Prompt #81 “Instruction Manual for the Dead”

For this prompt I either want you to invent your own mythology surrounding the afterlife (you can combine and utilize existing philosophies to create an original perspective) or to elaborate on existing philosophy. In the Tibetan Book of the Dead there are actual instructions for the newly departed to navigate the netherworld. These instructions are chanted to the deceased by trained monks as part of a unique death ritual. Of all the after life mythologies I have explored, the Tibetan Buddhist philosophy paints the clearest visual of the beyond so it might be a good place to start your inquiry. You can even take the stance that we are already dead and that this life is false like the Dustmen of Planescape Torment. If this life is false how do we break the spell?

There are no right or wrong answers and you don’t even have to write something that reflects your personal beliefs just explore.

 

Here’s mine

Step 1 Don’t give up on life before it is done, that is the only regret.

Step 2 If the appointment suits proceed through the blue door.

Step 3 Do not be frightened by your reflection. Demons are just men with obscured faces. A mask is just a mask whatever its embellishments. You are both the demon and the mask.

Step 4 Pleasure is a trap. Beauty is fanged. Heaven is cruel when caged. You are both the angel and the snare.

Step 5 The Devil is but one of your manifestations. You are the universe. You are the cast.

Step 6 Travel if you must but return to the source. Everything you need to awaken is within.

Step 7 The womb is not a hotel. Comfort is neither origin nor destination but its worship can be an impediment. To live is to grow. To live is to learn. To develop flexibility breathe deeply when approaching the edge.