There has been a sharp decline in moral values in recent times not only in Sri Lanka but all over the world. With the paramount emphasis on material development, the importance of leading a life of Modesty and virtue has been seriously impaired. The primary objective has become to go places in the world in varied fields such as economic, social, political and academic. The harm and suffering caused to others, human, animal the overall environment and generations yet unborn are not seriously considered and have been sacrificed at the altar of material advancement.

In these circumstances, the advice of the Buddha to His disciples to constantly reflect on Death is most relevant. It is one area in which all are equal in the sense that all living beings, human and animal, rich and poor, powerful and humble, have to face Death sooner or later. In this connection, the words of the Buddha as recorded in the Samyutta Nikaya, iv, 9 is as follows.

"Brief is the life of man.

The wise man should not take delight therein.

Let him act as if his head were burning.

For there is no way whereby death comes not".

Death brings to sharp focus the impermanence of material things that we yearn for and the human relationships we treasure are destined to decay and perish or we would perish earlier. In any event, the pleasure and satisfaction one gets from fulfilling material desires is shortlived.

The constant reflection on Death will enable one to take a more dispassionate and humane view of things. Although the material aspects of life are important especially for those who are leading a lay life with attendant family responsibilities, the constant reminder that life is short would enable one to restrain ones material desires and consider the morality of the Means adopted to achieve such material success.

Most people are reluctant to reflect on Death considering it an unpleasant subject. However, the Buddha advocated the frequent contemplation of Death because of its many benefits to oneself and to others with whom one associates. If we are agitated or worried at any time we could reflect that with or without worries we would grow old and die. It is better to grow old without worries which would adversely affect our health and even our span of life.

Reflection on Death would also encourage the development of the noble qualities that are the very opposite of selfishness, ill-will and envy. There would be greater tolerance and patience with oneself and others. Moreover, there will be less attachment to material things, less greed to acquire such things and less envy of others fortunes.

On the other hand, if one is irritated or frustrated with oneself or others one should contemplate that life is short and soon we would be all dead. So why argue, quarrel and lose ones sense of balance over comparatively trivial matters. In such circumstances it would be better to maintain peace with oneself and with others.

Furthermore, the contemplation of death would give rise to sanvega - a sense of urgency - to lead a moral life aware of the law of kamma - the law of cause and effect - where wholesome actions yield pleasant results and unwholesome actions lead to unpleasant experiences in this life and future lives. The Buddha once posed a question to King Pasenadi of Kosala: "What would you do, O king, if you are told that four huge mountains, one each from the north, south, east, and west, are heading in the direction of your kingdom, crushing every living thing in sight, and there is no escape?" The King replied: "Lord, in such a mighty disaster, what else can I do save to lead a righteous life and do good deeds.

The Buddha then drove home the point. "0 king, old age and death are rolling in upon you. What are you going to do?" The King replied that in such circumstances it was all the more urgent for him to lead a righteous life and do good deeds. The King thus acknowledged that all the power, prestige, wealth and sensual pleasures that he enjoyed as King would be useless in the face of Death.

What is advocated in Buddhism regarding Death is wise attention - yoniso manasikara. Such reflection would lead to a sense of solidarity with all living beings since we are all in the same boat, having to face Death eventually. Constant reflection on Death would enable one to live wisely and compassionately with greater generosity and sharing and caring for the welfare of others.

Thus, Death far from being a morbid subject could be utilized for reflection to live a life of fulfillment with consideration for others, born and unborn, with thoughts of goodwill, generosity and equanimity. Contemplation on these aspects of Buddhist Philosophy by more and more people could reverse the current trend of assigning the highest priority to material gain and ego centric thinking and encourage humanity towards the establishment of universally accepted standards of moral conduct.