I think it is very importaint to make a distincion between:
- Fear from premature death of physical body (accidents, dangerous animals etc.)
- Death as a spiritual process of dissolution and letting go of controling aspcet of the mind
Fear of death as a physical phenomenon is quite healthy. Being afraid of venomous snake can save our life. And dying prematurely, while our paths can be still developed in this precious human existence, knowing the dhamma, is not really wholesome. So it is not bad to fear for our life to survive, so we can progress as much as possible and help others on the path in this very life.
But fear of death as a spiritual process seems a hindrance to me.
Fear of death is closesly associated with jhanic experiences, which can give huge insights into anicca and anatta.
Because jhanic experiences can be associated with dissolution of body and then thoughts, while still remaining conscious.
It can be very scary for the ego, because it has to let go of control, probably for the first time in life. This is what scares people in this stuff, fear of letting go control and their attachments.
Of course for most people, both fears are connected.
But for the wise meditator, one would not fear letting go of control, because one knows it is exactly the thing that causes trouble.
Still, a wise meditator would be scared of venomous snake. It could take away his very precious life in a human body.
Spiritual processes touch different aspect of fear, than fear of death from dangerous animal, car accident etc.
I think buddhism is much more concerned with working with fear from letting go of control and ones life, rather than fear for one body.
Of course when one is not scared of dying as a process and let go of attachments, one would less scared of dying.
But one still would be scared of dangerous animal, because it is natural response of the brain, which is also conductive to path of liberation.
Would be a great loss for the world if most skilled monks would die to snakes instead of teaching
I think best practice for death contemplation is actually deep jhana practice connected with standard contemplation of bodily problems, sickness and biological death.
But it is importaint to note that death contemplation as for corpses etc. is aimed more at reducing cravings for the world. It is deep jhana practice that produce fear of death as spiritual process and finally give opportunity to let it go.
Ajahn Brahm speaks a lot about this in his talks. Thanissaro Bhikkhu also had interesting article on fear. Freedom From Fear
PS: Viveka I’m really glad you survived the encounter without scratch