Walk into the Light: Chulalongkorn University opens 'Beautiful Death' class

[webfact]

Walk into the Light: Chulalongkorn University opens 'Beautiful Death' class

By Coconuts Bangkok 

 

 

Bangkok’s Teochew Chinese Cemetery. Photo: Siwaporn Wongchaiyakul/ Coconuts Media

 

BANGKOK: -- Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's highest ranked university, will open a class on death education next semester, a subject rarely mentioned in higher education.

 

“Beautiful Death” is said to be a modern update of the basic death education and will focus on how one should live their lives to the fullest and prepare for their unavoidable ending, Thai News Agency reported.

 

The class will be taught by Assoc. Prof. Aim-utcha Wattanaburanon, who holds a doctoral degree in School and Community Health Education from Oregon State University, in the U.S.

 

Full story: http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2016/11/23/walk-light-chulalongkorn-university-opens-beautiful-death-class

 

-- © Copyright Coconuts Bangkok 2016-11-24

[yellowboat]

Would rather learn more about living.  

[seahorse]

2 minutes ago, yellowboat said:

Would rather learn more about living.  

Did you miss this bit?

Quote

how one should live their lives to the fullest

 

[rkidlad]

Maybe they can explain the process of what happens when you die. Funnily enough, it's the same process as when animals and plants die. You're worm food. Then we can get busy living and stop thinking about dying. 

 

But what happens after? Well, according to what we know about science and nature we turn into worm food. Just like a dead flower or a dead rat, we are not special. We are part of nature.

 

There must be more to life than this? I think not. But if you don't have evidence on the contrary, you're free to believe what you like. But remember, just because something can't be explained doesn't mean gods or magic are behind it. Science and nature are not obliged to make sense - but it is solvable. 

[Emster23]

"Live fast, die young, and leave a beautiful corpse" going to be one of the topics? Are they trying to increase suicide rate or something? Forget "walking into the light", just crossing the street with the light could send you off the mortal plane

Edited November 24, 2016 by Emster23

[Lupatria]

I guess the auditorium will be overcrowded as the subject seems to be much easier than math, physics and chemistry.

[adhd]

maybe teach em they will not get reborn

 

and be more responsible in this life, for their own, their children, try to save some money for the olds, not spend it all on crappy goods they don't need ?

[elgordo38]

Would prefer someone who has already had the experience. 

[The Deerhunter]

9 hours ago, rkidlad said:

Maybe they can explain the process of what happens when you die. Funnily enough, it's the same process as when animals and plants die. You're worm food. Then we can get busy living and stop thinking about dying. 

 

But what happens after? Well, according to what we know about science and nature we turn into worm food. Just like a dead flower or a dead rat, we are not special. We are part of nature.

 

There must be more to life than this? I think not. But if you don't have evidence on the contrary, you're free to believe what you like. But remember, just because something can't be explained doesn't mean gods or magic are behind it. Science and nature are not obliged to make sense - but it is solvable. 

It is in this very subject that as atheist I almost (I said almost) envy the religious people who believe in life after death, because I am not looking forward to the day I just die and cease to exist in any form.  And it might well be slow and painful. Then I see all the obvious indications that the religious folk actually do not really believe, yes and that includes the devout Buddhists in my family here.  This is the biggest draw-card of religion. They promise that if you believe (& especially if you pay lots of money) then some part of you (your soul or spirit) will survive your physical mortification or for Buddhists, you will be reincarnated.  Most of the religious people I know do not act like they are all so certain what is going to happen to them.   I just love the wording of most Christian funeral services I have been to in recent years where they talk about "the sure and present hope"  of an afterlife.   Really reassuring for the congregation.  My sister is all born-again but her husband pointed that out to me at one family funeral a few years back and I have listened hard ever since. Most times he is right and they use the word hope in that phrase of the service.  Talk about betting 10 bob (a dollar for some of you) each way!  Cheer up. 

