This morning, after death meditation Sensei told the monks, “Imagine that each of you has died. And Buddha has made you the priest that speaks at your cremation. What will you say as your own obituary?”
The monks began to prepare their speeches and were excited by Sensei’s challenge.
Angry Monk came up first and said, “Monks, we have gathered to cremate Angry Monk. I know he pretended to be Angry but that was a pretense to stay undisturbed. May his death teach us that a person’s behaviour is not his true nature…”
The monks nodded.
Simple Monk spoke and said, “I knew Simple Monk. He had a life full of complexities and wanted simplicity to be his mantra. He tried to live what he wished his life to be…”
Truthful Monk said, “I am Truthful Monk. Even though I have died, I will speak the truth. You may not believe me and that is fine. I have learnt in my life that being true to your path is most important, even after death…”
The monks playfully booed Truthful Monk.
Humble Monk spoke next. He said, “Monks, we are cremating Humble Monk today. He really worked hard to stay humble and once told me that being humble was a hundred times harder than doing anything else in the world…”
The monks were moved. Sensei clapped once.
Arrogant Monk came up and said, “I liked Arrogant Monk very much. He used irritation and despise as his tools to find meaning and direction in his life. As a sign of arrogance, I have dressed him in Golden Robes for his cremation…”
The monks laughed and Sensei giggled.
It was Laughing Monk’s turn. He laughed and laughed and said, “I don’t know why words are needed when (laugh) you need fire to (laugh) cremate a body. Let us laugh as Laughing Monk burns…that would (laugh) be our tribute…”
The monks did not react. In fact they looked a bit tense.
Sensei beckoned Head Monk to speak. Head Monk bowed to Sensei, to Buddha and said, “Head Monk was nobody but a reflection of all you monks. He just was a mirror created to show you, who you really are. Mirrors are not cremated. When they break, we replace them with new ones! So please leave and find your new mirror…”
Sensei was moved and clapped twice.
The monks then insisted Sensei to play along and pretend to speak at his own funeral!
Sensei laughed and spoke to say, “Sensei was a living cremation. He died everyday, to stay alive! Today we are cremating a cremation! Celebrate your daily life as if it is your daily death. Do what you want to do today, not tomorrow. And don’t live to be remembered. Just remember to live!!”
*****