Although it may sound counterintuitive, taking time to contemplate death often works to reduce anxiety and suffering and increase happiness. Meditation and Buddhist practice have always advocated for the daily reflection on death: its inevitability and unpredictability. Confronting death helps us to overcome our fear and to develop an acceptance of death as a natural part of life. It serves to remind us of the preciousness of our time, and helps lessen the surprise and anguish when loved ones pass away. Discuss the how’s and why’s behind the practice with Bhante Suddhāso, a Western Buddhist monk and co-founder of an organization connecting laypeople to monastics in both secular and non-secular spaces. He’ll lead a guided meditation in Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel before answering questions from Common Shade host Evan Michelson and you.