PackJason
I make up facts.
Please explain.
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How to reach a state where one doesnt fear death?
- Thread starter Subhankar Zac
- Start date
Please explain.
Subhankar Zac
Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,
In Mahabharata, I doubted the Pandavas and some of their allies feared anything.
I see as lack of fear of death as conquering fear in general and of course develop a mind of equanimity with bravery.
PackJason
I make up facts.
While I do not fear death, I do fear failing or disappointing my loved ones. I think it is this fear (and of course love) that drives me to be a moral person and dedicated husband and father.
What is there to explain? If you completely lack fear of death then you will not live long, presumably. I consider this as pathological as anything else that shortens life expectancy, like not feeling any pain, or having a bad disease.
Ciao
- viole
Subhankar Zac
Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,
That actually makes sense. Often those who do not fear death, do fear leaving their loved ones alone. Elderly parents, children and spouses, little siblings, etc.
From what I grew up in and saw around me, I don't think marriage is meant for me. Letting the person down I've chosen to be mine till death also scares me. Only if I m ever able to convince myself that I'll put his needs before mine and separation won't be an option, perhaps then I can think about having my family.
PackJason
I make up facts.
So you're saying that since you don't understand how I can not fear death yet live a long and fruitful life, then I must have a mental disorder?
That is exceptionally horrendous logic, my friend.
I can assure you that I'm quite sound of mind, thanks.
Subhankar Zac
Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,
What you're describing is a suicidal instinct. Fearlessness towards death doesn't automatically mean he or she wishes to take their own lives but will be able to take a bullet for their kids and for the weak.
Anxiety is the one that causes life expectancy to dwindle. Fearlessness and confidence does the opposite.
PackJason
I make up facts.
This part is infinitely important.
I never talked of wishing to be dead. And, again, I would also be ready to take the bullet for my kids. Anytime. But that still does not entail that I am not afraid to take that bullet. People can do a lot of things while being afraid to do those things.
A more proper analogy would be that of a guy that walks on a minefield just to be the only one on the beach.
Ciao
- viole
Shimi
Lupus Ovis Pelle Indutus
I would pick three days of ferocious pain. Not because I fear dying, but because I have a chance to live. I do not wish to die, as do most people, but that does not mean I fear death.
Subhankar Zac
Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,
"If you completely lack fear of death then you will not live long, presumably. I consider this as pathological as anything else that shortens life expectancy, like not feeling any pain, or having a bad disease."
First off that presumption is wrong. Fearlessness towards death has nothing to do lower life expectancy. People will live for as long as they naturally will or wish to. I do not consider wishing to end ones life as pathological either, but that's a different topic.
They'll still feel pain. As long as the soul is inside the body, it will feel pain. But dedication towards their duty might give them less attention towards death.
And there are many Tibetan monks and Hindu renunciants that claim to not feel pain... That's not pathological either.
Yoga in the ancient past, claimed to give people relief from pain n make their bodies a lot less susceptible to pain and give them a painless death at old age, but again... That's a separate issue.
YmirGF
Bodhisattva in Recovery
There is no such thing as a "suicidal instinct" however. As I said earlier, the removal of fear of death - for me, at least - resulted in a profound appreciation for LIFE simply because it is so temporary and fleeting. That loss of fear gave me a renewed vigor to live each moment as if it were my last moment. It compelled me to try new things in an almost voracious manner, to make peace with my adversaries (where possible) and to go do those boring chores - to do what must be done. It kindled my passion for compassion.
All that aside, this lack of fear of death does not release one from fears of a long and lingering death. That is always a potential reality. Even that though isn't a fear, but more a preference. If I had a choice I'd rather be the proverbial bug on a windshield of life than to lie in a bed for weeks, months or years (like my dad).
Terrywoodenpic
Oldest Heretic
I do not fear death, it is the dying bit that worries me.
Nefelie
Member
.
I think we have established that most of us (if not all) are not really afraid of death it self, but the way we might die, the probable pain, agony, long period of discomfort etc. as well as leaving loved ones behind.
That is all true.
But, many people also fear what comes next. After death. Even if there is an “after” or not.
According to their beliefs, what comes next might be a source of much fear.
You have already mentioned “fearless soldiers”. We have to understand that some of them were fearless because they were protecting their homes and loved ones. Nothing gives a man or woman more strength than that.
But, others where fearless because they actually and very deeply believed that an honourable death secures a great after life for them.
.
I think we have established that most of us (if not all) are not really afraid of death it self, but the way we might die, the probable pain, agony, long period of discomfort etc. as well as leaving loved ones behind.
That is all true.
But, many people also fear what comes next. After death. Even if there is an “after” or not.
According to their beliefs, what comes next might be a source of much fear.
You have already mentioned “fearless soldiers”. We have to understand that some of them were fearless because they were protecting their homes and loved ones. Nothing gives a man or woman more strength than that.
But, others where fearless because they actually and very deeply believed that an honourable death secures a great after life for them.
.
The Emperor of Mankind
Currently the galaxy's spookiest paraplegic
Ask the All-Father to bestow the gift/curse of the Berzerk upon you?
How to reach a state where one doesnt fear death?
In my religion, that state comes from the understanding that I am not the body.
In my religion, that state comes from the understanding that I am not the body.
Subhankar Zac
Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,
The Emperor of Mankind
Currently the galaxy's spookiest paraplegic
Huh?
'All-Father' is one of the epithets for Odin, Scandinavian god of, among other things, war. His could 'bless' a warrior with the 'gift' of the berserk and the warrior would become completely fearless & heedless of his own life in battle.
So yeah, ridding oneself of the fear of death; that's one way.