4.B.2.A.1.a. Remembering Death

1. 6 disadvantages of not remembering death [Teachings]
   1. We won't remember or be mindful of the Dharma
   2. Even if we remember Dharma, we won't practice it and will procrastinate.
   3. Even if we practice, we won't do so purely. Our practice will be mixed with the eight worldly concerns
      1. Detaching ourselves from the 8 worldly concerns [Teachings]
      • a&b. Attachment to receiving material possessions, aversion to not receiving or being separated from them
      • c&d. Attachment to praise, aversion to blame
      • e&f. Attachment to a good reputation, aversion to a bad one
      • g&h. Attachment to pleasures of the 5 senses, aversion to unpleasant experiences
   2. Relying on the 10 innermost jewels of the Kadam tradition [Teachings]
   4. We won't practice earnestly at all times. Our practice will lack intensity.
   5. By acting negatively, we'll prevent ourselves from gaining liberation
   6. We will die with regret
      
      
2. 6 benefits of remembering death
   1. We'll act meaningfully and will want to practice Dharma
   2. All our positive actions will be powerful and effective
   3. It's important at the beginning: it gets us started on the path
   4. It's important in the middle: it helps us to persevere
   5. It's important at the end: it keeps us focused on beneficial goals.
   6. We'll die with a happy mind
      
      
3. The actual way to become mindful of death
   1. 9-point death meditation [Teachings]
      1. Death is inevitable, definite
         1. Nothing can prevent our eventually dying
         2. Our life span can't be extended when it is time for us to die and with each passing moment we approach death.
         3. We will die even if we have not had time to practice Dharma.
            Conclusion: we must practice the Dharma
      2. The time of death is uncertain
         1. In general there is no certainty of lifespan in our world
         2. There are more chances of dying and less of remaining alive
         3. Our body is extremely fragile
            Conclusion: We will practice Dharma continually beginning now.
      3. Nothing else can help at the time of death except the Dharma
         1. Wealth is of no help.
         2. Friends and relatives are of no help.
         3. Not even our body is of any help.
            Conclusion: We will practice purely.
   2. Meditating on imagining our own death [Teachings]