From the Buddhist perspective, understanding our mind is key to understanding life and death. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche explains the nature of mind and how to use this understanding to rid ourselves of needless suffering and fear. His is a very practical and useful approach to concepts that often become bogged down in esoteric practice and tradition. He says, “The original state of our mind and consciousness is totally free and full of compassion. It’s like someone sitting on a heap of garbage piled on top of some land under which there is a tremendous treasure.” He points out that we live in a paradox; we want to live long but we don’t want to grow old. His gentle teaching guides us to the insights that lead us to a full appreciation of the importance of remembering to live well in each moment. In this way we live well and can release the fear of death and growing old.
