a similar fate. Maybe even the universe endures cycles of death and renewal. All is transient. For now, as far as we know, there exists only energy. Is this perspective depressing? Not at all. Embracing the fragility and brevity of life fosters a profound sensitivity, transforming our existence into a precious opportunity. Each fleeting moment propels us forward, creating ripples that extend into eternity. When we understand that the notion of a permanent ‘self’ is illusory, the prospect of losing it through death becomes less daunting. Our fear and anxiety about mortality arise from a misguided sense of separation from the ‘All,’ a psychological fracture caused by the belief in a staunch self. Yet, as our understanding deepens—particularly with insights from quantum theory—we grapple with the mysteries of existence. What lies ahead for our lives after death remains shrouded in uncertainty. Perhaps we will simply have to wait and see—or perhaps we won’t. Or as Mary Elizabeth Frye expressed it: Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. And my sentiments about death… When I die, bury me deep in a place where trees grow tall and flowers blossom. My smile beneath will follow the colors spreading for joy. Mark not my place with statues or stones, find me where life can be found. My body will join the elements and energy of the universe from which I came and continue on in the cycle of life.
