AWGP- Gurudev Literature: Death is a metaphor in the spiritual realm. It refers to someone in whom hope has died, whose goals have been missed, and whose inner light has been extinguished. When a person no longer approaches their tasks with enthusiasm, dedication, or responsibility, they are said to be dead or dying, even if they are still breathing. These expressions highlight that the human body may be functioning, but something essential is amiss.
Those who have departed from this physical body and are considered dead are in a different state. They have ceased to consume the Earth's resources and pollute the atmosphere with physical, mental, emotional, or thought-based pollutants. However, this figurative use of the word 'death' raises intriguing questions for physiologists. For instance, is a person who is still alive but called 'dead' and those who are considered dead and are buried, cremated, or laid to rest truly alive or dead?People who have performed commendable deeds for society live on in our memories for generations.
In Indian culture, ancestors are honored and believed to offer help from time to time. Renowned French clinician Professor Maloret once issued a stern warning to the Health Organization of the League of Nations regarding the criteria for declaring death. There have been instances where a heart from a deceased person has been transplanted into another individual, and it resumed functioning.
In such cases, it's uncertain whether the person was truly dead. The concept of death involves stages: the first stage is when breathing and heart rate slow down and stop, yet cerebral consciousness remains. The second is cerebral death, followed by clinical death, and finally, biological death, where all potential for life ceases. However, two German scientists have gained renown for reviving individuals who were considered dead. This remains an unsolved puzzle, emphasizing that life and death are two sides of the same coin."
"What is the basis of who is dead, who is dying, and who is going to die?
Russian scientist Levaldo received the Nobel Prize for his research on molecular disintegration. However, he experienced a severe injury in one incident, and his heart stopped beating for hours. Still, life continued, but his mind remained active. Blood clots formed in his brain. When his wife visited him at the time of his operation, she told him, 'If you recognize me and are conscious, blink four times. I will understand that you are listening and comprehending.' He blinked four times. The doctors successfully operated on him, and he later recovered. Therefore, the death of the brain is the ultimate truth.
Spirituality asserts that the brain is a Kalpavriksha, from which feelings, thoughts, and actions originate. Mental ability, strength of character, noble thinking, and good deeds—all of these are functions of consciousness, and this is life."
"What is the condition of man after death?
The future after death remains uncertain, and what happens after death depends on an individual's deeds. The story of Nachiketa illustrates this concept. His father was donating cows that were of no use to anyone, and when Nachiketa tried to stop him, his father, in anger, donated his son to Yamraj (the god of death). Nachiketa then asked Yamraj the question: 'What happens to a human being after death?' Yamraj responded, 'The one who considers this world as everything and submits to me gets entangled in the cycle of birth and death repeatedly. However, when the senses turn inward, the true nature of the soul becomes apparent.'
According to the Yajurveda, there is no set limit on a person's lifespan, and they may even attain immortality. Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Yoga Darshan suggest that a human being can live for a thousand years.
Even while alive, if a person lacks enthusiasm or appears weak and feeble, they are akin to a lifeless being, leading to their own misery. Such individuals lose their honor and respect because they do not contribute positively to society and are not needed anywhere. They often become objects of contempt or face punishment.
On the other hand, individuals who perform good deeds for society are valued and respected. Hence, it is advisable to plan one's life with an awareness of death. There's a story where a sage went to King Janak to learn about theology. King Janak suggested they discuss the matter the following day, but when the sage slept at night, he dreamt of a naked sword hanging above his neck, causing him fear and restlessness.
When the sage explained his sleepless night to King Janak the next morning, the king responded, 'I live my life with the awareness of death every day.' This, he explained, is the essence of Brahmagyan (knowledge of the ultimate reality).
Considering death as the end of life is a misconception. Life is eternal, and reincarnation is a reality. Everyone remains alive in the subtle world, where there are even greater possibilities for work because the gross body has its limitations, whereas the subtle body has none. The soul departs the gross body and progresses through the subtle body, emotional body, and mental body, reaching the causal body and beyond, continually existing.
Practices undertaken in life remain with our soul or consciousness even after leaving the physical body. Therefore, it is wise to live a planned and progressive life, understanding the truth of life after death. This approach ensures a good condition not only in this birth but also in the life after death."
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