The Five Strengths

I was reading of the five strengths this morning in the Mahayana Instruction for the ejection of consciousness at death. It is interesting to read what the instruction is telling me and to realize what the true message is in the words that I am reading.

The way that you move into the moment of death is a reflection of how you have lived during all your years upon this earth. There is a need to practice the five strengths during your lifetime; the way that you conduct yourself now is very important to the way that you accept and move into the next realm.

While you are alive:

Have Strong Determination: Be open and let go of perceived hurts and injuries. See the beauty that is all around you, look for that beauty rather than looking for the ugly. As you practice this looking, it becomes easier to find, even if it is just inside of yourself.

Familiarization: Practice being open and letting go of the material things that hold you down, that keep you tethered to one space, one thought pattern, limiting your natural potential. Learn to accept the peace that is being you, being open, loving, and compassionate. At the moment of death there will be no reason for panic, only love is there to guide you through.

The Positive Seed: This is based upon trust in yourself. Trust that you have the ability to let go and to feel compassion for others. This comes from the second strength. As you practice and get familiar with letting go and actively building compassion for others and love for yourself the transition is peaceful and serene.

Reproach: When you realize that this identity that you are holding on to so tightly isn’t something solid and real, it’s easier to let it go. Walk with joy upon this earth at all times, be happy and at peace. There is no need to hold on to a persona that doesn’t bring you that happiness and peace. Realize that this is a journey that has a stopping point and it is the same point for everyone.

Aspiration: “At the time of death, aspire to spend all your future lives in the presence of your teachers and to do your best to benefit others forever.” I did write this one word for word as it is important. Remember, we are to practice these things during our lifetime upon this earth. I take this to mean that you shouldn’t wait until death to aspire to spend your life in the presence of your teachers and to do your best to benefit others forever, this begins here and now.

To bring it to a summation; see the beauty that is in all things around you; let go of the things that no longer serve a life of love and compassion; trust yourself; be yourself; give of yourself with love, compassion, and joy.