Recent Books

The Four Things That Matter Most

Ira Byock; Translated by Kwak Myung-dan from English to Korean; Mulpure; 282 pp., 12,000 won

When Ven. Beop Jeong, one of the most revered monks in the nation, passed away last month, he left an important message ― life can end beautifully empty of possessions but full of spiritual highness.

A book written by Ira Byock, a palliative care physician and long-time public advocate for improving care while approaching death, advises people on the four things people should do before dying. The four tasks involve ``Forgiving,’’ ``Thank You,’’``I Love You,’’ and ``Good-Bye.’’

The author has spent the last couple of decades taking care of terminally-ill patients and contributed to relieving their pain before dying. A ``beautiful death’’ depends not on social status and wealth but on relationships between people and inner peace, which are critical aspects for both a beautiful death and a meaningful life.

The book details his personal experiences with patients who faced premature deaths but were able to pass away with peaceful minds. The writer recommended that the patients should express these four things that can change everything with a mentally healing power.

-Chung Ah-young