Today while reading an article in the New Yorker about letting go, I discovered that in medieval times, there were books called Ars moriendi or The Art of Dying in English, which were immensely popular and served as the definitive guide of how to go about the business of dying.
The very idea fascinated me; the fact that the Ars moriendi was popular and widely read meant that people were much more comfortable with the idea of death and not at all bothered about being insensitive or tainted by bad luck, unlike the tiptoeing around death that we do today.
Beyond the initial fascination, I wondered how people in medieval times went about getting their affairs in order before their deaths. What was their perspective on death? Is there anything we can learn from them? It’s common today for people to feel that thinking about death is depressing, or morbid even, and that such contemplation should be avoided. The very idea that people bought guides to dying literally ages ago seems remarkable to me.
So who wrote these guides, and what’s in them?
The Ars moriendi come in two original texts: one long and one short. The original, “long” version of the Ars moriendi originated in Germany in 1415. It was written by an unnamed Dominican friar, and subsequently translated, and became very popular in England, up to the 1600s.
The “short” version is essentially an adaptation of the “long” version’s second chapter, and includes woodcut pictures (maybe it was a kind of Dying for Dummies?). Below is a simplified and updated version according to my interpretation. Remember, the Ars moriendi is a Christian text, which is why there is so much mention of religion.
The six chapters of The Art of Dying (adapted for the 21st century)
CHAPTER I: Dying has a good side and it need not be feared.
CHAPTER II: The Five Temptations that beset a dying man, and their corresponding inspirations, or remedies if you will. They are:
A lack of faith – The dying may lose faith in their religion or beliefs, especially those who have been religious. They may feel angry that their prayers have not been answered or feel like they have been forsaken.
The remedy: Have your faith reaffirmed. Go to your place of worship, spend time talking to those who believe, take time to remember why you found this faith and believed in the first place.
Despair – Instead of despairing because you are nearing the end of your life, you can hope for forgiveness from those you feel you have treated unfairly. Use this time to make amends for what you have done and put your mind at peace.
Impatience – The dying know that their time is limited and are often inclined to be impatient because many things seem like a waste of this precious time. Remember to be charitable towards others – they do not mean to annoy you. Be magnanimous. Also remember to stop and smell the roses; it’s not how much you get done in your time left, but appreciating all the blessings and little things that you have.
Spiritual pride – You may feel a sense of superiority, be it in terms of religiosity or because you feel you are so near the end that nothing and nobody can daunt you. Instead, be humble and recollect your sins.
Avarice or attachment to family – As the end nears, it is inevitable that you feel anxious about leaving behind your loved ones and your life’s work. The Ars Moriendi advises that you prepare for your death by slowly detaching yourself and coming to terms with letting them go.
CHAPTER III – Seven Questions to Ask the Dying
“Venetia Stanley, Lady Digby, on her deathbed” by Flickr user Lisby.
- Do you believe fully in your chosen religion, or lack thereof? Are you at peace with your choice?
- Do you acknowledge all the sins you have committed? Be honest with yourself.
- Are you sorry for them? Try to understand why they were wrong and find a way to forgive yourself for them.
- How would you live differently if you were to live longer?
- Can you forgive all the people who have hurt you, in words or actions? Reflect on what they have done or said and find strength in your heart to let your pain and anger go.
- Have you done your best to fulfil your responsibilities? If you have, you have nothing further to worry about – you have tried your best. If you haven’t, you can still make arrangements so that they will be taken care of. You have to accept that you cannot personally fulfil these tasks and that’s okay. You are doing everything you can by finding the right people to take care of them for you, and that is all that’s required of you.
- Are you ready to let go of all your worldly and material possessions?
CHAPTER IV – Why you should strive to be like Christ
CHAPTER V – To your friends and family: How to behave at the deathbed
“Katherine Elliot in Mourning, Circa 1687″
Katherine Elliot (d. 1688) was James II nurse who became dresser to both his wives. She is shown seated in a red upholstered chair, wearing black widow’s clothes and hood; a white kerchief in her left hand resting on lap.
Photo by Flickr user Lisby.
CHAPTER VI – Prayers to say for the dying
I didn’t go into detail for the last three chapters because a) I could not find a summary of it and b) I would have to read the old English version of it and translate it into modern day English. That being said, if you would really like to know what those three chapters hold, leave a comment and I will see what I can do! I hope this overview of the Ars moriendi was helpful to you.