Human life is uncertain. In truth, it is not only human life — the lives of all sentient beings throughout the world are uncertain. When death shall come, none of us knows. Do not assume that a human being will live to seventy, eighty, or ninety years of age — even that is by no means certain.
For in truth: if one breathes in but does not breathe out, one dies. If one breathes out but does not breathe in, one dies. And if one neither breathes out nor breathes in — death is certain.
Human life is exceedingly brief — nothing more than a succession of inhalations and exhalations, linked together moment by moment. Therefore, whenever one hears news of a death, or any tidings that serve as an inauspicious reminder, let one take it as a warning to oneself — to hasten in the doing of good, to accumulate merit with diligence and urgency, and to delay not.
Beyond cultivating merit for oneself, if one has children or grandchildren — young and small as they may be — let one bring them along in the making of merit, so that they may behold a worthy example of virtuous conduct and generous giving.
February 23rd, 2015
