Dying

It is All Souls Day, a time when death is not a taboo subject. It is one day of the year that we dedicate to the dearly departed. We were at the cementry on Sunday, clearing the tomb of weeds. While my grandfather's grave still had a tomb, some of the neighbouring ones had completely flatten without even the sight of the tombstone. Testimony that the passage of time annihilates all.
I asked my father how he would like things done and be remembered when the time came. He said he wished to be cremated and the ashes left in a temple. The reason was that it was more convenient for all to visit whenever anyone wanted to remember him and prayers would be conducted by the monks of the temple. I said that would still be leaving behind a legacy. Leaving earth but still not completely leaving. In some cases, it becomes a burden to others because of the obligations to return to show respect for the departed. The best way I feel is to completely return to mother nature, just like the way we came. With nothing and to leave nothing behind. Ashes strewn into the flowing river or the mighty ocean reflects a complete letting go of all that binds us to earth. We return to become one with nature with nothing holding us back and nothing holding back those we leave behind. The clear waters of a river, the spring flowers, the soft wind that gently rustles the leaves can be enough reminders of our time on earth to anyone who feels like remembering us. If there was indeed any legacy one wanted to leave behind, perhaps the money which would otherwise be used for the grave be instead used to buy a few trees to be planted in some lovely spots amongst nature along with a bench(excluding any labels of in memoriam) for some tired and dispirited souls to rest and reflect in their journey of life.