Zen Story: In His Time of Dying

A Zen teacher was on his deathbed. 

His student asked if he had any last words.

The master replied, “I am afraid of dying.” 

(Sign-Up to Follow by E-Mail)

The student was aghast. His instructor spent so much time addressing the matters of birth and death. How could he fail so miserably? The student expressed his horror. 

The old ‘teacher’ looked at him sadly, as if he had failed in his task, and said, “You do not understand. I am afraid of dying, really. I am afraid of dying…really.” 

 

In some Asian cultures, the literate are expected to write a final poem on their deathbed. The Buddhist nun Ryoken’s 'death poem’ is:  

Sixty-six times have these eyes beheld
the changing scene of autumn.
I have said enough about moonlight,
Ask no more. 

The Zen teacher in our story would appreciate her thoughts. He was in no mood to give a lecture on Zen. He was dying; he was afraid. In the guru’s time of dying the pupil was clinging to their 'master/disciple’ relationship.   

The pupil was no longer a follower. It was his time to lead. Instead of being appalled with the old man’s fear, the younger could help his superior through the process of death.   

Hopefully, the student finally saw the dying man’s need. Now was the time to hold aged, cold hands, say comforting words; be fully there, nothing more. 

The lessons from the ancient master are over. Let them be enough.  Don’t ask the old sage to make rosy speeches.