My Thai wife's mother passed away this morning about about 3 a.m. (about 6 hours ago here in Bangkok). She was 83 and has been quite ill and bedridden for nearly a year. She passed away quietly and in her sleep.
All those who wish may offer prayers for her and her good rebirth.
I will only leave you with the thought that without suffering and death in this world, a sentient being might have no reason to begin the study and understanding of the Dharma...and at some point in their study and practice of that Dharma find release from the cycle of life and death.
And when you understand that, you will then realise that suffering and death has a purpose in the turning of the Great Wheel ofthe Dharma and is therefore a thing to be celebrated and not a thing to be taken as sadness.
