The Beginning
Take refuge and arouse bodhichitta.
The Main Part
Meditate on the suffering of death: When the time of death arrives, we must leave behind everything we have cherished—our bodies, our loved ones, our possessions, and our status. The process of dying is often accompanied by intense physical pain as the elements of our body dissolve.
More painful than the physical agony is the mental distress. We feel deep regret for the negative actions we have committed and intense fear of the unknown journey ahead. We are filled with anxiety as we realize that we are departing from this world all alone, with nothing but our karma to accompany us.
Death is certain, but the time of death is uncertain. It can strike at any moment. Therefore, resolve: I must practice the Dharma now so that at the moment of death, I will have no regrets and will be able to face it with a calm and confident mind.
The Ending
Dedicate all the merit of your practice to all sentient beings.
