Our own life has to be our message.

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

As human beings we have many rituals surrounding the event of death, regardless of our traditions. Just a couple of weeks ago the world was rocked by the loss of one of its most beloved teachers, Thich Nhat Hanh, in a death that was felt around the globe. All spiritual paths recognized the immense treasure that Thay (as he was affectionately known) and his teachings contributed to our world. Even those who espouse no particular spiritual path recognized the goodness of his message.

His transition from this earthly plane was marked, celebrated and honored by sacred rituals streamed across the Internet to be witnessed by all who revered this holy passing and gave insight into Buddhist practice.

In the Christian tradition, the rituals of death are rooted in and illuminated by Mary Magdalene following the crucifixion. It is she who bookends the life and death of Jesus with her anointing of his body before His death as well as immediately following.

We can experience both of these rituals as encasing life in a blanket of love and grace. Each of these caretaking moments for Thay and for Jesus were expressions of profound love that connected death to life and symbolized the idea of Interbeing. These final rituals signified lives that were bound by love from their inception through to their finale. Anointed by oils, compassion, prayer and chant, these lives, like so many others, are held in holiness well beyond their time on the planet.

This practice of sacred ritual, formed in different beliefs, exemplifies the wisdom tradition's tenet that life exists on a higher plane, beyond the physical. Both Jesus and Thay taught and believed that love is stronger than death and that compassion will heal us all. Both knew that compassion carries on long after the physical body is gone. Both seemed to say that in dying to the self we offer something more to the world. In that way, none of us has to wait until physical death for such a sacred anointing. We can engage in that ritual right now, anointing the world through dying to the self and seeking to serve others first.

Through the grace of Jesus and the compassion of Thay, let us return to rituals that bless, honor and heal. For then, our Beloveds continue to live through us, with compassion and grace. May our beloved teachers rest in peace as they live in our hearts as we anoint the world.

Grace, Always Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: What rituals will you engage in that will help you die to the self?

Addressing the finality of death and loss is never easy. If you are suffering such a loss, it is my privilege and honor to walk with you through it and to help you find your peace. I can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or 215 260 1611.