Perhaps, rather than using
"to truly live you must first die"
One can state
"To truly live you must first brush upon death"
Or
"To truly live without regret, one must live as though the body is already dead."
Such thought is similar to some writings in the Hidden Leaves, otherwise known as Hagakure.
I can not appreciate such a quote however from the intent poet, as it more often than not sounds wrong. It also does not show the mindfulness and awarenes that one can attain by brushing upon death or living as if one is already dead, as proscribed by some bushi code.
Hagakure said:
The Way of the Samurai is found in death. When it comes to either/or, there is only the quick choice of death. It is not particularly difficult. Be determined and advance. To say that dying without reaching one's aim is to die a dog's death is the frivolous way of sophisticates. When pressed with the choice of life or death, it is not necessary to gain one's aim.
We all want to live. And in large part we make our logic according to what we like. But not having attained our aim and continuing to live is cowardice. This is a thin dangerous line. To die without gaming one's aim is a dog's death and fanaticism. But there is no shame in this. This is the substance of the Way of the Samurai. If by setting one's heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were already dead, he pains freedom in the Way. His whole life will be without blame, and he will succeed in his calling.
If however the topic-starter meant a metaphysical or a spiritual death, rather than anything of a true physical death, I doubt that it would be smart. An individual with a crushed spirit such as that, could not entirely live either. Most of those would live in fear and are stuck with their own drama, that they could not be free of it enough to enjoy life to the fullest.
I have also once heard that of a culture long gone, that wise-men were made as they were struck by lightning and die, only to be placed on a high mountain to be struck again and live. Quite a painful task that is, and not at all recommended.
So it is most probable that the intent poet meant something in regards to a bastardization of the words in the Hagakure, askewing it enough that it lost most meaning.
