Buddha's Last Words

Tonight, as I regroup in the quietness of my home, following two intensive days at Zen Hospice, I reflect on The Buddha's Last Words - Parinirvana Sutra,

O bhikshus! Do not grieve!

Even if I were to live in the

world for as long as kalpa,

our coming together would

have to end.

You should know that all

things in the world are

impermanent; coming

together inevitably means

parting. Do not be troubled,

for this is the nature of life.

Diligently practicing right

effort, you must seek

liberation immediately.

Within the light of wisdom,

destroy the darkness of

ignorance. Nothing is secure.

Everything in life is

precarious.

Always wholeheartedly seek

the way of liberation. All

things in the world, whether

moving or non-moving, are

characterized by

disappearance and instability.

Stop now! Do not speak!

Time is passing. I am about

to cross over. This is my final

teaching.

So simple. So powerful. And a plea to live, and treasure every moment, as if it was the last. Taped on wall right above my desk, so I don't forget.