After Death, Suffering Intensifies

A young woman, heartbroken by lost love, took her own life, believing that death would end her pain. Yet after passing away, her consciousness witnessed her former lover happy with his new wife, and the agony became far more intense than before.

The sunset cast a golden glow over the bridge where she stood, gazing down at the rushing water below. Her eyes were dry, for her tears had long since run out. She recalled their solemn vows to one another, promises of eternal devotion. But he had met a woman who was wealthier and more beautiful, leaving her behind to marry another. She did not cause a scene at the wedding; she simply endured in silence. However, her sorrow eventually surpassed her capacity to bear it.

She whispered to herself, "If I die, the suffering will cease. Everything will finally come to an end."

With that thought, she jumped into the river. But after death, her consciousness found no liberation. It drifted aimlessly, following him home like a shadow. She watched as he tenderly held his new wife’s hand while they strolled along the sun-drenched evening path. She saw him pour water for her, serve her food, and attend to her with gentle care. The pain within her intensified a hundredfold compared to when she was alive. She wished to die again, but she could not. Even in death, she was forced to witness his happiness and endure relentless torment.

The Meaning of This Story

Death is not the end of suffering. In fact, the anguish experienced after death can be far more severe, because the consciousness remains agitated and trapped in its own perceptions. Never consider suicide as a way to escape pain, for the next existence may bring even greater hardship.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang