Are you afraid to die?

[Springsummer]

I just learnt there is book:

The Tibetan Book of the Dead

 

I downloaded it, but haven't had the time to read it yet.

[Ellener]

@Springsummer hope you enjoy it. 

I used to study theology as a hobby, there are just so many ideas outside ourselves. We use poems from many faiths in the Unitarian Universalist Church, even if we don't believe in all the ideas like reincarnation.

[homesickclutter]

Is death to be feared? 
Death anxiety is distinguished from necrophobia, which is a specific fear of dead or dying people and/or things. 
Well, nothing to be fearful of, for our life is not ours, if our creator wants us to be home then Thy will be done.

[Andy_K]

Yes, I'm terrified of death.

The idea that my consciousness might completely cease to exist, that the unique being that is me could just be switched off, every memory wiped out never to exist again... it's enough to bring me out in a cold sweat. I want to live. I'm not afraid of pain. The alternative is worse.

I'd like to believe there's something else. Perhaps reincarnation of some sort. Perhaps we're all just playing a big video game, matrix style. But without overwhelming belief that's the case, accepting death as 'okay' feels like a risk I'd rather not take.

Edited April 17, 2020 by Andy_K

[central]

I'm not afraid of dying, only of suffering on the way to death. I certainly don't want to die, and hope to live a much longer life (goal is 140! - which may become possible in the next decade or so with all the research into aging). Family history suggests mid-90s, and probably a little more as I've taken better care of myself than my parents and relatives.

As for my consciousness, I have no concerns about simply "ending." I don't believe in a god or afterlife, either. My consciousness is unique, of course, but I see no need to want it to last forever - how boring!