The longer we live, the more our bodies gradually decline. Little by little, they deteriorate — and in the end, they will inevitably pass away.

The final moments of life are deeply important. In the very last breath, whatever the mind clings to may determine what comes next — whether the next existence will be fortunate or not depends on how well we are able to steady and guide our mind in that final moment.

That is why we must train ourselves while we are still breathing — preparing for every possible situation. Not fearing pain. Not fearing attachment. Not being bound by the things of this world.

We can reflect that everything has been empty from the very beginning. Before we were born, this body did not exist. There is no need to assume that this body is truly “ours,” that the money we earn is “ours,” that our children are “ours,” or that even our pain is “ours.”

If we can truly understand and gently accept these truths, then our final moment may be peaceful — free from clinging, and free from fear.