University of Netherland offers grave to Students for meditation

Radboud University’s purpose-built grave is located behind the school’s chapel and students can book sessions to lie it in and meditate.

In asking students to sign up for the experience, the university’s website said that one can lie in it to reflect about life and what is important.“A modern form of memento mori, which means that you are aware that you are mortal,” it added.

“So it’s an invitation along the lines of: make something out of your life.”

A pillow and mat are provided to students, who reportedly can use the grave for between 30 minutes and three hours.

The project was started by school chaplain John Hacking who told news outlet Ruptly that it was an opportunity for students to explore and appreciate life.

“The end of life, death, is a taboo, difficult for students death is very difficult to talk about. Especially when you are 18, 19, 20, years old.”

Vice reported in October that first phase only drew 39 people in the two years it was operational.

Response this time around, however, has been more encouraging with a few people using it every week.

Hacking said about 30 students have emailed asking to spend time in the grave since the beginning of the school year.

So far, 15 students have used it.

Be clear that this technique was introduced for meditation purpose only.