A Zen Gatha

Yesterday, I attended David Bruneau’s video showing of one of J Krishnamurti’s talks on what seems like K’s favourite topic “fear.” The discussion that ensued after brought to light that perhaps the most primary and widespread fear is the fear of death and it brought up thoughts of a famous Zen Master on his deathbed… It used to be the custom of Zen masters on their deathbeds to compose a gatha – a poetic condensation of the insights of a long and dedicated spiritual life, a final comment on life itself and impending death. It is reported that one famous Master who was very near death summoned his followers to his bed and asked for a paper and pencil. He then scribbled something and handed it back to one of the now expectant  elders who read it and seemed very confused.  The note said… “I don’t want to die.” After passing it around to the others, he said that he didn’t understand this gatha and again handed the master a piece of paper and pencil. The old master scribbled again and handed it back…. “I really, really don’t want to die!”