Overview

• He says he is not afraid of death but fears the process of dying and would like to determine its timing himself.
• He recounts nearly bleeding to death during a botched operation that he characterizes as a near-death experience.
• He describes the episode as gentle and not threatening, without feelings of fear.
• He recalls thinking, "Ah, this is the end; this life was very interesting even if I did not understand everything."
• He cites advice from an elderly priest at his boarding school to be brave in beginning, endure failure with courage, and be gentle with others.