The Journey of Life and Death (Thai monastic participant) เวอร์ชั่นภาษาไทย
The “Facing Death Before Dying” workshop—led by Rev. Nemoto over two deeply reflective days—was a sacred space for contemplating suicide prevention and reawakening awareness of death. For me, it became a rare and valuable opportunity to revisit the truth of death and to reflect upon the life that remains from a new and more grounded perspective.
As a Thai Theravada monk, I have spent years studying the teachings of the Buddha through the Pali Canon, the Abhidhamma, and extensive training in both calming (shamatha) and insight (vipassana) meditation across various traditions. I have also journeyed to many countries where Buddhism has taken root, learning how its spirit manifests in diverse cultural forms.
Watching the documentary on the life and work of Rev. Nemoto allowed me to witness the compassionate path of a man who has offered himself wholly—his time, intellect, physical strength, emotional resilience, and resources—to accompany those on the edge of despair in Japan. His dedication reveals the full potential of a human being who chooses to serve others from the heart.
The practice of life reflection through images and words provided a mirror, allowing us to both express our truest self and rediscover forgotten fragments of who we are. Drawing from psychological insights, we were invited to engage with the hidden and blind areas, as well as the unknown territory of our inner world—those subtle realms that often go unnoticed.
Among all the activities, three in particular left a lasting impression on my heart:
- The Vision Board Activity
Each sheet, covered in our own handwriting, became a mirror of truth—radiating light amidst inner darkness. They invited us to discern between the genuine and the superficial values that shape our lives. - Zen-style Morning Meditation
Each morning, we returned to a simple, honest connection with our body and mind. This daily rhythm nurtured clarity and discernment, reminding us of the many paths of practice that share one essential core. - The Mock Funeral and Caregiver Roleplay
This activity brought me back to the intimate truth of life and death—something I have helped others explore in similar processes, yet had almost forgotten to deeply touch again within myself. We often move through life task by task, moment by moment, like a ticking second hand, and in doing so, we may unknowingly forget the most essential question of all.
“One day… we all must die.”
To gather with others who share a sincere interest in life and death is to be seen, to be supported, and to support in return. In such a space, the quality of spiritual friendship (kalyanamittata) becomes visible—just as the Buddha praised it as not only part of the path but the entirety of it.
With heartfelt gratitude, I offer my respect to the teacher, the organizers, the participants, and all supporters of this meaningful retreat. May your lives flourish in both worldly and spiritual ways. And may we all pause, even briefly, to contemplate:
“If today were the last day of your life,
how would you wish to spend it?”
Phra Woot Sumedho (Tongmun)
Wat Nakhon Sawan,
Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand
