Death
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Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address
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Why Zen practice doesn’t focus on death
In Zen practice, death is not considered important in the conventional sense because Zen emphasizes direct experience of reality beyond concepts, including life and death. Zen points to the present moment as the only true reality, rather than being attached to the past or future, including concerns about death.
Here are a few key reasons why death is not a central concern in Zen:
- No Fixed Self – Zen teaches that the self is not a fixed, separate entity but a fluid, interconnected part of existence. If there is no solid “self,” then who is there to die?
- Life and Death Are One – Rather than seeing life and death as opposing forces, Zen regards them as two aspects of the same reality. Dogen Zenji, the founder of Soto Zen, wrote about shoji (life-death) as a seamless flow rather than two separate states.
- Impermanence Is Fundamental – Everything is constantly changing, and clinging to permanence creates suffering. By fully accepting impermanence, fear of death loses its grip.
- Living Fully in the Present – Zen emphasizes complete presence in each moment. Since death is not happening now, focusing on it distracts from experiencing life completely.
- Direct Experience Over Concepts – Zen discourages excessive thinking about abstract concepts like death and instead encourages direct experience of reality as it is.
This doesn’t mean Zen ignores death—it acknowledges it as a natural part of existence. However, instead of fixating on it, Zen practice encourages embracing life fully, letting go of fear, and experiencing each moment completely.
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Oxycodone Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD
“Oxycodone has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Oxycodone may also cause severe, possibly fatal, breathing problems. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of oxycodone that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. See also How to Use section for more information about addiction.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should have naloxone available to treat opioid overdose. Teach your family or household members about the signs of an opioid overdose and how to treat it.”
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Project Blue Book: Alien Interview
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The Death card in tarot is often misunderstood due to its ominous name and imagery. However, it rarely signifies literal death. Instead, it represents transformation, change, and the end of a chapter to make way for new beginnings.
Here’s a breakdown of the Death card’s meanings:
1. Transformation and Transition
- The Death card is a powerful symbol of metamorphosis. It often signals the end of a phase, relationship, or belief system, allowing new growth. It encourages letting go of old habits or structures that no longer serve you.
2. Release and Letting Go
- This card often suggests releasing attachments. It can mean accepting loss or moving on from people, places, or things that are holding you back.
3. Cycles and Renewal
- Death is part of life’s natural cycle, and the Death card emphasizes that endings are necessary for beginnings. It serves as a reminder that every ending paves the way for a fresh start.
4. Rebirth and Personal Growth
- Seen positively, the Death card can be about rebirth and reinvention. It’s a chance to become a new version of yourself, shedding what no longer serves you.
5. Inverted (Reversed) Meaning
- When reversed, the Death card can indicate resistance to change, stagnation, or feeling stuck in a situation that needs closure. It can suggest that holding onto the past is blocking progress.
Key Themes
- Keywords: transformation, change, ending, release, rebirth.
- Archetypes: Phoenix rising from the ashes, the cycle of nature (seasons changing).
The Death card, while intense, is fundamentally about growth and evolution, encouraging acceptance of change as part of a healthy, evolving life journey.