Life is a Near Death Experience: Skills for Illness, Aging, Dying, and Loss

by Ajahn Sona

“I have this ‘Don’t worry, everything is out of control.’ Once you really and truly get that, you will stop worrying, you will stop being fearful, because those negative feelings won’t change the existential situation we are all in.”Life is a Near Death Experience focuses primarily on illness and a handful of skillful ways to reduce the emotional suffering that can occur in its presence. In these pages you will learn healthy, mindful choices about how to react to illness, and the prospect of death. The last section of the book gives a Buddhist context for the larger view of reality. If the first section helps you, that is all that matters. If you are curious about the Buddhist view of life, the second section may aid you as well.Ajahn Sona is the Abbot of Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery (Pali ‘Sitavana’) located in British Columbia, Canada, and the author of Buddhist Reflections on Serenity and Love.

Genres: Buddhism

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2021

Reviews

[Ruby Grad · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this little book, Ajahn Sona provides wisdom for life: Skills for working with the realities of the human condition, based on the Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection provided by the Buddha. These five subjects are the inevitability of illness, aging, death and loss and the reality of the law of karma, that every act we perform, whether of body, speech or mind, has consequences. Ajahn Sona's response to the "bad news" of illness or disease is that it's not bad and it's certainly not news. Human beings become ill, that's how it is. The question is how we respond. He gives great advice like, don't talk to people about it who aren't wise, who are going to feed into the worry and fear; instead, talk with people who are wise and can help us see what's happening for what it really is. He advises us to practice breath meditation and lovingkindness meditation, starting now, so we have those tools when we do become ill or in our dying process. Whether you are a Buddhist or not, this book is a gem and should be read by everyone.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little booklet is a gem that is worth everyone's time. You know why? Because there is no escape - none of us will escape death, none of us will come out alive. To put it into perspective, as Ajahn Sona had in the book - in 100 years a total of 8 million people (the entire population of the earth now) would have died.

While that is a sobering thought, Ajahn Sona also reminded us that since it is beyond our control, then there is no need to fear. Fear is not an option. Instead, do the 5 recollections daily that Buddha had taught, which I feel is applicable to everyone, whether you are a Buddhist or not. They are:

1. I am subject to ageing
2. I am subject to illness
3. I am subject to death
4. I will experience loss of all that I hold dear
5. I am the heir of my kamma (importance of ethical living - which is applicable in all major spiritual traditions)

Time is passing anyway, so make use of it wisely. Not indulging in fear, but rehearsing for death and practising kindness, compassion, equanimity. Practise breath meditation and loving-kindness, because the breath is your last companion. And constantly re-shape your consciousness by remembering your good deeds, especially at the time of death when we are more likely to be prone to darkness. We need to be constantly reminded of the brightness of our effort, generosity and good deeds.

I have been listening to Ajahn Sona's teachings for the past year or so, on YouTube and on Spotify. A former musician who was married in lay life - this Canadian become a Buddhist monk later and was ordained by the Bhante Gunaratana in the Theravada tradition. He has experienced life as a lay person, understands a wide range of topics in philosophy, history, music, psychology, and contemporary topics so he is able to relate to lay people's mindsets and help us understand Buddha's teachings very well. I feel so blessed to have come across his teachings. He is the abbot of the Birken Monastery in Canada and is in his 70s.

[Abu Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple & deep

Great book.
Must read for everyone. Does not matter age, religion or anything.
All humans should read this book. It will bring countless peace and tips to avoid unnecessary suffering in life.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but opens up pathways for new practices. It puts anapanasati and Metta in a different light. It's a very good book for your death, especially in the practices given. It's a lifelong commitment.

[Vicki Elmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pithy

Good advice for the ages. I’d like to meet her. No complaining just breathing and appreciation for life. Highly recommend.

[Norma Dauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an Ajahn Sona follower. A buddhist practitioner. The daily recollections are important to review as I live another day and wonder. I reread this book often to maintain a peaceful mind.

[Rita Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, clear and true.

Ajahn Sona speaks with clarity of mind, emotions and perspective. Excellent insight! It’s as if Buddha is teaching. Thank you.

[Robert Epp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad this book, rather these teachings found me at an opportune time of life. May all beings be well, happy, and peaceful.