retreat. He will work with a spiritual director who will design a retreat to
meet his needs. For the Archbishop, the silent retreat is an undisturbed
time for intensive prayer, reflection, self-examination, and deep rest.
Retreat is also an important feature of the Dalai Lama’s life. In addition
to several shorter retreats at his residence, he also spends a month in
retreat during the monsoon summer, mostly in Ladakh. In the whirling
blur of our lives, these times of retreat are even more important than
ever. You don’t need to be a world leader to need one.
Death Meditation
All spiritual traditions remind us that death is an unavoidable part of
our life, and contemplating our own mortality can help bring a sense of
urgency, a sense of perspective, and a sense of gratitude. St. Benedict
famously said, “Keep death before your eyes.” Like all fears, the fear of
death grows in the shadows. Death is the ultimate reminder of
impermanence and the ephemerality of all life. It can help us remember
that there are no days to waste and that every moment matters. This death
meditation is much less involved than the one that the Dalai Lama
described, but it shares the same goal: using the reminder of death to help
us be truly alive.
1 . Reflect on the words: “Anything that has a birth has a
death, and I am no exception.”
2 . Consider the following: “There are many conditions that
can lead to death. Death can never be stopped. Nothing can
prevent the inevitable.”
3 . Now imagine that you are on your deathbed. Ask yourself
the following questions: “Have I loved others? Have I brought
joy and compassion to others? Has my life mattered to others?”
4 . Imagine your funeral. Imagine your loved ones making
preparations for your funeral and referring to you as “the late
so-and-so.”