. . .To whomsoever it may concern. . .

CONCERNING PROVISIONS FOR THE DEATH OF [name]

I am a [self realized person outside all religions and spiritual traditions], and I ask for the following requests to be observed if humanly possible in order that my mental state at and after the moment of clinical death be as relaxed and 'natural' as possible, so that I may udergo whatever transition awaits my consciousness in peace and with minimum problems.

Death is a positive process and I ask that it not be unduly delayed.

For medics and nurses, the most important part of this document is up to paragraph 12, though any who feel they have made some connection with me may wish to take note of the rest.

Before my death

1. At all times, I ask that NO mind-affecting drugs, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, anti-depressants, antipyschotics or stimulants, should be given, except in the event of my explicit request (a 'Yes' or a nod in answer to somebody's question does NOT count as such a request).

2. Painkillers.  As far as practicable, I want these given only with my consent; I particularly ask that any refusal on my part be fully respected and complied with.  In the event of pain, wherever possible I would prefer non-drug pain control measures.

3. I ask that, if it appears that I have only a short time to live, I be told clearly and unambiguously how near my death appears to be, and to have this information regularly updated as indications change.

4. I ask that medics and nurses who are caring for me make a point of discussing with me my wishes about my forthcoming death and environment for dying even if death is by no means certain at that stage; it will greatly help them in their difficult task as well as ensuring that I get the treatment and care that best fits my real needs.  My aim is not to place great demands but to create a bond of mutual understanding so that we may all be touched positively by whatever happens.

5. The Big 'D' is not so big!  A note to visitors as well as medics and nurses: I want complete openness about the prospect of death, and am happy to talk about death, which is really only the end of one particular phase and the beginning of a new phase.  Nobody should seek to hide from me their own deep feelings and fears about death - indeed, it's very likely that I shall be able to give them great reassurance if they would really be open with me.

Life prolongation and resuscitation

7. Life support measures should NOT be applied unless a true and meaningful recovery is expected.

8. Resuscitation.  The same basic principle applies to resuscitation measures as to ongoing life support.  I ask that resuscitation be used only if a recovery to reasonable functioning is expected, and it should not be used if I am expected to remain in a more or less vegetative state after that.

Environment for dying

9. As far as possible I should be in a peaceful environment with no flurries of panic or painful emotion around.  In particular I ask to be kept out of proximity to televisions and radios, and with no piped music.  Televisions in particular are extremely stressful to me and the sound of one at any time of day or night is guaranteed to give me a difficult time.

10. I want no priests at any time (at least, in their capacity as priests) - religions are anathema to me.  With that proviso, friends and acquaintances would always be most welcome.

11. When it's clear that I'm dying, friends and acquaintances are still welcome to be present, but I want a particular understanding that what is happening then is a good - indeed great and wonderful - thing, so nobody should be trying to be in denial of what is happening. Only my body and transient 'ordinary' mind would be dying at that point, and it would be a release process for me so that I can transform to my next phase.  If I am lucid enough to do so, even then I shall be glad to give to anyone my touch of love and healing.  If that speeds my 'death' so what?  Why are people so frightened of 'it'?

After my death

12. Putting the body to use.  The whole body or any parts of it can be used to benefit other beings, whether for medical research, student training, or even cut up and thrown to the wind to feed wild animals!  I mean that, though I realize that the latter option wouldn't be allowed.  I have no time for the pointless reverence that people show for dead bodies when the actual 'person' has separated from the body (only a temporary vessel) and is no longer associated with it. However, without going so far as to make a categorical proscription, I do not want to encourage the use of parts of my body as 'spare parts' for other people, because transplants actually bring people serious mental problems which are not yet recognised in the medical and indeed mental healthcare services.

13. No funeral nor service is to be held, nor any form of religious ritual.

14. Final disposal of my body.  Please use whatever is the most environment-friendly method.  If the body is cremated I want the ashes to be taken on foot to the top of a mountain - not just a hill - and discreetly scattered there as a celebration, the timing being such as not to put anyone to undue risk to life and limb.  Ideally this would be used as a focus for a little group celebration (without tobacco, alcohol or other mind-affecting drugs).

15. A celebratory Departure-of-Myself party would be fine by me!  I'd be with the participants in spirit....