Preparing for the inevitable

Though I am quite fit, I know I do not have much time left for that matter no one knows how much balance of life left. Of course I am coming to terms with death ,preparing myself .Death is rarely spoken about in our homes, I wonder why especially when each one of us knows that death has to come ,it has to strike you one day, it’s inevitable .

One has to prepare oneself to face death. Of course I am not scared of death as boldly said by ‘Nachiketa’ in Kathopanishad, I do not fear it , Death is inevitable. Age travels at galloping pace who knows where it will stop; we do not have the reins in our hands.

What I dread is the day I go incapacitated because of old age that is what I fear- I would rather die than living in that helpless vegetative condition. I do not want to be burden enough to my sons, all that I hope is that when the death comes to me, it comes swiftly without pain like fading away in sound slumber, till then keep working and living in each day as it comes.

I firmly believe the Jain philosophy that ‘death ought to be celebrated’, whenever I get upset or low(Rare), I close my eyes and contemplate on cremation process that takes place after shedding of body, it has cleansing effect and worked like therapy for me .it is good to be burnt after the death as the five elements in our body gets back to the nature and if buried you give back to the earth what you have taken .

We do not know what happens after death but one should help a person go in peace-at peace with himself and with the world. Of course, I have lived a reasonably contended life, I have often thought about what it is that makes people happy-what one has to do to achieve happiness.

1. First and foremost is good heath, if you do not enjoy good health, you can never be happy, any ailment however trivial will deduct something from your happiness .

2. A safe bank balance that need not run in crores but should be enough to provide for comforts and there should be something to spare for recreation and to meet exigencies . Shortage of money can be demoralising, living on credit or borrowing is demeaning and lowers one in one’s own eyes.

3. Your own home. Rented places can never give you the comfort or security of home that is yours keeps, if you have garden space it is still better, you may grow plants and see them grow and bloom and cultivate a sense of kingship with them.

4. An understanding companion surely your spouse and finger counted true friends.

5. Stop envying those who have better than you in life -risen higher and made money or fame. Envy can be corroding and avoid comparing yourself with others, you are a great creation of God(Eswara Vibhuti).

6. Cultivate a hobby that will fulfill you. gardening, reading, writing, painting or hearing fine music or playing a game of your choice .

7. Keep occupied meaningfully. Render service to the needy is best one can do to society.

8. Every morning and evening devote 15 minutes for meditation and keep the mind still and ear mark at least half an hour for your physical excise which keeps your body fit and drive away routine ailments.

Above all when the time comes to go, one should go like a man without any regret or grievance against anyone, then that death will be a blessed death and certainly carries a smile even after shedding of mortal coil. Lastly to a question posed to one enlightened Master why one should die? He said with smile because one is born.

Rama Krishna M