THE ILLUSION

The finality of death is one of the most persistent and powerful illusions we have. Even though spiritual traditions and great teachers have taught us that death is not the end, we still regard it with a certain degree of dread. Our intellectual understanding of the subject does not prevent us from being chilled by the cold wind of mortality.

The Tao says there is a reason for everything. In this case, the reason for the power of this illusion is the human need to evolve spiritually. In order to progress in this evolution, human beings must operate in a limited, finite context. We must temporarily remove from our thoughts the idea that we have all of eternity with which to put off the next step forever.

This is why the awareness of death is always looming over us no matter how much we discuss the issue. That is the way it should be. It is the only way it can be. Rather than deny or suppress it, Tao cultivators make skillful use of it. Work with the awareness, and allow it to galvanize you into action.

The Tao Today

How many more years do you still have in this current incarnation, if you live out an average lifespan? Subtract a third of this amount for sleep, and subtract another third for necessary activities such as eating and working. How much time is left to work on what you would like to accomplish before you die? Is this not all the reason in the world for you to make the most of the present moment?

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin