After visiting Montreal back in May and becoming obsessed with it, finding your channel has been so enlightening, and not just for learning about the city and Quebec culture. You're a great artist, the way you present yourself and your lack of fear to put out your deepest thoughts here is inspiring to me as an artist too. I've moved to LA from New Zealand to try accomplish my goals, but I hope to move to Montreal one day too.
Dan, your observations about dying, and other things are quite interesting. Keep up your worthwhile work my friend. The world needs more people like you
I really enjoyed your insights, I learned a lot about this through the book 'Becoming Ram Dass' I enjoyed his outlook on death as well. He would watch over a lot of people before their deaths and recited on the profound impacts the experience would have upon his consciousness. For instance in tibetan traditions there's the practice of taking three deep breathes before you die is considered a bridge between the spiritual and physical realms. I know that there's also the idea that once reaching the point of death we can either ascend into the light (a form of nirvana) or return to the physical realm to help other ascend.
Dear Dan, everything in the Universe is a cycle. There is no death, there is only transformation. We say a flower has "died," but what has happened is that it has turned into a fruit. When the fruit "dies," it turns into a seed. When the seed "dies," it turns into a plant.
Hi Dan. I'm about 25 years older than you. Having been born into a large, extended family, I sometimes reflect that I now know more people who have passed than who are living. At this point I don't have a specific philosophy about death. My Mom is 88. Although she doesn't belong to a particular religion, she believes in a life after this one, and she's comfortable and totally matter-of-fact with the knowledge that she has no more than a few years left. Possibly less. I hope to reach that level of peace. The one thing I know is that I don't want to be taken by surprise. I've witnessed the death of my own brother, suddenly and unexpectedly, at age 36. I wouldn't wish that on anyone or any family. I've reached a point where I know people younger than me who have gone. That almost makes me feel guilty though, of course, I play no role in that. I hope to be ready when the time comes. Right now I'm still saying "One day. But not yet. Please not yet. There are still things and places I want to see and do."
You seem like a cool person :)) and super well spoken about your take away from the book. I am not religious but it does bring a comfort to think of death as the boss battle at then end of the adventure. Die to be regenerated again, or win by defeating the boss and finishing the game 🫡
I have heard a different version of "the last moments of this life determines the next life", which is not so literal as Dan (and the book?) makes it out to be. In this view, the person's soul reviews what was attained/missed in this life, including the missteps and grave errors, and decides what should be done in the next life to redress those errors (karma!) and to grow in attainment and consciousness. Here the idea is not focussed on the last moment, literally, but on the life review that takes place just before the person dies. This is a Hindu, not Buddhist, view as the Buddhists famously do not believe in the existence of a soul.
Salut Dan ! Je pratique la méditation bouddhiste dans diverses traditions depuis environ 10 ans. J'ai bien aimé ta vidéo, mais je pense que je devrais te prévenir : Sogyal est l'un de ces enseignants qui est populaire, mais qui a un grand nombre de scandales d'abus sexuels et de pouvoir à son actif. Je ne connais pas en détail ses enseignements, et je trouve ça cool que tu lises ce genre de livres. Je voulais juste te mettre en garde à propos de son organisation au cas ou voulais te mettre à pratiquer la méditation. La plupart des organisations bouddhistes sont bien, mais certaines sont assez sectaires et même dangereuses. Je recommande le Centre Zen de Montréal (Zen), Rigpe Dorje (Tibetan buddhism) ou Dhamma Suttama (Theravada Vipassana).
Oui, j’ai apris ce fait malheureuse juste avant filmer cette video. J'ai fait une Google search sur l'auteur et il est apparu. J'ai pensé le mentionner dans la vidéo, mais j'ai pensé que cela nous éloignerait trop du sujet. Mais vous avez raison, c’est important de savoir et j’apprécie votre commentaire.
So the real question for you is why do you buy into the idea of reincarnation...? You know from your own experience that speculating on past and future lives is simply that, speculation. Why do you think it's any different for people just because they live in Tibet? It is, however, easy to understand the motivation behind such mental activity.
It is a fallacy to think the "moment of death" determines the next life. During your life, you accumulate new desires, new tendencies. When you are reborn, you look for a life (or situation) that is conducive to you manifesting your desires and tendencies. Whatever is in your mind at the moment of death does not, cannot overpower the lifetime(s) of desires and tendencies.
Dear Dan, Muslims have a very clear perspective on death, and the consequences of actions in this worldly life: "Surely those who say, “Our Lord is Allah,” and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them [especially at the time of their death], ˹saying,˺ “Do not fear, nor grieve. Rather, rejoice in the good news of Paradise, which you have been promised. We are your supporters in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. There you will have whatever your souls desire, and there you will have whatever you ask for. An accommodation from the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful ˹Lord˺." -- Chapter 41, versess 30-32. This life is temporary and is a chance to prepare for the the eternal life that will follow. Every soul will be held accountable for its actions after death. Whether it enters heaven or hell depends on its actions. Heaven and hell are not just abstract concepts for Muslims, they are as real as night and day, and as death itself.
