When a Warrior Facing Death

Chinese calligraphy: "Death". Original work. Unframed.

I don't know anything thing about death. It is very difficult to even think about this subject. I keep my teacher Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche words in my mind: "Death is my friend, the truest of friend, a true friend that never abandons me... yet death allows life." Chinese Zen/ Pure Land Master Yin-Quang reminded his pupils to put the word "Death" on their forehead when they practice, to remember how precious life is, and how much we should not waste life.

Many great masters have talked about death, yet is is still terrifying and untouchable for most of us. However, it is something that everyone will face one day. All beings come to life will die, that is the simple, genuine truth.

Quotes by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, the Swiss-born psychiatrist and author who gained international fame for her landmark work on death and dying, regarding "Death":
"Death is simply a shedding of the physical body like the butterfly shedding its cocoon. It is a transition to a higher state of consciousness where you continue to perceive, to understand, to laugh, and to be able to grow."

"Dying is an integral part of life, as natural and predictable as being born. But whereas birth is cause for celebration, death has become a dreaded and unspeakable issue to be avoided by every means possible in our modern society. Perhaps it is that in spite of all our technological advances. We may be able to delay it, but we cannot escape it."

Facing death like a true warrior, and, celebrating life in every moment. This calligraphy: "Death" - Sumi ink on textured red color, golden flakes water-marked Chinese rice paper. 12" by 11". Signed with the seal of the artist: "happiness, wealth, and longevity".