Posted by Eternal Muser on September 20, 2009 at 8:37pm
The other day I had gone to attend the funeral of a friend’s father.As usual, I observed that except for really close friends and relatives, most of the visitors were interested in anything but the passing away of the concerned person. The majority had come there simply to observe social etiquette…and nothing else. The conversation though hushed, ranged from the current political situation to the stock market to even Bollywood! Even the ‘brahmana’ who was to perform the last rites was heartily participating in the discussion on the same topics.I would have expected him to bring everyone round to having a discussion more on the lines of something more sober- Atma, Life, God etc.It may sound crude, but believe me, funeral can be an educational experience.It makes us realize that the most consistent, characteristic feature about life is that it ends. It makes us realize that when the time comes, whatever the person had acquired in life- relatives, fame, wealth etc. has to be left behind. Nothing can be taken along with him. Thus making us realize for the nth time that the incessant craving for material happiness is of no point at all, and therefore one should use this precious human life to seek Krishna, the Source of eternal happiness. And put an end to this cycle of birth and death once and for all.It also made me realize that many people don’t seem to have realized these things at all…As I glanced around, I saw people animatedly answering mobile phone-calls, looking at their watches, deep in discussions on various topics…and a couple even dozing off while seated in the corner.I was reminded of the question that the Yaksha asked Yudhishtira long ago, ‘What is the most surprising thing of all?’To which Yudhishtira answered,‘Ahanyahani bhootaani gacchanteeh yamaalayamSheshaaha sthavaram icchanti kimaashcharyam ataha param’Meaning: Everyday many living beings die (go to the abode of Yama) and the rest of us see this and yet the rest of us live and behave as if we are immortal.I looked at the flames consuming the material remains of my friend’s father. And then I watched my friend sombrely doing the same. I wondered what might be going on in his mind at the time. Then I wondered at my own self. I too will be in this position some day. In the position of the son…and also of the father. I wondered, It is alright to criticize others...am I prepared for this? Would I have the courage to look at Death in the face when He comes for my loved ones…or for myself?The Bhagavad Gita came to my rescue. I remembered some of the verses and Srila Prabhupada’s words. I smiled to myself. Yes. This life must end. To herald a new beginning. The beginning of a new attempt, a new opportunity to go closer to Krishna. What a nice, reassuring thought…‘Rich or poor, saint or sinner, man or woman…everyone must end up in this way’I turned to see the person who was echoing my thoughts. I smiled at the young man who had come and sat down next to me. I had met him once earlier- my bereaved friend’s cousin.‘Yes’ I concurred. ‘But it’s comforting to know that while our material bodies will end up in this way, it never ends for us, the jiva-atmas.‘Oh yes…at least you have the luxury of believing in that idea. I don’t. So as far as I’m concerned, this is the end…the grand finale’In response to my questioning look he added smugly, ‘I am an atheist. I don’t believe in your God and His scriptures.’I could not resist myself, ‘Then how do you view all this? What does birth and death mean to you?’‘Oh, it’s quite simple. A collection of chemicals combine to form a human body that we refer to as birth. Then the same chemicals perform all the functions of our body including thought, emotions and the like. Finally they break down and stop working…what we call death!’I gave him one of my special smiles. The one that appears to the opposite person as a I-completely-agree-what-you-say smile when what it actually means is you’re-talking-utter-nonsense-but-I-don’t-wish-to-waste-my-time-arguing-with-you!I had thought that all those people out there, indulging in their mobile phones, watches, discussions and beauty-sleep were disillusioned.But this guy next to me had just grabbed the crown.
hare krishna prabhuji,
please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabnhupada
thank you for an awesome topic prabhu ji!
i ve gone thru this on my fathers funeral few yrs back...
ur rite prabhu ji...ppl r more concerned on the way that leads to a persons death ...rather than anything else...
but demise of our nearest is a very good lesson for us ... DEATH is waiting for us...anytime....anywhere...anyhow...
thank you prabhu ji..
hare krishna!
Comments
please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabnhupada
thank you for an awesome topic prabhu ji!
i ve gone thru this on my fathers funeral few yrs back...
ur rite prabhu ji...ppl r more concerned on the way that leads to a persons death ...rather than anything else...
but demise of our nearest is a very good lesson for us ... DEATH is waiting for us...anytime....anywhere...anyhow...
thank you prabhu ji..
hare krishna!
You have no idea how helpful and comforting this was to me.
the great sages guide your thought.
Hare krsna great prabhu