UPBUILDING THE SELF
Contemplating Death To Live a Good Life
Most of us keep death at arm’s length. We might discuss it in a casual way or we might even joke about it, but how many of us are really introspective about death and all of the implications that come with it? In this episode, Michael, Rasanath and Hari Prasada delve into the importance of contemplating death in order to have a good life. They examine how death can help us reevaluate how we spend our time, discover the inconsistencies in our life, and challenge our existing paradigms. They conclude by discussing what we can learn from near death experiences and how facing death can help the ego die before the body dies.
Podcast Hosts: Michael, Rasanath, and Hari Prasada
Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform
Highlights
[0:50] The importance of contemplating our death
[1:00] On The Brink of Death series with Sacinandana Swami that inspired this episode
[2:20] The existentialists Martin Heidegger and Soren Kierkegaard
[5:00] Rasanath’s experience as a kid asking his mother about the meaning of life
[7:00] Why we keep death at arm’s length
[9:00] Hari Prasada’s experience of seeing small deaths everywhere
[13:15] Interview with Mick Jagger
[14:40] The anxiety that accompanies being constantly prepared
[16:20] Ernest Becker - The Denial of Death (please note that Ernest Becker is not a famed psychologist, as described in the episode. He is famed for his perspective on psychology as a cultural anthropologist)
[17:00] Why most people have a bucket list
[21:10] The inconsistencies of how we live our life, through the lens of death
[23:30] The Sickness Unto Death
[29:40] Bhakti Tirtha Swami - The Beggar IV: Die Before Dying
[33:50] Surviving Death
Quotes
“If we want to have a meaningful life, then we must contemplate that in the face of death…if we want to master our life, it would be a contradiction to not see it in connection with the inevitable truth of its finality, of its end.” - Hari Prasada
“Death doesn’t make us feel good about ourselves and our lives. It’s meant to challenge our paradigms, and that’s where the transformation happens. Death is meant to lead to a radical transformation.” - Hari Prasada
“The reason why death is so critical is because death is the only thing that really brings us to the depth of emotional honesty.” - Rasanath
“The only way we are going to find meaning in the face of death is when we willingly walk through the desert of hopelessness, as we contend with it.” - Rasanath
“Death is essential for having a meaningful life. And it’s not an easy path to get there. We really have to be willing to tolerate discomfort, but it’s an opportunity for us to evaluate what we’re doing and choose a different way of being in this life.” - Michael
“The more we run away from it, the more we trap ourselves… It’s crucial that we, in order to live, actually learn how to die.” - Rasanath
For first timers, welcome to Upbuilding the Self
About the podcast: Two former monks, a former startup founder and CEO, and a former equity derivatives trader dive into how to be our best selves, free from the ego. Our egos are the identities we create for ourselves and wish the world to validate, but when we are not seen as we want to be, we feel insecure. This podcast lives at the intersection of leadership and spirituality. It will help you understand your ego and shed light on your inner world so that you can act with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to be your best self.
We also have three upcoming programs. Please reserve your spot ASAP.