This website features reflections about growing older, as
well as dying and death. May this website help serve visitors in preparing for
their own inevitable end of life.
All backgrounds and faith traditions are equally honored.
The website reflects the author’s background: Originally coming from a
Christian background, and studying theology, he later extensively studied
Buddhism. Recently he has been exploring the spiritual richness of Indian
spirituality (particularly Hinduism [Vedanta]).
The website began to be created during the author’s 70th
birthday weekend (November 1-4, 2019), and intended as a gift to others who are
also nearing closer to the end of their life.
May visitors take from the website whatever spiritual gems
are relevant for their life and speaks to their heart.
Photos on the website are intended to provide a peaceful,
natural backdrop for content which may prompt contemplation and meditation. All
photos were personally taken by the author (unless otherwise credited) and may
be freely used by others (with acknowledgment). Each photo has an accompanying
reflection/quotation to ponder.
While dying is certain, its timing remains uncertain. Death
strikes both the young and old (a walk through a local cemetery can vividly
remind one of this reality). “Death does not wait to see what has been done or
is still to be done.” (Shantideva)
In some ways, the 70th birthday may well be a milestone.
First, one may begin to have a more sober view of life.
There simply is not that much time left in life, compared to the 70 years that
have elapsed. (Ten years on, and one might find oneself in a nursing home at
80.)
Secondly, one no longer has the same energy levels enjoyed
in one’s forties and fifties, as well as early sixties.
Therefore, the need to focus on what is truly important in
life becomes paramount. The following words are a timely reminder as to the
preciousness of time:
“Every moment of our lives has tremendous value. Yet we let
the time go by, like gold dust running through our fingers.
What is sadder than coming to the end of one’s life
empty-handed?
We need to be aware that every second of our life is
inestimably precious and have the intelligence to decide to make the best use
of it for our own good and the good of others.
First of all, we need to get rid of the illusion of
believing that we have ‘our whole life ahead of us.’
This life passes like a dream that can be interrupted at any
time. We should take care of what is really essential without further delay so
as not to be filled with regret at the hour of our death.
It is never too early to develop our inner qualities.”
Source: Ricard, Matthieu. On the Path to Enlightenment: Heart
Advice from the Great Tibetan Masters. Boston: Shambhala, 2013. p. 19.
Again, the heartfelt purpose for this website is to share
reflections and insights in relation to the end of life, including dying and
death.
May these reflections encourage and inspire others who are
on the same journey – all who are also slowly, but surely, nearing the end of
life.
Alexander Peck (December 27, 2019)
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Reflection:
Although the best time to read and reflect on death is before we have to face it – preferably a long time beforehand – few people do so.
It is symptomatic of the human condition that life’s preoccupations sweep us relentlessly on, leaving us with no time to think about death, and little inclination to do so.
(Lama Shenpen Hookham)
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