RE: Mortality Rate and attachment

This is a response to Avery Finnivan's post about Buddhism sharing the idea of eliminating attachment, which may have had something to do with low mortality rates in the Ancient world.
http://asfwr2012s.blogspot.com/2012/03/mortality-rate-and-attachment.html


Interesting correlation between attachment and mortality rates.

I completely agree, it is very commonplace for members of relationships to feel dependent on one another until they have, as Alex said, a craving for one another. All life needs balance, and one person, one hobby, (or anything for that matter) should take the spotlight. Accept all things and relationships equally, and understand that if you have them, be prepared to lose them. All life is change.

Back to your idea about mortality and attachment...
This idea Buddha shares about not having attachment would be beneficial advice for those struggling with the loss of a loved one. As you put it,
"...Eliminating attachment might indeed have been the best way to maintain a healthy psyche."

However, handling attachment and dealing with grief vary in many cultures. Mexico, for example, celebrates Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. In the beginning of November, families and friends visit the graves of their loved ones and bring flowers. Alters are filled with photos and food offerings for the deceased. In this culture, I'm certain that families and friends formed strong bonds during their lives, but they have accepted that death is natural and unavoidable. I am not sure of the Mexican mortality rates over time, but I do know this tradition has been around for hundreds of years.
I just wanted to use this as an example to show how different cultures handle the loss of a loved one. The families were all very close, and I'm sure they miss their deceased, but they have found a balance of acceptance with their separation. Your theory about mortality and attachment is still interests me. Thank you for sharing.
---I have also posted this to my blog