Question
My mother is not at peace; I know it. She died surrounded by people who did not understand or love her. I was working that day; I had seen her four days earlier, very tired. Following some despicable incidents, I had been forbidden to see her regularly. It was torture for me and, I am sure, for her too. Although I could have been with her for two weeks and certainly encouraged her to eat and live, I saw her for only three days in a month. I am convinced she died in extreme emotional suffering. I did not manage to give her a decent end to her life. What is Zen Buddhism’s view of death under these conditions?
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
Death is rarely very pleasant, and in any case the person who must leave has to face this ordeal alone. No one can accompany them very far on this kind of journey.
Kosen