We should be motivated beyond personal interests and aspire to enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Wisdom is crucial to discern the best ways to help others. Self-cherishing and wrong views are the root of suffering; cultivating the correct view can lead to positive changes in our thoughts and actions.
Recognizing the interdependence of those involved in end-of-life situations is essential. Communication within families is vital to address responsibilities and roles that may change as a loved one nears the end. Respect for the beliefs and values of the dying person is crucial, focusing on their truth, courage, and positive aspects.
Reminiscing can be helpful, setting positive propensities for future lives. Physical touch, when appropriate, conveys comfort and love, even when speech is no longer possible. Three common issues arise when facing illness and death: reflecting on harm caused, love given, and letting go. Supporting and validating the dying person is essential, helping them release regrets and remember the love they've given and received.
Following a person's death, we should avoid harm, generate love and compassion, perform kind actions, and dedicate positive energy to their mind, aiding their journey and comforting grieving families. The state of mind at death impacts the experience; meditating on qualities like loving-kindness can guide the consciousness positively.
When a loved one passes, Lama Zopa Rinpoche advises against dwelling in sadness and encourages beneficial actions honoring the deceased's memory, such as acts of kindness or charity. Making offerings and dedications can help the deceased beyond death. Constructing holy objects like stupas, temples, and statues can purify negative karma and plant seeds of enlightenment for those who encounter them.
Happiness arises from the mind; purifying and accumulating merit leads to happiness and peace. Virtuous thoughts and actions are essential for positive results, benefiting both this life and future lives. Reciting mantras and prayers for healing and purification benefits others, especially those in pain. Lojong, the practice of taking on others' suffering, develops the mind, accumulates vast merit, and leads to the cessation of suffering.
Rinpoche shares stories of miraculous healings through external blessings. Not all sicknesses can be miraculously cured, as some are related to karmic imprints that need to be experienced. However, it is important to practice compassion and offer blessings to those who are suffering, as these actions accumulate merit and create positive energy in the world.
Rinpoche explains the existence of white and black devas and their influence on individuals' lives. Strong faith in Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and good samaya vows can protect against harm by spirits. He shares an anecdote about spirits disrupting a retreatant's meditation, highlighting the importance of faith in protection.
This teaching was given at Institut Vajra Yogini, France as part of a Four Kadampa Deities Retreat from April 18-May 11, 2003. You can see all the teachings from this retreat here:
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