Question

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words: Through "The Sermon at Benares", the Buddha preached that death is inevitable as we need to overcome the suffering and pain that follows. Based on your reading of the lesson, write how one should cope with he death of a loved one.

Answer 1

Buddha said that the life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain. There is no way for one to overcome death. He preached, “…While relatives are looking on and lamenting deeply, one by one mortal are carried off, like an ox that is led to the slaughter. So the world is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world.” The Buddha said that neither from weeping nor from grieving would one obtain peace of mind. On the contrary, his pain will be greater and his body will suffer. He will make himself sick and pale yet the dead will not be saved by this lamentation. He said, “He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation, and complaint and grief. He who has drawn out the arrow and has become composed will obtain peace of mind; he who has overcome all sorrow will become free from sorrow, and be blessed.”