We are all afraid of ‘Death’ even though no one is exempt from this final outcome. Some do not even want to think or talk about it. Védic Dharma not only teaches us how to live our life but also what to do at the time of death. Since death is inevitable for all, it is better to accept it and know what happens at the time of death. This does not mean we have to fold our arms, sit down, and do nothing when we are sick.
As we attain a certain age, or if we are suffering from certain terminal diseases, we can start preparing for the final transition – ‘death’. Contact all friends and relatives to ‘thank’ them for all that they have done for you and beg for forgiveness for any pain or suffering caused by you during your lifetime and forgive them all. Pay off all financial debts and update legal documents like ‘will’, ‘living will’, ‘power of attorney’, etc. Start distributing the wealth and possessions among relatives and charitable organizations. Assign duties to close relatives about what they should do after you are gone. Breathing techniques ( Prāńāyām) and meditation are worth learning and practicing regularly when we are in good health so that we can relax when the end is near.
जात िह ुवो मृ ुः ुवं ज मृत च ।
त ादप रहायऽथ न ं शो चतुमह स ॥२ :२७॥
Jātasy hi dhruvo mrutyuhu dhruvam janm mrutasy ch
Tasmād aparihāryérthé n twam shochitum arhasi.
“Death is certain for all those who are born
and rebirth is certain for all those who die.”
Bhagawad Gitā, 2:27
Following prayer is addressed to Lord Shiv - also known as Shankar (one who gives His blessings) and one who has three eyes. The third eye in the center of his forehead represents
‘wisdom’ - distinguishing right from wrong - and ‘spiritual enlightenment’. He gives spiritual knowledge and also blessings. To overcome the fear of death, repetition of following Mahāmrutyunjay (victory over fear of death) Mantra, understanding and accepting its meaning is recommended: