Imminent Death
Rinpoche gave this advice to a student who had cancer and was close to dying.
My most dear, most kind, most precious, wish-fulfilling one,
You don’t need to think your death is bad. In fact, the way to look at it is that now you can go to the pure land faster or have better conditions to practice Dharma again with a precious human rebirth. So don’t look at this as bad. One way is to really think that you will get to the pure land faster. That is the way to think now.
As I already mentioned, if you can, sometimes do Vajrayogini self-initiation. Also do Vajrasattva and Thirty-five Buddhas practice, if possible three times each day, especially the confession. If you can, confess to your gurus also, but within the Thirty-five Buddhas, really focus on the confession.
Now is the time for you to really focus on Guru Vajrayogini. Recite the mantra a lot and of course, when the time of passing comes, really meditate on the deity.
Now you need to rejoice, because you met the Dharma and dedicated your life to Lama Yeshe and myself for so many years. From that you have collected the most merit, the most purification. Rejoice in this. You have been working for the centers and teaching Dharma for so, so many years, and working for His Holiness, following His Holiness’s advice and fulfilling the holy wishes. Think like that over and over, rejoicing day and night.
Maybe you can also think that Guru Vajrayogini is above your crown all the time, then your consciousness can become oneness with Guru Vajrayogini. Always think that. If possible, be ready [for your consciousness] to shoot up to the heart [ of Guru Vajrayogini]. Always be ready for this, then in the aspect of the deity you are able to go to the pure land, where dakas and dakinis will be doing prostrations and playing music for you.
You can see Guru Vajrayogini in the pure land; the deity will be there to receive you and give teachings. The main thing is for your mind to be oneness with Guru Vajrayogini. You must think that as much as possible without being distracted. As much as possible, try that.
You are most fortunate. This is the best way for your life to end; a most unbelievable, unbelievable, worthwhile life. You are still continuing to follow your guru’s advice; you worked very hard and fulfilled my wishes. You worked for so many years for all sentient beings and the teachings of the Buddha. It’s been a most unbelievable, beneficial life.
With much love and prayers ...