"To exist means inevitably you will suffer in some way, being stripped of a body and conscious means there is no harm.". That's basically one of the fundamental tenets of Buddhism (I'm not Buddhist but I have read a couple books about it).
I also think about what happens after death. The truth is nobody knows. Since it's impossible to know, I try not to think about it too much. I try to reassure myself by thinking that, whatever happens, it will be the same as it is/was for the billions of other people who, since the beginning of humankind, have died before me.
Yes the Buddhists believe in the concept of anattÄ/anÄtman (
non-self), which is that our concept of self is actually a non-self due to it not being within our control. Clinging to the non-self produces suffering (dukkha) due to impermanence. The non-self is commonly explained through the concept of the 5 aggregates (form, sensation, perception, volition and consciousness). Form for example is our physical self, our physical body is always prone to change, if a person clings to a concept of self based on form, suffering ensues, as our form constantly changes. Great examples of this are bodybuilders who can no longer have the physique they once had due to age or coming off steroids, or women who are sad they can no longer cling to their youth. Once a person understands the 5 aggregates of being, they then learn that there is no permanent self, and that the self is essentially an illusion. If the self is an illusion, then how can death be real? Death can't be real because we are nothing and nothing does not die, it always remains nothing. AnattÄ/anÄtman (
non-self), impermanence and dukkha (suffering) are the marks (trilakkhana) of all existence, and understanding the three marks is part of right view, which is one of 8 practices of the noble eightfold path.
Admittedly I'm stilll very far from mastering Buddhist philosophy, but I can already see how it could very much help in overcoming the fear of death. As you say, even if we don't know what happens afte death, at least we won't be alone, billions have came before us. If they can do it, surely we can too.
I'm interested. You've convinced me to go look into Buddhism. Any books that you recommend?
You put that very well, and that's also one of the things I think about. Whatever is going to happen to me, happened to everyone else, and it's something that we have to face CTB or not. Makes you feel less alone.
I would recommend the Heart Sutra and the Diamond Sutra. Many buddhists like the platform sutra too. Bikkhu Bodhi and Thich Nhat Hanh are two authors I would recommend looking into, they've both done a lot of works on buddhism. Bikkhu Bodhi in particular has translated the parts of the pali canon, such as the Majjhima NikÄya. I've not read the pali canon due to it's size, but if you was truly interested Bikkhu Bodhi has several translations available. Thich Nhat Hanh is great for understanding the fundamentals in a simplified way.
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