I have no idea why dying should hold such dread, you never hear anyone say, tried it didn't like it, i went to purchase a grave plot, thought it about time, when is the right time? I lay down on it and got the sexton to take my picture, why you doing that he asked, this is before I said, I will not get to see the after pictures. So I am now in the process of getting all the necessary things together, shroud from a very nice lady in Devon England, I think coffins are a waste of resources and money, once I have the shroud I will get it decorated, do not disturb and this way up/down signs. Simple burial after all I will not see it, not having any religious convictions, I will not be expecting the pearly gate treatment, "Have you been good, hm lets have a look in the book, have to make it quick there are a lot of others behind you, there is a war on you know" My one hope is that it is quick and unexpected, not drawn out and painful or too distressing for those, assuming there is anyone who cares, remaining.
I hope so, too, John. Wonderful books from recent years have made the topic easier to discuss. As I often write, our culture has encouraged us to turn away from death. However, death is inevitable, a statement that even the best doctors will agree with. It's part of the life cycle. Very slowly, many people in our culture are working to control of their own lives (to the extent that they can) by planning how they envision their life's end. Living well, dying well - these two are connected. Good luck getting the word out about your friend's book. Carol
It's not that surprising given that Bhutan is a Buddhist country. My inlaws are Catholics from Spain. My MIL has a neurodegenerative illness, which was the inciting factor for my FIL's decline. When they were younger and healthy, they went to church on Sundays and observed their Catholic traditions. But now they seem lost and unable to accept what has happened to them. They act in ways and say things that make others around them, especially my husband, feel sorry for them. They constantly ask "why has this befallen me?" or say "this is unfair."
Having been raised not Catholic, I don't understand what asking why or declaring something unfair has to do with anything. Suffering is part of my cultural and religious upbringing. One cannot do something to prevent suffering. Euthanasia, suicide and assisted suicide are strictly forbidden by Jewish law. However, when death is imminent and the person is suffering, Jewish law does permit one to stop artificially prolonging life.
Death is a natural process, not a tragedy, even if it occurs early in life or through tragic circumstances. It's about living a worthy life. And mourning is done both to show respect for the dead and to comfort the living, who will miss the deceased.
Perhaps my inlaws went to church because it was another place to be seen. Where their friends and neighbors would see them being good Catholics. Interestingly, none of their sons is a practicing Catholic.
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Talking About Death and Dying Is Good for Us
So I am now in the process of getting all the necessary things together, shroud from a very nice lady in Devon England, I think coffins are a waste of resources and money, once I have the shroud I will get it decorated, do not disturb and this way up/down signs.
Simple burial after all I will not see it, not having any religious convictions, I will not be expecting the pearly gate treatment, "Have you been good, hm lets have a look in the book, have to make it quick there are a lot of others behind you, there is a war on you know"
My one hope is that it is quick and unexpected, not drawn out and painful or too distressing for those, assuming there is anyone who cares, remaining.
Having been raised not Catholic, I don't understand what asking why or declaring something unfair has to do with anything. Suffering is part of my cultural and religious upbringing. One cannot do something to prevent suffering. Euthanasia, suicide and assisted suicide are strictly forbidden by Jewish law. However, when death is imminent and the person is suffering, Jewish law does permit one to stop artificially prolonging life.
Death is a natural process, not a tragedy, even if it occurs early in life or through tragic circumstances. It's about living a worthy life. And mourning is done both to show respect for the dead and to comfort the living, who will miss the deceased.
Perhaps my inlaws went to church because it was another place to be seen. Where their friends and neighbors would see them being good Catholics. Interestingly, none of their sons is a practicing Catholic.