[Xircal]

What a morbid subject. Doesn't this lecturer have anything better to do that to talk about preparing for death?

 

As for living life to the fullest, too many things can happen over which you have no control and life can suddenly become very unpleasant and totally meaningless.

 

I prefer to take life as it comes and learn from my experiences. It seems to have worked pretty well so far.

[rkidlad]

1 hour ago, The Deerhunter said:

It is in this very subject that as atheist I almost (I said almost) envy the religious people who believe in life after death, because I am not looking forward to the day I just die and cease to exist in any form.  And it might well be slow and painful. Then I see all the obvious indications that the religious folk actually do not really believe, yes and that includes the devout Buddhists in my family here.  This is the biggest draw-card of religion. They promise that if you believe (& especially if you pay lots of money) then some part of you (your soul or spirit) will survive your physical mortification or for Buddhists, you will be reincarnated.  Most of the religious people I know do not act like they are all so certain what is going to happen to them.   I just love the wording of most Christian funeral services I have been to in recent years where they talk about "the sure and present hope"  of an afterlife.   Really reassuring for the congregation.  My sister is all born-again but her husband pointed that out to me at one family funeral a few years back and I have listened hard ever since. Most times he is right and they use the word hope in that phrase of the service.  Talk about betting 10 bob (a dollar for some of you) each way!  Cheer up. 

Oh, I'm very happy. I try to live my life to the fullest. I absolutely live for the life I know I have now. 

 

In people's religion they usually have one god (Christianity, Islam, etc) Don't believe in that God and bad things will happen to you. Religious people better hope that that one and only God is theirs. And if it's not your god, you were born in the wrong country. Cheers real god for telling me. 

 

 

[Artisi]

Guess there will be Master Degree and PhD offered, although research will be difficult as there will be very little data available to finalise a thesis.

[OMGImInPattaya]

12 hours ago, rkidlad said:

Maybe they can explain the process of what happens when you die. Funnily enough, it's the same process as when animals and plants die. You're worm food. Then we can get busy living and stop thinking about dying. 

 

But what happens after? Well, according to what we know about science and nature we turn into worm food. Just like a dead flower or a dead rat, we are not special. We are part of nature.

 

There must be more to life than this? I think not. But if you don't have evidence on the contrary, you're free to believe what you like. But remember, just because something can't be explained doesn't mean gods or magic are behind it. Science and nature are not obliged to make sense - but it is solvable. 

All the atoms that have existed in the universe were created through the "Big Bang," and more locally, the atoms that coalesced to create the earth have more or less been here since its creation. Therefore, all matter that's ever existed, exists, and will exist on earth, animate or inanimate, has been made and remade from these same atoms.  So while we won't be "reborn," the atoms that make up our bodies will end up in all manner of things after our death. That's some comfort.

[The Deerhunter]

On 11/24/2016 at 7:56 PM, rkidlad said:

Oh, I'm very happy. I try to live my life to the fullest. I absolutely live for the life I know I have now. 

 

In people's religion they usually have one god (Christianity, Islam, etc) Don't believe in that God and bad things will happen to you. Religious people better hope that that one and only God is theirs. And if it's not your god, you were born in the wrong country. Cheers real god for telling me. 

 

 

Yes!  I regularly thank God that I am an Atheist.  They can't all be right.  I am sure that none of them are!!

[The Deerhunter]

On 11/24/2016 at 8:32 PM, OMGImInPattaya said:

All the atoms that have existed in the universe were created through the "Big Bang," and more locally, the atoms that coalesced to create the earth have more or less been here since its creation. Therefore, all matter that's ever existed, exists, and will exist on earth, animate or inanimate, has been made and remade from these same atoms.  So while we won't be "reborn," the atoms that make up our bodies will end up in all manner of things after our death. That's some comfort.

