Lesson - The Art of Dying

From a yogic point of view, death is regarded as an integral part of life in a wider sense of the word, where old ways of living end and new ways begin. Yoga has always emphasized the importance of facing death before we die. Otherwise we may be overwhelmed by extreme fear and perhaps by an all-consuming feeling that we have wasted our lives. Moreover, according to yoga, going deeper into the nature of death before we actually die gives us an invaluable opportunity of releasing that aspect of our being which is deathless. Death is seen as the opening of the door to eternity and to the life beyond the ego.

My most powerful teacher has been my friend, student and teacher Ed Poreda. The mention of his name brings a warm smile inside all of us who knew him. A man who loved and did not doubt what he loved; a man who trusted and could be trusted.

It was just four years ago when I returned from teaching yoga in the Middle East when I met Ed. I returned to teaching in the Princeton area and was wearing a shirt from a coffee shop in Dubai, UAE. After class Ed and I struck up a conversation about my shirt. He told me of his travels to Dubai and his experiences in the Middle East. I thought, what an insightful and friendly guy. I talked with him as if we had been friends for years.

Ed became a regular in my yoga classes and we talked often after class about our travels and insights of other cultures, yoga and life. I always looked forward to Ed's presence in my class, as did my students. His playfulness, enthusiasm, smiles and energy were inspirational to me and everyone in his presence.

Ed joined me on a yoga retreat I held in Costa Rica in 2006. In the early mornings we would walk through coffee fields and talk of our families, our homes, loved ones and dreams. Ed shared with all of us his intuitive inspiration, playfulness and joy which made everyone's experience life changing.

Ed was on a path and fulfilled his dreams of becoming a yoga teacher. He continued bringing his smile and energy to my classes preparing for when he would be teaching the class himself.

Through our conversation we went deeper into the philosophies of yoga and how yoga is referred to as the art of dying. As put, when we know how to die, then we know how to live. Ed epitomized this by living courageously, fearlessly, lovingly and without apprehension.

Talking with Ed and other dedicated students I wanted to plan a special end of summer yoga class outdoors. I came to the decision to hold the class at the Hopewell gazebo on Saturday morning August 25 and had an overwhelming response of those who wanted to attend. I was excited, everyone was excited. Ed told me he would love to come to the class with his wife, I was overjoyed. We had a beautiful morning and everyone came out early to reserve their spot and enjoy yoga outdoors. Ed and his wife Ellen were their smiling with all the yogis and yoginis. When class was complete we were all in our own euphoric bliss, said our good-byes and until the next time.

Asbury Park Press - August 27, 2007
Cops continue to probe fatal crash

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP: Township police are still investigating a motor vehicle accident in which a motorcyclist was killed. The accident occurred at 4 p.m Saturday August 25, 2007 at the intersection of Route 537 and East Freehold Road and involved a sport-utility vehicle and a motorcycle. Edward S. Poreda, 48, of Lawrence, Mercer County, was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Ellen Poreda, 50, was the passenger on the motorcycle and was released from Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune with multiple injuries. "Mrs. Poreda had some cuts to the left side of her body," said Officer Thomas Goetke, the investigating officer. According to the police, the motorcycle was traveling east on Route 537, and the SUV was headed south. No summons have been issued, Goetke said.

In my mind I would like to think in his final day an angel came to Ed and told him his appointment had come. What would he like for his final day the angel asked him. I would like to share a beautiful experience with my loving wife, ride my bike to the beach and go without suffering.

We never know when our time is up and Ed did all he could to share his love before he left.

When Ellen contacted me of this news I did not believe it. I searched the internet to disprove what I was told. I found the newspaper article and I was devastated with a downpour of emotion. I had not felt loss for many years. As I looked at my search I found a picture of Ed back from his days in school. He was riding his motorcycle up the steps of at the Lawrencille School. That is the Ed I know and we all know and love. That is the man who will be with me and all of us always.

Ed was a teacher who taught all of us something and shared this with everyone he knew. Live passionately, smile with all your heart and be yourself without regret. Ed will live within all of us eternally.