Dear Dan, we are in this cycle of life and death, because we chose to be here. We want to keep coming back. The day we lose interest in what this world has to offer, then we do not come back -- we achieve "Nirvana." It is like, you go back to a destination several times as a tourist, and then you are satisfied and do not wish to go back. You are free from that destination.
I much prefer the Islamic view on the purpose of life & what comes after death; I find Buddhism very hard to believe in. I suggest reading through the Quran if you're in a sincere journey to find the objective truth
I don't claim to have the answer but for sure everyone has their own spiritual journey when it comes to living, birth and death. At this point in time it seems that everyone has inside the mind their orb a bit of God's energy, some call our Creator, within their own body, peace within, calmness rest sleep is a form of heaven on earth. Viewing nurse hospice videos, near death experiences stories, and people who witnessed ghosts phenomenan, add UFOs, think a different demension on the otherside, and people's free will, we're not God so we cannot control people's bad choices, some have a restless death others die a peaceful death in their sleep. God did not invent religions or wars men did, I support veterans for peace. A nurse video says eating and drinking water can make dying difficult because the body shuts down organs to prepare it for death, birth and death are eventful. The nurse speaks of the dying holding their arms out and talking to loved ones that have passed. There are books on prep for dying, one part is to keep the mouth moist with a special cloth and pain medicines for those that need it, and the sounds of the death rattle that the patient does mostly unconscious at that point and painless. Supporting our loved ones when dying is recommended. Nice video Dan, nature surroundings done well. Thanks for sharing, happy travels.🙂👍🌳🌲☀️
After visiting Montreal back in May and becoming obsessed with it, finding your channel has been so enlightening, and not just for learning about the city and Quebec culture. You're a great artist, the way you present yourself and your lack of fear to put out your deepest thoughts here is inspiring to me as an artist too. I've moved to LA from New Zealand to try accomplish my goals, but I hope to move to Montreal one day too.
Dan, your observations about dying, and other things are quite interesting. Keep up your worthwhile work my friend. The world needs more people like you
Thanks!
Hey this is a classic! I’m a Buddhist! Fabulous thoughts Dan!
I really enjoyed your insights, I learned a lot about this through the book 'Becoming Ram Dass' I enjoyed his outlook on death as well. He would watch over a lot of people before their deaths and recited on the profound impacts the experience would have upon his consciousness. For instance in tibetan traditions there's the practice of taking three deep breathes before you die is considered a bridge between the spiritual and physical realms. I know that there's also the idea that once reaching the point of death we can either ascend into the light (a form of nirvana) or return to the physical realm to help other ascend.
Dear Dan, everything in the Universe is a cycle. There is no death, there is only transformation. We say a flower has "died," but what has happened is that it has turned into a fruit. When the fruit "dies," it turns into a seed. When the seed "dies," it turns into a plant.
Hi Dan. I'm about 25 years older than you. Having been born into a large, extended family, I sometimes reflect that I now know more people who have passed than who are living.
At this point I don't have a specific philosophy about death. My Mom is 88. Although she doesn't belong to a particular religion, she believes in a life after this one, and she's comfortable and totally matter-of-fact with the knowledge that she has no more than a few years left. Possibly less. I hope to reach that level of peace.
The one thing I know is that I don't want to be taken by surprise. I've witnessed the death of my own brother, suddenly and unexpectedly, at age 36. I wouldn't wish that on anyone or any family.
I've reached a point where I know people younger than me who have gone. That almost makes me feel guilty though, of course, I play no role in that.
I hope to be ready when the time comes.
Right now I'm still saying "One day. But not yet. Please not yet. There are still things and places I want to see and do."
Thank you for this !
Brilliant analysis Dan!! You are amazing!! Wish we could have a coffee!! Let me know if you are ever in YVR!! I would value that.
it's like drifting off to sweet sleep in a cozy comfortable bed
An insightful reflection from one still in the flush of youth!
I read that book a while back... helped me out a lot
You seem like a cool person :)) and super well spoken about your take away from the book. I am not religious but it does bring a comfort to think of death as the boss battle at then end of the adventure. Die to be regenerated again, or win by defeating the boss and finishing the game 🫡
Dan, did you buy this book at the Tibetan store in the city there?
It’s interesting to note the author Sogyal was known to keep women on leashes and died of severe alcoholism.
Damn this is fabulous!!
In death we return to the same state that we were in before we were born. It’s that simple.