Until the sun swells up in 5 billion years & burns Earth.  But I agree.  It is some comfort, I guess but nothing is permanent.  "The Second Law of Thermodynamics" 

[The Deerhunter]

On 11/24/2016 at 9:42 AM, Lupatria said:

I guess the auditorium will be overcrowded as the subject seems to be much easier than math, physics and chemistry.

And about as useful as a BA in French & German or a Doctorate in Klingon.

[OMGImInPattaya]

35 minutes ago, The Deerhunter said:

Until the sun swells up in 5 billion years & burns Earth.  But I agree.  It is some comfort, I guess but nothing is permanent.  "The Second Law of Thermodynamics" 

Actually, through its own internal thermodynamics, in "only" 500 million years, the intensity of the sun's solar radiation will increase to such an extent that all life on earth will go extinct. Then the lifeless orb will be vaporized by the expanding sun 4.5 billion years later.

 

So live it up humans while there's still time ?

 

[Lupatria]

10 hours ago, OMGImInPattaya said:

Actually, through its own internal thermodynamics, in "only" 500 million years, the intensity of the sun's solar radiation will increase to such an extent that all life on earth will go extinct. Then the lifeless orb will be vaporized by the expanding sun 4.5 billion years later.

 

So live it up humans while there's still time ?

 

I only hope it won't happen on a Friday, that's when I do the laundry...

[kannot]

how you  live your  life is up to you and the  last thing id  want would be a  Thai  telling me his/her version of "how" especially if it  involves the religious nonsense

[kannot]

On 11/24/2016 at 6:15 PM, The Deerhunter said:

It is in this very subject that as atheist I almost (I said almost) envy the religious people who believe in life after death, because I am not looking forward to the day I just die and cease to exist in any form.  And it might well be slow and painful. Then I see all the obvious indications that the religious folk actually do not really believe, yes and that includes the devout Buddhists in my family here.  This is the biggest draw-card of religion. They promise that if you believe (& especially if you pay lots of money) then some part of you (your soul or spirit) will survive your physical mortification or for Buddhists, you will be reincarnated.  Most of the religious people I know do not act like they are all so certain what is going to happen to them.   I just love the wording of most Christian funeral services I have been to in recent years where they talk about "the sure and present hope"  of an afterlife.   Really reassuring for the congregation.  My sister is all born-again but her husband pointed that out to me at one family funeral a few years back and I have listened hard ever since. Most times he is right and they use the word hope in that phrase of the service.  Talk about betting 10 bob (a dollar for some of you) each way!  Cheer up. 

Look at it  this way, you dont remember the moment of your  conception and you wont remember  your death, you  will return as atoms in a  billion other things.........thats about the only reincarnation youll get

Its  funny but people go to sleep at  night and wake  up the next day, its no different except you dont wake  up, in thos e hours  you sleep  you dont know anything

[kannot]

6 minutes ago, Lupatria said:

I only hope it won't happen on a Friday, that's when I do the laundry...

no it  might  be   better  for  faster  drying

[kannot]

On 11/24/2016 at 8:09 AM, rkidlad said:

Maybe they can explain the process of what happens when you die. Funnily enough, it's the same process as when animals and plants die. You're worm food. Then we can get busy living and stop thinking about dying. 

 

But what happens after? Well, according to what we know about science and nature we turn into worm food. Just like a dead flower or a dead rat, we are not special. We are part of nature.

 

There must be more to life than this? I think not. But if you don't have evidence on the contrary, you're free to believe what you like. But remember, just because something can't be explained doesn't mean gods or magic are behind it. Science and nature are not obliged to make sense - but it is solvable. 

in  fact  science  has reduced  the  gods and  magic dramatically over  the  last  500 year with real proof, so  much so you wonder why the drivel of religion persists with no proof.

[maewang99]

Dearhunter: love to hear your view.  let me add to it.

one weekend at a workshop at UCLA on writing.. a Hollywood guy giving one of the talks.....

