“I am not this body, I am a Spirit Soul”. “The Moment we are Born is the very moment that we start to Die”.

I reflect on encountering these two significant statements way back in the past, initially not fully grasping their import. Over time, as I journeyed through life, the statements gradually gained profound meaning, leading to a complete embrace of their infallible truth.

The realization that our own lifespan, as well as that of everything that surrounds us, is finite can have a profound impact on how we perceive and experience life. The concept of finitude brings with it a sense of certainty. Yet it is death, the most certain event in our lives, that we often fear the most. This irony is a testament to the complexity of human emotions and the enigma of existence itself.

Throughout our journey, we strive to attain a sense of security and certainty. We seek stability and control in a world we have little control over. We make plans, set goals, and work towards shaping our lives in a way that brings us a sense of assurance. However, when faced with the undeniable truth of our mortality, we are often confronted with a deep-rooted aversion, a powerful instinct to evade the inevitability of our own end. This is our survival instinct!

This inherent paradox raises profound questions about the nature of human existence and the human psyche. It prompts us to contemplate the significance of our actions and aspirations in the face of impermanence. There is an inherent conflict between our natural desire for certainty and our aversion to the certainty of death. This demonstrates the intricate tapestry of human consciousness, inviting us to explore the interplay between rationality and emotion, and the myriad ways in which we navigate the complexities of our own mortality.

The body is as complex a machine as is possible. A mysterious machine designed by an engineer, all but well known to us. Understanding and repairing this machine is not always possible, since its design and method of production are not fully comprehensible. Like all machines, it undergoes wear and tear before reaching the end of its lifespan. All that we can do, to a limited extent, is to prolong the body’s usability through advancements in science and healthy practices focused on mental and physical well-being.

Since the longest time, attempts have been made and continue to be made, to thwart death. At the very least, we have tried hard, very hard, to stall this event to the greatest extent possible. Despite developments in science and technology, we have mostly failed.

It is widespread belief that Life is a Journey. The problem lies in the fact that we are unable to see what lies at the end of this Journey.

Some of us have what is called a “bucket list”, things we would like to do, or places we would like to visit, or experiences we may wish to have, before we “Kick The Bucket”.

As travelers, we research far flung destinations. We research things like routes, climate, appropriate clothes, dietary preferences, nightlife, places of interest, history and culture, even before we undertake the journey. Now this may be easier said than done, but if we know that Life is a journey of limited duration and must come to an end, then just like any other planned journey, why not start preparing for that next adventure, that next journey when we can.

It is said in many different ways. “Time and Tide Wait for No Man”. “The Clock is Ticking”. ” You can’t turn back the clock”. “Rivers Never Flow Backwards”.

What happens when the sand in the hourglass is depleted from one chamber? We flip the glass over and wait for the sand to be depleted once again. We try to reset the ticking clock.

Fear of the dark, heavy downpours, thunder, and lightning emanate from the way we perceive such events. The night and storms are transitionary, with light following day and fair weather following the storm. This fear develops as a form of "fear psychosis" that we instill in our kids by using negative connotations associated with the dark, the bogeyman, ghosts, goblins, and green monsters to influence their behavior.

We often find ourselves taking the path of least resistance, resorting to negative methods rather than embracing positive discrimination. It is essential to instill in our children the understanding that whereas death is certain, death is perhaps a transition to a new phase filled with new diverse experiences. Why not instill that our present life will encompass both the pleasant and the challenging. By imparting this perspective, we can empower our kids to make more effective use of their finite time, as we enable them to comprehend that while time itself is boundless, our time within this existence is limited.

We KNOW that our time will come, sooner or later. We are therefore dealing with what is known, we are dealing with fact.

The concepts of "Pralaya," "Quyammat," and "Armageddon" have captivated human imagination for centuries. These terms symbolize cataclysmic events that signify the end of times in various cultural and religious traditions. 

"Pralaya," originating from Hindu mythology, represents a global inundation that cleanses the universe, paving the way for a new cycle of creation. 

On the other hand, "Quyammat," derived from Islamic teachings, denotes the end of times and the day of resurrection, signifying a fundamental transformation of existence. 

Lastly, "Armageddon," deeply rooted in Christian theology, alludes to a final battle and total destruction, preceding the establishment of divine order. 

These potent words encapsulate profound beliefs about the ultimate fate of humanity and the cosmos, embodying the collective fear, hope, and awe associated with the eschaton.

My own encounters with almost certain death and the responsibility of making decisions related to the passing of loved ones are indeed impactful and have shaped my thinking in profound ways. My reflections on these moments of sadness and their impact on me have left me with a depth of understanding and resilience. These experiences have contributed to my personal growth and realizations.

Almost every civilization, culture, and religious system express the event of death as a “passing”. This commonality highlights the universal human experience of acknowledging the transition from one state of being to another.

