"Oneness of humanity... that I think (is) very important, we're the same. Then we finally... (in) death we're the same. Sometimes I joke a little, oh how serious... Then we pass through cemeteries, that's our final destination, we have to go there (laughter)... Eventually you also have to go there, so nobody can escape. Even Buddha, from Buddha's viewpoint, went that way, Buddha also you see, went that way, Jesus Christ also went that way, Mohammad also went that way. Therefore whether we like it or not that's our final destination. Money no use, fame no use, power no use or weapon no use. What thing brings us tranquility at that moment? Ah life spent - meaningful life served... helping others not harming others.. that's very important." - His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Scotland 2012.
Speaking at a conference on "Living and Dying in Peace" in Swtzerland, April this year, he was asked whether it is important to train ourselves to meet death, and if so, how to do it.
“Death will come because it is a part of life,” the Dalai Lama said. “People who avoid the very words old age and death will be caught unawares when it comes. In some of our meditation practice we visualize the process of death and the associated dissolution of the elements every day, so that we may be prepared for the actual event. For those who believe in a succession of lives, death is just like changing your body. If you have led a meaningful life, when death takes place there’ll be no need for regret."
