The Fifth Contemplation

My 90 year old friend is sad. He is living with the regret that he is not leaving behind a legacy, a body of work.

His friends have authored books and started groups that have become large organizations.

My friend is very lovable and loving. Whenever I get to be around him, I am happy. He is very intelligent and knowledgeable about literary things, and I always feel just a bit smarter after leaving his company.

He is trying to forgive himself for not doing more. He is trying to accept himself and his life. He is trying to be comfortable joining the masses of people who have not left a major legacy. He will be remembered like most of us will be for a random act of kindness, a moment of generosity, a hilarious story, a penchant for poetry, an unmoving faith in humanity, and if we are lucky enough to have brought little precious beings into this cray cray world, for our children and our children's children.

The Nine Contemplations, written in the 11th century by the Buddhist monk and scholar Atisha, addresses the twisting, jeweled path of life and ultimately death. They are a quiet warning of the inevitable and the need for preparation, so that we can go beyond fear and live a fully engaged life.

The Fifth contemplation is: 

"Death has many causes. There are many causes of death- even habits and desires are precipitants."

May we live freely and openly until we die, of whatever cause takes us. 

May our habits help us cultivate gratitude, forgiveness and acceptance every waking moment.

May our desires hinge on the desire to touch pure love.

May my friend know peace.