At the time of His passing, my Dear Spiritual Master, His Holiness Sridhar Swami, added a touch of lightness to the solemn occasion with a poignant remark. He jokingly said, “I now get to see if it's all true,” alluding to the profound mysteries of the afterlife as described in scripture. His lighthearted yet thought-provoking comment invited reflection on the teachings and beliefs that bring solace and understanding in the face of the unknown. Such moments remind us of the juxtaposition of the profound and the everyday, and the importance of finding humor and humility even in the most transcendent of circumstances.

The concept of reincarnation is deeply ingrained in several belief systems around the world. For instance, the Jains hold the belief that we all have the potential of becoming “Tirthankars”, (changemakers) journeying from one life form to another, emphasizing the idea of spiritual evolution through multiple lifetimes. Similarly, within Sanatan Dharma, Buddhism, and Sikhism, the concept of reincarnation is a fundamental aspect of their belief systems, shaping their understanding of life, karma, and the soul’s journey.

While reincarnation may not be central to Christianity and Islam, it’s interesting that certain sects within these religions also uphold the belief in reincarnation, albeit not as widely embraced. This diversity of beliefs regarding reincarnation showcases the richness and complexity of religious and spiritual thought across different cultures and societies.

The concept of creation and destruction, as described in the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, offers a profound perspective on the nature of existence. It delves into the idea that not only individual lives, but entire universes undergo a cyclical process of genesis and dissolution. This cyclical nature is vividly portrayed through the analogy of waves incessantly crashing onto the shore and then receding back into the vast expanse of the sea.

According to these ancient scriptures, the continuous creation and destruction of countless universes occurs with a frequency that mirrors the rhythmic pattern of waves. This portrayal not only encapsulates the grandeur of the cosmic phenomena but also underscores the ephemeral nature of existence within the vast expanse of the cosmos. Through this lens, the transient nature of individual lives is juxtaposed against the backdrop of the endless cycle of creation and annihilation, offering a humbling and awe-inspiring perspective on the intricacies of the universe.

Either we believe in the afterlife or we don’t. Either we believe that the body is merely a vehicle for the life force to travel from one state of existence to another, or we don’t. We are however, presented with a Lifetime to prepare for what is perhaps the most important journey.

The concept of the afterlife has been a subject of fascination and contemplation for centuries across cultures and religions. Some view the afterlife as a continuation of existence in a different form, while others believe in the finality of life. This dichotomy of belief has shaped philosophies, rituals, and traditions around the world.

For those who believe in the afterlife as a transitional phase, the physical body is seen as a temporary vessel for the soul or life force. It is considered a mere vessel that houses the essence of a being, with the afterlife representing the next stage of the journey. Individuals who hold a contrary belief view life as bounded by the physical body, with no continuation or existence beyond.

In either case, this lifetime presents an opportunity to contemplate and prepare for what lies beyond. It must compel us to consider the values, actions, and relationships that may carry significance in a journey beyond the physical realm. However, amidst the demands and distractions of everyday life, one may ponder: What proportion of our lifetime is dedicated to this profound preparation?

This reflection brings to light the significance of allocating time and energy to spiritual or existential contemplation. It urges individuals to ponder the allocation of their years and the meaningfulness of their pursuits in light of the inevitable transition that awaits. In this context, the inquiry into the allocation of time for such preparation unveils the delicate balance between the immediate demands of life and the profound considerations of the eternal.

If we do some honest math we will find that the essence of our existence lies in the pursuit of fulfillment amidst the demands of daily life. Indeed, in contemplating the allocation of our precious time, it becomes evident that a substantial portion is dedicated to the pursuit of financial security, academic knowledge, professional recognition, and societal validation. This allocation represents a considerable investment of our finite resource, time, towards endeavors that may appear, at times, to be merely means to an end. Throughout this journey, we strive to carve out moments of joy and contentment, often fleeting and transient, interwoven with longer periods of uncertainty and unease.

Our existence, therefore, unfolds as a delicate balance between the pursuit of essential necessities and the quest for ephemeral pleasures. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is critical to acknowledge the interplay of these contrasting experiences, and the profound impact they have on our sense of fulfillment and well-being.

If we believe in the soul's journeys, we should prepare for the next one and learn from our mistakes. Even for those who don't believe in an afterlife, making the best use of our current life and cherishing every moment is important. 

I end this piece with a strong recommendation to listen to songs by Chris de Burgh, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Lana del Ray, as they have contemplated death and expressed their realizations through their music.

As you move forward, get fully involved in your relationships, work, experiences, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Where possible, rectify the wrongs we may have knowingly or unbeknownst committed. Make peace, forgive and ask for forgiveness graciously and earnestly. Leave with as little baggage as possible.

Embracing the inevitable and preparing for adventure are recommended. Fear of something certain is pointless, but it is possible to overcome fear. It all begins with acceptance, followed by preparation, greeting, and finally embracing our friend.