Many hesitate to die, we are afraid of dying. Actually, to die is not so serious. What is dreadful is what comes after death. Think of the cause and condition. However, we have the power to change karma. We can determine our karma. Our karma is in our own hands. Dealing with karma is like taking refuge. It is not just saying prayers to the Three Jewels but we need to go for refuge from our heart. This was correctly taught by the Buddha. He taught karma, cause and condition. If we do not heed the Buddha's word/teaching, even if we make offerings to him, it is useless. Dharma practise needs to be done from our heart. We have the freedom to determine the results. Therefore we need to understand the Four Noble Truths, and to learn to deal with karma the proper way. If we know this well, we will practice and be strong. By being disciplined and to concentrate, this will destroy our ignorance, and from that, realisation of Emptiness will arise. 

-- Dagyab Rinpoche