 

"never let the audience surrogate die. never. unless thru death they acquire something bigger than their death."

i.e. why all you see is black while Tony Soprano sits at his last meal.   

i.e. why in The Fury 2014 Matt Daom's character dies in the tank.. and we get the shot where we rise over the tank as he dies... but all along you were identifying more with his increasingly perceived twin... audience surrogate.... the younger guy who exits through the bottom of the tank.. that and why the younger guy got the pretty girl and not Damon's character as well... part of that morphing and close call to breaking the Hollywood rule...  pretty cool movie for that.... 

but most of all.......................

i.e. why the Greatest Story of All Time is when the surrogate not only undies but in doing so rescues all of present and future humanity from eternal hell.... a Hollywood script to the 'T'.

 

and the same thing behind why "politics" in USA is a bit more increasingly personal and crazy... the Boomer and post boomer TV generations combined with TV show and movie stars.... eh? 

 

 

     

 

Edited November 26, 2016 by maewang99

[elgordo38]

On 11/24/2016 at 6:15 PM, The Deerhunter said:

They promise that if you believe (& especially if you pay lots of money) then some part of you (your soul or spirit) will survive your physical mortification or for Buddhists, you will be reincarnated

Sounds similar to politics to me. We sell our souls and vote to them and they give us nothing.

[The Deerhunter]

4 hours ago, maewang99 said:

Dearhunter: love to hear your view.  let me add to it.

one weekend at a workshop at UCLA on writing.. a Hollywood guy giving one of the talks.....

 

"never let the audience surrogate die. never. unless thru death they acquire something bigger than their death."

i.e. why all you see is black while Tony Soprano sits at his last meal.   

i.e. why in The Fury 2014 Matt Daom's character dies in the tank.. and we get the shot where we rise over the tank as he dies... but all along you were identifying more with his increasingly perceived twin... audience surrogate.... the younger guy who exits through the bottom of the tank.. that and why the younger guy got the pretty girl and not Damon's character as well... part of that morphing and close call to breaking the Hollywood rule...  pretty cool movie for that.... 

but most of all.......................

i.e. why the Greatest Story of All Time is when the surrogate not only undies but in doing so rescues all of present and future humanity from eternal hell.... a Hollywood script to the 'T'.

 

and the same thing behind why "politics" in USA is a bit more increasingly personal and crazy... the Boomer and post boomer TV generations combined with TV show and movie stars.... eh? 

 

 

     

 

 I always thought a boomer was slang for a Trident nuclear sub. Except they tell me I'm a baby boomer and I cant even swim underwater. Sorry I do not understand the things you write about here, except "The greatest story of all time"  bit.  

I read something about that in a very old book of superstitious fairy tales. 

[chrisinth]

5 hours ago, maewang99 said:

Dearhunter: love to hear your view.  let me add to it.

one weekend at a workshop at UCLA on writing.. a Hollywood guy giving one of the talks.....

 

"never let the audience surrogate die. never. unless thru death they acquire something bigger than their death."

i.e. why all you see is black while Tony Soprano sits at his last meal.   

i.e. why in The Fury 2014 Matt Daom's character dies in the tank.. and we get the shot where we rise over the tank as he dies... but all along you were identifying more with his increasingly perceived twin... audience surrogate.... the younger guy who exits through the bottom of the tank.. that and why the younger guy got the pretty girl and not Damon's character as well... part of that morphing and close call to breaking the Hollywood rule...  pretty cool movie for that.... 

but most of all.......................

i.e. why the Greatest Story of All Time is when the surrogate not only undies but in doing so rescues all of present and future humanity from eternal hell.... a Hollywood script to the 'T'.

 

and the same thing behind why "politics" in USA is a bit more increasingly personal and crazy... the Boomer and post boomer TV generations combined with TV show and movie stars.... eh? 

 

 

     

 

 

I've found over the years, on practically all subjects and not just death, it has been extremely prudent to get my head out of 'Hollywood' and experience a big bit of reality to continue the journey through life.

 

I have found they are completely different stories and nowhere near as spectacular as in pretendland.