Mahayana Buddhist Views of Death in The Bodhisattvacharyavatara

1. Mahayana Buddhist Views of Death inThe Bodhisattvacharyavatara Andrew McCardle The George Washington University

2. Why Should Bodhisattvas Think About Death? • Of all footprints That of the elephant is supreme; Of all mindfulness meditations That on death is supreme. –The Buddha

3. Treatment of Death in Parimitayana Mahayana Literature • Three Themes: • The inevitability of death • The time of death is unknown • The importance of understanding the connection between death and impermanence

4. Texts Selected for Analysis • Bodhisattvacharyavatara • Lam Dre – Three Visions (parimitayana section)

5. Historical Connection • Nalanda University was a citadel of learning • Jayadeva—The Abbot of Nalanda • Shantideva and Virupa both attended Nalanda University and were ordained by Jayadeva • Shantideva: Bodhisattvacharyavatara • Virupa: Lam Dre • Connection between views of death in the Bodhisattvacharyavatara and the Lam Dre

6. Methodology • Listed verses dealing with death • Grouped verses into categories based on: • Meaning • Treatment of Death • Four categories emerged

7. Four Categories of Verses Discussing Death • Death is Inevitable • The Time of Death is Unknown • Death is Motivation to Act Virtuously • Death is Negative

8. Death is Inevitable • Bodhisattvacharyavatara • It is not right to stay relaxed Thinking, “At least today I will not die.” The time of my disappearance Will doubtlessly come. (2.58) • Lam Dre • “The reflection on impermanence also leads us to face up to our own mortality and recognize that death is the fate of all…” -Deshung Rinpoche

9. The Time of Death is Unknown • Bodhisattvacharyavatara • When this has not been started, that just begun, And another remains half done, The Lord of Death will suddenly come. One will think, “Alas! I am done!” (7.8) • Lam Dre • “There is no certainty about the time of death because there is no fixed limit to the human life span, the causes of death are manifold, and the causes for uninterrupted life are few.” -Deshung Rinpoche

10. Death is Motivation to Act Virtuously • Bodhisattvacharyavatara • The Lord of Death is watching, and Has blocked every possible route. How can you still enjoy eating? How can you enjoy sleeping here? (7.6) • Lam Dre • “Realizing [that death is inevitable and that the time of death is unknown], we should not for a moment become inclined to waste such a rare opportunity. On the contrary, we must remain diligent and mindful and, above all, concerned to make progress in actual practice as long as we have the opportunity to do so.” -Deshung Rinpoche

11. Death is Negative • Bodhisattvacharyavatara • If I realize that, But I still ignorantly feel discouraged, When the time of death arrives, Great sorrow will arise. (4.24) • Lam Dre • “Nor is it only the diseased who fade away and die; death often strikes people in the prime of health. Young children and people in their youth can be struck down…” -Deshung Rinpoche

12. Behold now, bhikkhus, I exhort you: Transient are all compounded things! Strive with earnestness! –The Buddha Mahaparinibbana Sutta