Why Visualize Death Before We Die

There is a meditation practice in Buddhism named Maranasati, which means the mindfulness or awareness of death. Death is the ultimate truth, although we shirk away from contemplating about it. We come into this world naked and leave naked. Only our true self, our soul, is eternal. We keep on cladding our true self with layers of ego driven traits primarily motivated by the need to feel superior, prove ourselves, or seek external validation. But we were not born with these traits, we were not born with our egos and its associated selfishnesses. When we die, our soul, which is our true self, stares at our ego, our conscious self. Moreso to ask, is this what we lived for? Thus, in this post, let’s delve into why we should visualize death before we die.

“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.”
~ Norman Cousins

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Why Visualize Death Before We Die

What Do We See When We Visualize Death?

It is imperative to ask what do we see when we visualize death to understand why we need to visualize death. When we visualize death, we are leaving behind everything that we hankered for in our mortal lives. Be it possessions or relationships, all our attachments. With attachments, we mean selfish desires to which we want to cling on as long as possible since they feed or validate our egos. Our ego is a psychological construct that serves as a defense mechanism to protect our sense of self. Thus, it’s all about our individual or conscious self, which fosters separateness from our true self. At death, our true self or soul reunites with the universal self, returning to the infinite source from which it originated. The universal self is a concept that transcends the boundaries of individual identity and refers to a collective or higher consciousness shared by all existence.

In a nutshell, visualizing death can lead to a profound dissolution of the ego and transcendence of the individual self, offering a deeper understanding of life and existence.

What is the Purpose of Our Life?

Visualizing death also begets the question: what is the purpose of our life? Was the purpose of our life only achieving our selfish desires and passions? To make us happy? Happiness is fleeting, because after happiness we experience sadness and then suffering, since the truth of our lives is everything changes and nothing is permanent. What is more permanent is the inner peace and a sense of equanimity with ourself that we gain from deeper realization of this truth. This profound understanding, often referred to as self-realization or self-actualization, allows us to transcend the transient joys and sorrows of life.

Did We Live Our Purpose?

That further begets the question: did we live our purpose in life when we stare death? It may seem too late then if we realize we didn’t. This is such a profound question, and it strikes at the very heart of what it means to live meaningfully. Contemplating whether we lived our purpose in life when staring at death can indeed feel daunting, but this reflection can inspire us to live more intentionally now—before it’s too late.

What Did We Miss and Why?

If, at the moment of death, we realize we didn’t live our purpose in life, what we missed isn’t just a checklist of achievements—it’s something far more profound: the opportunity to fully experience the depth, beauty, and meaning of being alive.

In the end, we may miss the opportunity to live authentically, connect deeply with others, grow meaningfully, and experience genuine joy. Realize we prioritized external achievements over inner fulfillment and avoided discomfort that could have led to transformation.

We miss living our purpose because of distractions, fear of change, societal pressures, and attachment to external goals. We avoid discomfort, neglect self-reflection, and prioritize short-term comforts over long-term fulfillment. This leads us to lose touch with our authentic selves, leaving us disconnected from deeper meaning.

What Could We Do Before We Die?

Before we die, we can reconnect with our authentic selves by prioritizing what truly matters—meaningful relationships, self-growth, and inner peace. Reflect regularly on our values, passions, and desires, and align our actions with them. Face fears and embrace change, stepping outside comfort zones to pursue our dreams. Let go of external validation and material pursuits, focusing instead on love, kindness, and connection. Practice gratitude, forgiveness, and mindfulness daily. Live with intention, not regret, and seek moments of joy and presence. Ultimately, we can live fully, with purpose, ensuring our last moments reflect the life we truly wanted to lead.

Further, choosing selfless service over selfish desires before we die is an act of transcendence. Selfless service helps us step out of our limited self-interest and connects us to the greater whole of humanity. It brings deep fulfillment and meaning that material desires can’t offer. When we focus on serving others, we experience the joy of giving, contribute to the well-being of those around us, and leave a legacy of love, kindness, and impact. Selflessness fosters inner peace and gratitude, helping us overcome the emptiness that often accompanies selfish pursuits. Ultimately, service aligns us with our higher purpose and true fulfillment.

Conclusion on Why Visualize Death Before We Die

When we visualize death, we look eye to eye at our biggest fear. That is death. When we accept death, the fear of it—and many other fears—loses its power. Visualizing death before we die brings clarity, urging us to live with purpose and intentionality. It reminds us of life’s impermanence, pushing us to focus on what truly matters—authentic relationships, personal growth, and meaningful contributions. By contemplating our mortality, we recognize the futility of selfish desires and the profound fulfillment found in selfless service. Serving others shifts our focus from fleeting gratification to lasting joy and impact. This realization empowers us to live fully, embrace compassion, and leave a legacy that transcends material pursuits, helping us align with our deeper purpose and live a life of profound fulfillment.