"Life and death are important. Don't suffer them in vain"

The quote "Life and death are essential. Do not suffer them in vain," credited to Bodhidharma, triggers a deep and reflective reflection on the nature of presence. Bodhidharma, acknowledged as the creator of Zen Buddhism in China, often stressed direct experience and awakening over theoretical knowledge. This quote can be approached through the philosophical lens of Zen, encapsulating profound facts about presence.

The assertion that "life and death are very important" signifies the inherent value in both aspects of the existential cycle. Life, with its myriad experiences, pleasures, and challenges, is a precious opportunity for development, learning, and spiritual practice. In acknowledging its importance, one may cultivate mindfulness, existence, and a deep gratitude for today moment. By attaching significance to life, we acknowledge its prospective as a canvas for developing meaning and cultivating connections with the world around us.

On the other hand, death is similarly substantial. It serves as a natural counterbalance to life, advising us of impermanence. The recommendation of death advises individuals to embrace the limited nature of presence, motivating a life coped with intent and awareness. In Buddhist teachings, contemplating death is a powerful practice, stimulating urgency and fostering a much deeper understanding of the short-term nature of all things.

The admonition "Don't suffer them fruitless" is where the useful application enters play. It is an admonition not to misuse the chances that both life and death present. To suffer them fruitless would imply to go through life aimlessly, without reflection, function, or understanding. It highlights the significance of discovering significance and not enabling life and its inevitable conclusion to pass unexamined or without growth.

Therefore, this quote motivates coping with awareness, discovering function, and remaining cognizant of the significance of both life and death. It is a call to engage deeply with the present, using the truth of life and the certainty of death as drivers for a meaningful presence.