Death is an inevitable experience for every living being. Few however, confront the reality of this transforming experience. In some circles it is still a tabooed subject. Heretic in me has always found satisfaction in addressing tabooed subjects – death and dying is one such area.
Mans’ obsession with death and dying is an old one. Even know, as in earlier times, we find people struggling with the paradoxes of life and death. The pyramids in Egypt, adjacent the river Nile, speaks of King Ramses and his desire for eternal life. Ancient Chinese history also lends similar examples where property and possessions have been buried with the deceased, so that he gains some advantage in times to come. Even if we do not want to go into the pages of history, these archeological reminders ask as certain questions.
Death is a teacher provided one wants to learn from it. I have always been intrigued by its message. It posses questions to all of us; what does your life stands for? Since a long time I have asked this question from young and old alike. I have received various answers. For some, death is a terror for other it’s a sweat smelling rose, for soldier it is a destiny in the form of martyrdom, for a mystic it is an experience of communion with beloved, for those, overwhelmed with life’s challenges it is an escape, for rich it is an anguishing separation from his estate, for poor it much welcomed embrace with eternity. Death has different meaning for different people.
Once a mystic, in his hour of confession told me that, for some, death is like changing clothes; from old one to new one. They pass on to the other side just like that. For those less tuned to mystery of life it can become a struggle. Even for them, the infinite spirit of life and death imparts special blessings. It gives them the glimpse of what is in the unseen world. According to him all the pleasures of the world will not be equal to a thread of a garment worn by a single houry – if that is the idiom you understand.
Death gives meaning to life. Death instigates us to live wholesome life; to do away with status quo and live out our dreams. With realization of death we begin to experience minor things around us. The hum of the bees, the flowers, smiles of friends etc. Death travels with us through out the life in it self; it’s a partner to life. For some, it is like a dove sitting on a shoulder. When time comes this dove flies off, touching the brow with flap of her wings, that is all to them. For others it is like an eagles claw; dragging them to an un-known.
Other day I had a close encounter with death which made me thinking: how do I want to die? Inexplicably the answer came – any day is a good to die if you live a life that fulfils your dreams. Being able to sing your song, make your contributions, and leave your mark albeit small, should be gratifying in itself. To have the lawn mowed in perfect order, to have the weeds rooted out, to have the knowledge that your loved ones are in comfort, busy with their share of work and responsibilities – world is in perfect order. That day is as good a day as any to take that journey. To have the knowledge that whole world is governed by spirit of infinite wisdom, power, peace and love. For this to happen the weed in the soul needs to be taken out – the inordinate desires, lust and attachments which can interfere with the final journey in to an unknown mystery of life.
How can one have this realization when there is war, mayhem and agony all around? When you have country invading another country, bloodshed and loss of innocent lives? What good does it entails? Spirit of wisdom always counsels us on these issues – if only we listen to it. It whispered: Behind every adversity there are seed of opportunities. As iron sharpens iron so does men sharpen men – develop them further. This clash of civilizations is not new. History is treating you as it has treated people before you. This clash of good and evil is eternal. Human spirit is just one of the battle grounds – which you have to recover for yourself. Every one has to take the journey to redemption; eschew hate, lack of courage (not cowardliness) and fight the good fight. But weed is a weed; you take it out and it grows back. That is the way it is in real life as well as your soul.
After this realization I became eager and contended. May be the experience was flapping of wings by that dove, sitting on my shoulder since the time of birth. It was reminder; calling to prepare yourself for that inevitable journey.
Oh, I long to see the spirits of people that have gone before me, prophets, warriors, loved ones’ and so many! Indeed this will happen and I will be joined by those who love me. This caravan of life will meet a brief milestone called death before moving on.
I really enjoyed your post on Death and Dying. At almost every line, I found myself saying, Amen! in agreement. I, too, love to shift the mindset of people by discussing taboo topics. It’s fun to witness the surprise on a person’s face when they realize that such topics can be discussed with love and integrity and respect for life.
I look forward to reading more posts.
Thank you!
Louise
Author, “No Experts Needed:
The Meaning of Life According to You!
Dear Louise – thanks for kind words of encouragment. I am glad that you have grasped the essence of write-up i.e. Life and living.
Take care,
Haider
Its a nice one about death . I hear that death should be celebrated with more Joy. Understanding the death makes good understanding of life so that we live the life with less complexities and will be aware of each moment and try to live the life to the fullest which will create a deep satisfaction in your being that you lived it ..What ever you wrote is absolutely true and a topic to the contemplated upon with awareness.