________________
save eternal change. Death is a change which opens a door to the permanent. Behind all the changes there is changeless.
There is pain only in our mind, there is no pain in death. It can be very peaceful and smooth, gentler than sleep. But we have horrifying thoughts because of attachment. Attachment creates more pain and disease than any pain from physical causes.
In my experience, I have seen some people die in a way that makes sleep seem less peaceful. My own father's death is an example. It was my birthday, July 26, 1959. We celebrated in the morning, and in the evening he said, "I have a little pain in the heart." So he put his head in my lap, and began saying "Namo Arihantanum.* He closed his eyes, and with a little jerk he was gone. Before I could think, he was in a different world. A doctor who happend to be there saw my father and said, "It is over." I could not believe it, but it was the truth. He passed as gently as a ship moves on the water to another shore.
But how can the mind conceive this idea? It is very difficult. This mind has so many attachments and so many plans. The problem is of the mind, not of death. That is why, once you know the secret, you will be
*Namo Arihantanum is the most sanctified mantram in the Jain tradition. It means "I bow to those who have conquered their inner enemies." When one says these words, he or she shows deep respect for those who have attained enlightenment, in the past, present or future without regard to religion, race, nationality or any other such distinction.
51
