A Teaching for Approaching Death – Samaneri Jayasāra – Wisdom of the Masters

There shall be no consciousness of mine dependent on anything.

Anathapindikovada Sutta

Our last gathering was dedicated to Micky, Enryu’s beloved dog.

Enryu shared a picture of Micky “transitioning beautifully” she said: “Tender times…My dog is in the active stage of dying and I would like to sit. He is transitioning beautifully…quite profound to witness.” 

The profoundness of what Enryu was witnessing was deeply felt. We are reminded that death is also a celebration! Grieving is not to be pushed away and we celebrate the transition.It is said that animals live and die consciously, show us how to Gracefully Exit. They live the teachings on No Birth No Death and their unconditional love is always showing the way.

One such teaching is from the Buddha’s original teachings in the Pali Canon. It is called: Anathapindikovada Sutta: Advice to A Dying Man (excerpt) 

This is a powerful teaching given by Sāriputta to the his disciple Anāthapiṇḍika as he lay dying, and in severe pain. Upon a request to visit him, Sāriputta provides a profound teaching on non-attachment and non-grasping. It is taken from the Majjhima-nikāya: 143 – Translated by Bhante Sujato.

Sariputta is reminding Anathapindika of his true nature: NOT BIRTH NOT DEATH.

There shall be no consciousness of mine, dependent on anything.