Pain of Death

Questioner: "Amma, why is there so much fear and pain associated with death?

Mata Amritanandamayi: "To much attachment to the body and the world creates pain and fear of death. Almost everyone believes that death is complete annihilation. No one wants to leave the world and disappear into oblivion. When we have such attachment, the process of letting go of the body and the world can be painful."

Questioner: "Will death be painless if we outgrow that attachment?"

Mata Amritanandamayi: "If one transcends attachment to the body, not only will death become painless, it will also be a blissful experience. You can remain a witness to the death of the body. A detached attitude makes death an entirely different experience.

"The majority of people die in terrible disappointment and frustration. Consumed in deep sadness, they spend their last days in anxiety, pain and utter despair. Why? because they never leanrt how to let go of, and free themselves from their meaningless dreams, desires and attachments. Old age, especially the last of such people will become worse than hell. That is why wisdom is important."

(pgs. 34-35, From Amma's Heart)