[Procyona]

Dear forum mates, what do you think about death? Does it have a meaning in life, with the limited amount we have? How does a limited amount of time affect ones life?

I think it does. Because I have so called dead-line sometime probably not as far as I'd like it to be, I am more motivated for action. The amount of time I have changes how I think. But the lifespan I have used already makes probably more difference - I cannot comprehend time with the same pace if I'm 20 years old than if I am 80 years old. Time might have even more meaning the fewer moments you are probable to have. Also the consciousness of ones limited lifespan makes a difference - if you think you have enough just for everything, you are less probable to act.

Also, if you start counting from 50 000 BC, there has been over 107 billion people that have ever lived. With the 7 billion people living today, there is then about 100 persons death for each person alive. (according to BBC news 2012: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16870579) That is a huge amount of people! And how many of them are nameless to us? Only some are remembered I'm afraid.   

[Haveunique]

Those are remembered who did or created something during their lives. As long as it influences the lives of the next people who get born, their creations will stay and people continue living in our heads.

Death makes me think exactly about this... what do I make to stay after I am gone, as I got no clue how death is anyway. I am interested though in stories how death is interpreted, one of my favorites is reincarnation.   

[Gra-ach]

I also think we keep "living" in the hearts of our children, family and friends and in our deads.   

[Procyona]

Interesting view, both of you. Makes me wonder would it be therefore possible that - if you can stay alive while you have physically passed away - you could be death even though you still walk among the living? Maybe that is if no one knows who you are, or that you exist.. But it's not the same as dead, just non-existance. It's an interesting thought anyway.

[Gra-ach]

[Procyona]

[Gra-ach]

Making conscious choices and acting on them, and having opinions on subjects that matter to you.   

[Procyona]

Funny enough, I see that as the same kind of reaction that bacteria have toward their environment I think conscious action can only be learned - at least I could not do it before I learned how. And even if I learned consciousness, it itself affects me too, if I am not consciously monitoring the change.   

[Gra-ach]

[Procyona]

Very true, although bacteria might not have much choise on that The beauty of human brain gives so many opportunities that is can also be used very uneffective sometimes...   

[Andrei]

I'm afraid of it. That's why I try to live right here right now.
Unfortunately, I'm too far from this method of living... I should practise more   

[Haveunique]

Andrei, which particular ways do you prefer in your practice to cope with the fear of death? Which ones are working for you? Thanks!   

[Andrei]

Dear Haveunique,
In fact, I have no ways to cope with it.
When I have such thoughts, I just try to relax, and think that everything will be OK. I believe I will have some more time here.   

[Procyona]

Andrei, relaxing is already a way to deal with any fear. Keep on doing that and good luck for finding other methods!   

[Gra-ach]