I have heard a different version of "the last moments of this life determines the next life", which is not so literal as Dan (and the book?) makes it out to be. In this view, the person's soul reviews what was attained/missed in this life, including the missteps and grave errors, and decides what should be done in the next life to redress those errors (karma!) and to grow in attainment and consciousness. Here the idea is not focussed on the last moment, literally, but on the life review that takes place just before the person dies. This is a Hindu, not Buddhist, view as the Buddhists famously do not believe in the existence of a soul.
Salut Dan ! Je pratique la méditation bouddhiste dans diverses traditions depuis environ 10 ans. J'ai bien aimé ta vidéo, mais je pense que je devrais te prévenir : Sogyal est l'un de ces enseignants qui est populaire, mais qui a un grand nombre de scandales d'abus sexuels et de pouvoir à son actif. Je ne connais pas en détail ses enseignements, et je trouve ça cool que tu lises ce genre de livres. Je voulais juste te mettre en garde à propos de son organisation au cas ou voulais te mettre à pratiquer la méditation. La plupart des organisations bouddhistes sont bien, mais certaines sont assez sectaires et même dangereuses. Je recommande le Centre Zen de Montréal (Zen), Rigpe Dorje (Tibetan buddhism) ou Dhamma Suttama (Theravada Vipassana).
Oui, j’ai apris ce fait malheureuse juste avant filmer cette video. J'ai fait une Google search sur l'auteur et il est apparu. J'ai pensé le mentionner dans la vidéo, mais j'ai pensé que cela nous éloignerait trop du sujet. Mais vous avez raison, c’est important de savoir et j’apprécie votre commentaire.
So the real question for you is why do you buy into the idea of reincarnation...? You know from your own experience that speculating on past and future lives is simply that, speculation. Why do you think it's any different for people just because they live in Tibet? It is, however, easy to understand the motivation behind such mental activity.
The act of turning a page should not be confused with the act of reading a book.
It is a fallacy to think the "moment of death" determines the next life. During your life, you accumulate new desires, new tendencies. When you are reborn, you look for a life (or situation) that is conducive to you manifesting your desires and tendencies. Whatever is in your mind at the moment of death does not, cannot overpower the lifetime(s) of desires and tendencies.
Interesting, but when a person dies that's it--you aren't coming back in another life. It's over and that's for the best.
Dear Dan, Muslims have a very clear perspective on death, and the consequences of actions in this worldly life:
"Surely those who say, “Our Lord is Allah,” and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them [especially at the time of their death], ˹saying,˺ “Do not fear, nor grieve. Rather, rejoice in the good news of Paradise, which you have been promised. We are your supporters in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. There you will have whatever your souls desire, and there you will have whatever you ask for. An accommodation from the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful ˹Lord˺." -- Chapter 41, versess 30-32.
This life is temporary and is a chance to prepare for the the eternal life that will follow. Every soul will be held accountable for its actions after death. Whether it enters heaven or hell depends on its actions. Heaven and hell are not just abstract concepts for Muslims, they are as real as night and day, and as death itself.
Do not mix up the Tibitan books of the dead of buddha.
youre gorgeous
Dear Dan, we are in this cycle of life and death, because we chose to be here. We want to keep coming back. The day we lose interest in what this world has to offer, then we do not come back -- we achieve "Nirvana." It is like, you go back to a destination several times as a tourist, and then you are satisfied and do not wish to go back. You are free from that destination.
I much prefer the Islamic view on the purpose of life & what comes after death; I find Buddhism very hard to believe in.
I suggest reading through the Quran if you're in a sincere journey to find the objective truth
What a lot of rambling drivel..
a bit mean
Thanks for the insight gary
I don't claim to have the answer but for sure everyone has their own spiritual journey when it comes to living, birth and death. At this point in time it seems that everyone has inside the mind their orb a bit of God's energy, some call our Creator, within their own body, peace within, calmness rest sleep is a form of heaven on earth. Viewing nurse hospice videos, near death experiences stories, and people who witnessed ghosts phenomenan, add UFOs, think a different demension on the otherside, and people's free will, we're not God so we cannot control people's bad choices, some have a restless death others die a peaceful death in their sleep. God did not invent religions or wars men did, I support veterans for peace. A nurse video says eating and drinking water can make dying difficult because the body shuts down organs to prepare it for death, birth and death are eventful. The nurse speaks of the dying holding their arms out and talking to loved ones that have passed. There are books on prep for dying, one part is to keep the mouth moist with a special cloth and pain medicines for those that need it, and the sounds of the death rattle that the patient does mostly unconscious at that point and painless. Supporting our loved ones when dying is recommended. Nice video Dan, nature surroundings done well. Thanks for sharing, happy travels.🙂👍🌳🌲☀️