Dear Woodstock, many thanks for your clear info. "Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live." and "To know you're going to die, and to be prepared for it any time. That's better. That way you can actually be more involved in your life while you're living." This whole phrase is very meaningful and true. I will try getting that recommended book. To know and understand the final passage of Anita Mui has always been on my mind and I thank you and this enormous website. I hope ana read my thanks too.

Woodstock: I'm pleased to hear that you enjoy reading "Tuesdays with Morrie". This easy-to-read book is full of wisdom and appreciation of life. It goes beyond religious teachings and reveal to us the true meaning of life through the dying process of a great teacher. Aging and dying are not a terror if we are able to live a meaningful life, that is " Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning". Mui did it and she did it great. There should be no regret for her life. She demonstrated to the whole world how to live through how to die.

Judita: I think ana is having her long, long meditation or having another holiday. Don't worry, trust me she will acknowledge your "thank you" message sooner or later.

Grandma: thanks for the concise and up-to-point summary of this book, and thanks for lending me this great book.

A very strong-willed woman thats Anita and i really admired the way she had coped with life and at death's door.
Woodstock & Grandma: thanks for recommending!

Anita was a very brave woman & is one of the reasons why I respect her so much.

Hoping I could be as brave too & also be so dedicated to a religion too. I strongly believe a person with strong beliefs lead a better & more positive life. I have been stuck between Christianity & Buddhism for a few years and is determined I'm a lost soul trying to find my true religion. I respect philosophies & teachings from both ends. Everyone in my family's Buddhist, but most of my friends are Christians. Speaking to either sides, they would seem to give me a biased opinion. So I'm hoping I'll be enlightened some day and find my religion before my last day comes.

Any suggestions??

Li Shan: Our pleasure

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MuLaN_Mui: I believe a religion really can help a person to overcome difficulties when he is in big trouble, when he is spiritually weak, and when he needs direction and support. But I don't totally agree to you that "a person with strong beliefs lead a better & more positive life." Many people without a religion also can live that type of life, because many of them just like you, they adopt the great teachings and philosophies of all kinds of religions into their daily life and practice, and they are trying hard too to make themselves better and this world a better place to live.

Therefore, I think with or without a religion is really not that important, but most important is that we must have a goal that will help us to lead a meaningful life, and at the same time we have some good friends or seniors who can positively guide us through during our difficult time when we feel lost.

Undeniably Anita can be our role model, because she is really a lady with an admirable personality and character.

However, I won't object anyone to have a religion. Whether you will be a Buddhist or Christian, all depends on your fate with that religion. But whichever religion you will pick up, I really wish you truly believe in that religion, and it's not for the sake of your family or friends.

Thanks Woodstock for the great words of wisdom. You are very right. I guess when the right time comes my heart & mind will calm down a bit and my heart will tell me what religion I belong to. In the meantime as long as I live positively & not do bad to other's, life can just be as satisfying.

Woodstock:
your words of wisdom bring me to tear... sniff sniff...

I feel very flattered when you think my opinion is "words of wisdom", but I don't think I'm that wise in the eyes of those who have a religion, as no matter how I try to live according to my conscience, I'm still considered as a lost soul. So I really hope those who are Christians or Buddhists will say something here to enlighten us or to tell us why it is better to have a religion. I might not be converted but I still like to hear their opinions.

Woodstock: You have posted a very difficult question, "why it is better to have a religion"? I don't think people having a religious belief is superior or better than those who don't. As you said, people without religion can still be a good guy if he lives according to his conscience and adopt a meaningful life.

Having a religious belief is more than 'picking up' a religion and being a good guy. It involves seeking something that one believes a religion will bring forth such as peace, joy, hope ,love. More importantly, there is the development of a personal relationship with God. Such relationship will enable you to undergo a change in your life. The change can portray as "a person with strong beliefs lead a better & more positive life" The better and more positive life here doesn't mean comparison between believers and non-believers. It means a positive change in the inner self of the believer.

You said, "I believe a religion really can help a person to overcome difficulties when he is in big trouble, when he is spiritually weak, and when he needs direction and support." How about a person who is spiritually strong and have all the troubles being solved, is religious belief become unnecessary to him? I think faith and belief is not exclusive to those weak,underpriviledged and unfortunate people.

We don't need our brains to believe, we only need our hearts. Whether a person is 'wise' in the eyes of others, is out of question. Seek, and you will find God. Want to try? You have nothing to lose.