The 1st stage of the dying process

The process of dying according to Buddhist Mahayana tradition involves 8 stages. Each stage has signs on the outside and inside. Only the dying person can witness the inner visions. The first stage is when the solid, or earth element, of the body loses its strength. Externally the body becomes very heavy with difficulty moving the arms and legs, and sometimes even eyelids. The internal vision is like a mirage. Your homework for the weekend is to sit with your back and head straight on a cushion or chair. Eyes are glancing down or closed. Imagine you are lying on a hospital bed coming near the end of your life. You enter the 1st stage of the dying process and have a vision of a mirage. Become familiar with that vision. Next time we’ll proceed to the 2nd stage of the dying process.