1. Buddhist believe that death is a teacher. Would you agree?
I would agree that the knowledge of death or acceptance of the inevitability of death is a helpful in giving one a better perspective on his or her own impermanence. Knowing that death is something that happens to everything can allow us to prepare or accept it. For example, we can choose to make the most out of our living time doing good, helping others, or bettering ourselves instead of dwelling on the inescapable impending doom as many people would see death as.
2. What are the advantages or benefits of meditating on one's own death? Are there disadvantages?
The advantages of meditating on one's own death could be that it would help bring a peaceful calm knowing that death is inevitable. Death is something that will happen, but has not yet happened. However, if we look at death as something that makes life hopeless because it can not be escaped, then we end up loosing our peacefulness regard towards death and live hopeless lives.
3. Which do you think is the more important question: What happens when I die? or What is happening now?
I think the more important question is what is happening now. This is because death is the great unknown. I don't think death can truly be understood until it happens. Focusing on death too much can lead to disparaging thoughts or straying from the path. What is happening now is the chance to make changes, create good karma, live a mindful life, etc. I believe that when the mind is free – (i.e. not suffering) death is irrelevant. I don't think one should not think about death, just not spend so much time that it consumes.
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