This is an adapted form of the Nine-Point Meditation on Death & Impermanence used in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Begin by sitting comfortably, counting the breath in a natural cycle from 1-10. Let your breath and body settle without forcing it. You can use one topic or go through them sequentially. For example: “Death is certain, no power can stop it” or “Time of Death is uncertain, the body is fragile.” With that topic in mind, free associate examples of this in history and in your own life. Is the statement true? Is it untrue? Are there times when these principles apply or do not apply? Are they universal or are they specific? Through a process of associating real examples and questioning the validity of the statement, you will come to your own, experiential, understanding of the topic.
This type of contemplation is called ‘analytical meditation’. To focus the mind on one subject and analyze the content and implications of that subject on our subjective experience of reality. To have insight into death & impermanence is like starting a crack in a very large rock of ignorance, it brings us great sobriety and humility in our position in life. It is the first weakening of the hold on our perception of reality as being inherent and concrete and the letting go of the ego that believes we are beyond cause & effect. With insight into death and impermanence, we can touch upon deep compassion and the interdependence of the various elements of our lives. Here are the nine topics categorized. Inspiration is drawn from the nun and teacher, Rev. Karin. I don’t include many examples here because I feel each topic should be slowly digested and your own examples should be drawn up. The exception being the first one of course!
Death is certain. No power can stop it. (ex: is there a charm, a pill, a prayer, a wish an example of someone who has evaded death, achieved immortality? Even medical care is merely the delaying of the inevitable but we cannot command death nor will it to disappear nor hide from it in some secret place.) Life cannot be extended. While alive, free time is limited.
Time of Death is uncertain. Life span varies and there is no order to time. Things that can kill are many, things that support are few The body is fragile.
Only spiritual practice helps us at the time of Death. Money & possessions cannot help us. Loved ones cannot help us. Our own bodies cannot help us.