Death - An Eternal Truth

Death is an inevitable reality that every human being must face at some point in their lives. It is a topic that often evokes fear, curiosity, and deep contemplation. Throughout history, philosophers, religious leaders, and individuals from various cultures have pondered the nature of death and its significance in the grand scheme of existence.

While growing up as a kid, the thought of 'who am I and what happens when people die' used to always cross my mind. Years went by and the thought skipped my mind until one day when while reading the Bhagavad Gita, I stumbled upon the conversation between Lord Krishna & Arjuna. Arjuna, filled with sorrow and grief, questions the morality of engaging in a battle that would cause harm to his own family members, teachers, and ancestors.

In response, Lord Krishna imparts wisdom that transcends the physical realm. He explains that what truly perishes is the body, which is transient and perishable, while the soul is eternal and indestructible.

To illustrate this, Lord Krishna employs a simple yet profound analogy. He compares the cycle of life and death to a family photo album. As we flip through the pages, we witness the stages of life, from the birth of a newborn to the growth and transformation of a child into a young adult. The body ages and evolves, but the soul remains constant throughout

These changes. In the same vein, at the time of death, the soul merely transitions to a different body. Lord Krishna emphasizes that we are not the physical body but rather the eternal soul within.

This understanding of the eternal nature of the soul provides solace and removes the fear associated with death. It reminds us that the end of physical existence is not the end of our being. The body undergoes a cycle of creation, growth, reproduction, maintenance, deterioration, and ultimately, death. However, the soul is untouched by these transformations, existing beyond the realm of time and space.

Krishna explains to Arjuna that life and death are but aspects of the eternal cycle of samsara, the repeated cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. He teaches that the soul, or atman, is eternal—it neither kills nor can be killed. It transcends the physical body and the material world. This perspective is meant to alleviate the fear of death and the grief associated with it, framing life as a transient phase in the journey of the soul, which continues beyond the physical demise.

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty without attachment to the results. This principle, known as karma yoga, encourages individuals to act according to their dharma (duty) without being swayed by personal desires or fears, particularly the fear of death. By detaching from the outcomes, one can achieve a state of peace and fulfillment, unaffected by the dualities of joy and sorrow, success and failure.

Furthermore, Krishna introduces the concept of bhakti yoga, the path of devotion, suggesting that through unwavering love and surrender to God, one can transcend the limitations of the physical existence and the cycle of death and rebirth. This path offers a direct connection with the divine, leading to spiritual liberation, or moksha, where the soul finally escapes the cycle of samsara and attains eternal peace.

The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna also explores the idea of jnana yoga, or the path of knowledge. This approach involves a deep understanding of the true nature of reality, recognizing the distinction between the temporal physical world and the eternal spiritual realm. By acquiring spiritual knowledge and wisdom, one can achieve a detached perspective, viewing life and death from a higher plane of consciousness.

Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates also delved into the realm of self-knowledge and its impact on our perception of death. He urged individuals to "know thyself," recognizing that true wisdom comes from understanding the nature of one's own existence. Socrates believed that those who attain self-knowledge are not troubled by the prospect of death, whether their own or that of their loved ones.