The One Thing Everyone Has to Face

By Papa Leow   •   5 minute read

The Singapore-Malaysia Maritime dispute had kicked up a storm.

As I watched the leaders of Singapore, along with many government agencies get busy with this incident, I cannot help but imagine the worst outcome of this dispute – War and Suffering.

While War is unlikely, it is not inconceivable. What we cannot imagine does not mean it does not and will never happen. As I imagined the worst outcome, the things I worry and yearn for in my life suddenly seem to feel smaller.

What do I mean?

Hypothetically, should a War between our countries break out, I would imagine that:

• The most beautiful holiday, car, house, and money I so desire would lose their value and appeal in an instant.

• The prettiest shoe, the coolest electronic device that I so want would drop to the lowest priority.

• The bomb that explodes beside us would not differentiate our race, religion, looks, size and shape. We are all as vulnerable.

• The scream, the exasperation, and the fear of my family and children suddenly seem to only deserve our love and protection.

• That (normal) stroll I take on a Sunday with my family suddenly seems so precious.

• The anger I had from a driving incident days ago completely did not matter anymore.

• All the squabble and fights people have whether online or in person suddenly lose their meaning entirely.

• All the complaints we had of our country suddenly seem so trivial as the jets roar, sirens blare, and bombs go off.

• All the things we wanted to buy come to a stop, as we scurry around in fear and anguish, simply wanting to be reunited with our family.

• The colleague whom we always gossip about, or detest at work, comes reaching out for us to drag us away from the shelling from the artillery.

• The cup that our spouse simply does not wash everyday suddenly does not seem that big of a problem at all.

This flashy sports car would probably lose its appeal to you in war, wouldn’t it?

All of a sudden in War, whatever desires of mine (and ours I believe) would vanish. Whatever we so detest or dread, we would not even have any energy for them at all.

The situation forces us to deal with it in whatever way we can psychologically and physically. We pretty much have zero control over what happens.

It is not that difficult to imagine a War breaking out, although I am one who now absolutely advocates Compassion over animosity, and pray hard that we have the Wisdom to tide through such a period.

What is interesting is, when there is a much more significant, and perhaps overpowering phenomenon in life, it puts my life in perspective, and the issues I face seem to pale in comparison.

While War remains a possibility (may or may not happen), there is one phenomenon in Life that would definitely occur – Death. This is, to me, THAT overpowering phenomenon in life.

With Life, there is Death. Everyone has to face Death, and no one can escape Death. In death, we are on our own and no one can accompany us. In death, we have no choice but to give up on every material item we own. In death, whether we like it or not, we have to go.

Is there a way around Death? Or is Death simply the end of it all?

If there is a way around Death, how do we prepare for it? Can we, or can we not have the ability to prepare for it? On the other hand, if Death is simply the end of it all, with no repercussions and we simply “die off”, then why do we hold on to so much in Life? Why do we bother to save up, hold on, when in the end we cannot have control of it at all? Why do we live like Death would not come, only to realise it at the very end and regret? Why do we think we are so wise, yet am unable to visualise Death, or even find great wisdom to solve Death? Can Death even be avoided, since I said it seems no one can escape from it? What if we can overcome Death? What if, there is more to Life of ours, after Death?

So many “What Ifs” with no answers seemingly.

If we just observe the behaviour of mankind, I think it is no coincidence that many people, having lived a life full of enjoyment, finally slow down to think about Death near old age, when they realise that nothing matters that much in the face of Death. It is then that they start to think about the really more important things in life. It is no coincidence that many have written touching letters regretting, and advising others to lead a fulfilling life for the benefit of others. It is no coincidence that those who realise the value of this, turn to and seek higher levels of wisdom to prepare themselves for Death.

No one can escape death.

Just like how a War can have that over powering effect that makes our issues in life pale in comparison, Death when visualised often and deeply enough, can also be used to generate a strong source of energy for us to tap on. When this energy is channelled positively, we can accomplish a lot more than we would imagine.

Of course, as always, I am far from living this realisation and being able to tap the energy effectively. I simply got pointed out about this energy which we can tap on, and that it can be channelled either way, positively or negatively, by us.

Well, my life is doing ok. I have a job, a roof over my family, and have an abled body which will one day cease to function properly. As I count my blessings, I know I am simply walking towards Death, and I am apprehensive about it.

The more I think about it, the more I really feel the need to start preparing myself for Death.

- This article originally appeared on Greening Away Blog and has been republished with permission.

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