Death Is Not The Enemy

[TruthSeeker]

I watched that movie some time ago. Lovely...!
I particularly enjoy some of the quotes about death...

Here's the best one...

Hunter Patch Adams: What's wrong with death sir? What are we so mortally afraid of? Why can't we treat death with a certain amount of humanity and dignity, and decency, and God forbid, maybe even humor. Death is not the enemy gentlemen. If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference.


So what's up with death. Is it really a big deal? Shouldn't we just enjoy our lives, without fighting and without worrying whether we are going to die today or not? How can we enjoy life if we are always trying to avoid something that someday we will definetely have to face?

[scameter]

I agree with him. I think death is extremely ironic, as it's counterpart, life, is. But, I think it has no real hidden meaning or touch; it simply happens, as life happens. Perhaps. Of course that is not certain; mainly I was speaking from the view of life it's self, and death it's self other than the philosophical or human or spiritual perspectives. It simply is, occurs and exists as it is because it is. Very ironic. :D

[TruthSeeker]

Yes, it simply is. But that wasn't his point...

[scameter]

Didn't say it was. :)

[buzzlightyear1982]

You know some one I work with told me an interesting theory about death, not saying I agree with it, but he believes that you day, time, hour, and second of death is planed out for us already. However, the way we die is up too us :think:

[Smurf]

^Don't you believe in fate?

[scameter]

I wouldn't go so far as to say our death is planned, especially that acutely, because that would require subscription to the idea of some consciousness engineering and controlling time and space, which is not definite and thus shouldn't be taken as a a possibility for the even less definite future. I think, currently, that we simply die; that our life ends. I don't think how we die matters, or when or where. I simply think that we die; we leave life. But, why we die I do not know.

[buzzlightyear1982]

"Don't you believe in fate?"

It comes and goes... B)

[Trevor]

I believe in fate, but to me it is fluid not solid.
I was just reading this thread and I thought about the television show "Beyond Chance". There was one story about a man and a woman who were born at the same hospital, ten minutes apart on the same day. Years later the man and woman were married and this is when they examined this coincidence that happened to them.
There are many similar stories that I saw on that show. So, if things can be so blatantly planned like that, then I am a believer that there is more to life, and death, than meets the eye.

[christiangarza2287]

yeah but think about the number of other people this hasnt happened to.

[ChinUp]

So what's up with death. Is it really a big deal? Shouldn't we just enjoy our lives, without fighting and without worrying whether we are going to die today or not? How can we enjoy life if we are always trying to avoid something that someday we will definitely have to face? Do you know this poem ?

I never saw a wild thing
feel sorry for itself.
A small bird will drop frozen dead from the bough
without ever having felt sorry for itself.
- D. H. Lawrence

--------------------------- ~ ----------------------

I find death to be more of a motivator than a discourager personally, like the autumn leaves tell of the need to gather & stock for the winter to come. What native Americans call bear medicine. The cold wind of harsh realties like death can act as a welcome wind to a sailer able to put them to good use.

[Michael]

Death is but another transition, a change of key, perhaps to a higher, perhaps to a lower, but always within the symphoney.

[Trevor]

yeah but think about the number of other people this hasnt happened to.

Yes, but isn't it a little amazing?

[ChinUp]

yeah but think about the number of other people this hasnt happened to. How can people tell what amazing coincidences occur in their lives ? Do people have to notice them for them to exist ?

Death is but another transition, a change of key, perhaps to a higher, perhaps to a lower, but always within the symphoney. Well said, all the more incentive to play our part to our fullest potential .. :thumbsup: .. after all we are but a single member of the greater symphony & any team is only as strong as its weakest link.

Yes, but isn't it a little amazing? What isn't amazing in this natural wonder we live within ? Or is it only when we see past our nose to the remarkable in life that it exists ?

[jay4ever]

This topic remind me of a quote.

Why should i be scared of death? it is not going to come when I'm alive and when its come i wont be alive, so why should i be scared?

[Trevor]

Because it can happen at any time!

[ApocalypseKnight18]

This topic is very interesting, but I think the thing that makes me think of not fearing death is a quote from Dan Millman or his mentor said it. "Death is not the sad thing, the sad thing is that most people don't live at all."

[Michael]

. "Death is not the sad thing, the sad thing is that most people don't live at all."

How dare this man show such utter disrespect for the lives of others? Who is he to say what is and what is not a life lived?

As William Blake, the English artist, poet and visionary put it, 'Everything that lives is holy.'

Tried to check out Dan Miller on the web, but there are a number of them offering a better life of one kind or another, so I can't figure who this dangerous person is - perhaps you could help me here Apoca?

Also, I can't understand how this cute quote helps you not to fear death.

[ApocalypseKnight18]

Because so many people go through the motions of life or are blinded by materialism. Many people are still unawaken to life's capabilites. For one it is Dan Millman not Dan Miller, those are completely two different people. He's not a dangerous person, probably one of the most peaceful ordinary person you will meet. Read his books The Way of the Peace Warrior is probably his most popular book.
And the reason that this quote helps me not fear death it is because it shows to me that death isn't something to fear, i should fear not even living.

[Munthe]

Because so many people go through the motions of life or are blinded by materialism. Many people are still unawaken to life's capabilites. For one it is Dan Millman not Dan Miller, those are completely two different people. He's not a dangerous person, probably one of the most peaceful ordinary person you will meet. Read his books The Way of the Peace Warrior is probably his most popular book.
And the reason that this quote helps me not fear death it is because it shows to me that death isn't something to fear, i should fear not even living.

i so agree with you...
and to quote C.G. Jung: Death isn't the enemy, fear is!

[Michael]

Every time I come across this glib stuff I think of people born into unthinkable conditions. You might well be speaking Martian.

[Flux]

I tried to respond to this a few times, but couldn't figure out what to say--it's a difficult subject. I suppose when it comes down to it though, I think that death is as variable as life itself is, and can be a "friend" or an "enemy" under certain circumstances. For instance, I don't think that there's anything bad or terrible about an elderly person who has lived a full life passing away while surrounded by family. I also think that there's something to be said from facing death head on and thinking about it, rather than constantly distracting yourse;f.

That being said, I see Michaels point. It's easy for me to sit on my comfy chair and talk about how I don't live in constant active fear of death, but it's quite another matter for people who are either facing immanent death or have had a loved one die recently. If a close relative passes away, "death is not the enemy" provides little comfort.

A wise man once said "not less fear, but beyond fear." Death isn't flowers and roses, and we don't have to pretend it is--fear of death is natural. But I'd agree that one shouldn't let the reality of death ruin one's life. It's unhealthy to live in constant fear and anxiety, although it can't be helped in some circumstances.

[christiangarza2287]

How can people tell what amazing coincidences occur in their lives ? Do people have to notice them for them to exist ?


well i guess if we didnt notice them they wouldnt be metioned or be coinscidences.

i aslo have a favorite movie called "The Fountain"
it deals with death, acceptance and how it is not something to be feared.
i love it.