【Mindfulness of Death】- What we must really avoid is “the thought that we will not be mindful of death”

Now that I have cultivated this habit, regardless of any matter, I will definitely write clearly and distinctly how to handle the state of affairs after my death. It is not only cash account, but also books etc. Moreover, when something changes, I will update the will. For example, I made preparation in this way when I was at Los Angeles Lotus Society. Similarly, when I went to Taipei’s lecture hall and when I am here, I’m always prepared for death. After that, I pay no attention to the worldly matters, so what do I do with my remaining time? Quickly practice the recitation well, study the teachings well and mindful of the Sangha. This is absolutely true. Do not think that death is to be avoided. What we should really be afraid is the thought that we will not be mindful of death which is what we must avoid. Therefore, we are completely mistaken. Especially for the practitioners or someone with belief in cause and effect, assume that you can flee from death by not mentioning it, what is the use of the teachings? It is of no use. If we do not avoid what should be avoided and avoid what should not be avoided, this is called misconception.

SOURCE 来源 :

39B 10’37” Vol 5 of Master Jih-Chang’s Discourse P227 L6
English Lamrim Vol 1 P154

日常师父法语📡39B 10’37”手抄稿第5册P227 L6

念死无常 : 真正要忌的是“念不死之心”

所以我现在养成这个习惯，不管任何事情，我一定写得清清楚楚，我死了以后这些事情该怎么办，不但是钱帐、书籍什么等等；而且每年因为随时有改变，我都改变一次。譬如我在洛杉矶莲社是这样，我跑到讲堂台北也是这样，跑到这里来又写好，总是等着死。然后什么事情反正都不去管它，剩下来干什么？赶快好好念佛，好好地念法、念僧，这个倒是千真万确的一个事实。不要去忌，我们要忌的就怕你念那个不死，这个才是我们真正要忌的。所以现在我们真是完全颠倒、完全颠倒。尤其是修学佛法的人，信得过因果的人，你忌了，如果你忌了以后，如果逃得过的话，佛法还有什么用？一点用场都没有了。所以我们忌，该忌的不忌，不该忌的忌它，这个叫作颠倒。