Death, the only certainty

I’m often asked by people: What is certain in this uncertain world? Before I answer this, can you try and answer this question? Is it wealth, family, friends, happiness? The most certain thing on this planet is Death, whether you like it or not, it’s going to happen to each one of us, though you may always think it’s coming to someone else before you.

We prepare for everything in our life — our education, our career, finances, family, marriage. People come to me to understand all these aspects of life, but, do you ever prepare for the most certain event of your life — death? You all run away from it, and when it knocks on your door, you look amused, because you were never truly alive to die. In today’s time, we are more aware and worried about a dying mobile battery, isn’t it? As soon as it beeps 20 per cent battery remaining, you start your preparation, but, do you ever think life might have also sent you a beep?

Let me tell you a story. There was a wealthy man, he earned a lot of fame and riches, and slogged all his life. One day, he was woken up by Yamaraj — the God of death. The man asked him, tell me, what can I do for you? Yamaraj replied, your time is up, I’m here to take you. The rich man panicked, he started negotiating with Yamaraj — for a day, few hours, an hour, Yamaraj denied it all. The man, with tears in his eyes, pleaded, can I at least write a letter to my family? Yamaraj agreed. The man wrote in the letter, in search of all the pleasures of life, do not forget your LIFE itself.

That’s why, before sleeping every night, I look back, reflect on the entire day and review my actions, have I made a contribution to my and the life of others? What could have I done better today? In the morning, when I wake up, the first thing I do is touch the floor, thanking Mother Earth for another day on this planet. It is another chance to show gratitude for every little thing I’m blessed with and another chance to live my life in a better way.

So, my dear friends, the best way to prepare for the certainty of life is by being truly alive. And, when it arrives, you will have a smile on your face and all you will say is, Alvida!

The writer is a spiritual seeker and karmyogi. You can mail him at masterrishavofficial@gmail.com