Life & Death

Chuck Palahniuk, the American journalist and novelist, the author of the famous book Fight Club said, " We all die. The goal is not to live forever, the goal is to create something that will."

Such depth and truth in his words. This is how one must live life and celebrate everyone else's life too. Apart from the numerous lessons 2020 has taught us it has also taught us that we all are very resilient human beings. I say this because I have witnessed how wonderfully many of my friends who have lost a very dear one this year are celebrating the life of the departed soul instead of mourning it. This is real resilience of a person and most of us have this in abundance in us and our grooming has been responsible for our increased adversity quotient.

Death, is a topic hardly discussed in our homes. The moment someone mentions death others rebuke him/her for talking nonsense. But, how can the ultimate truth of life be considered as nonsense?

My banker spouse always says that selling Life insurance policies is the toughest for a sales person. It calls for the sales person convincing a client to plan for their family post his/her death. Certainly not an easy sale to make or a topic to broach in Indian household. Most Indians never leave behind a "WILL" nor explain financial details to family members. This lack of planning and discussion often leads to several disputes among siblings and family members and helps lawyers make money on never ending court cases. It is time we all begin to discuss death and understand it exactly as explained by Lord Krishna.

This year brought news of the death of somebody's mother, brother, father, friend etc. But all these people have only given up their gross body and have been reborn as another human being in a new gross body, or have become one with the almighty depending upon their Karma.

So, what is most important in our life is to focus our attention on good karma. Instead of becoming anxious about the death of a loved one or worrying how our loved ones will live post our death, we must live each moment by engaging in good karma. Serving our loved ones, our society, our nation and the world at large selflessly should be our resolution for he new year. We must leave behind our footprints in the form of our actions and the love we have showered on all. People must celebrate our life and the relationship we have created with them. Resilient individuals certainly mourn not being able to hug the gross body of the departed soul anymore, yet, they are able to celebrate the life and the memories created and the lessons learnt.

The Bhagwat Gita's teachings on death, rebirth and karma should be read and reread to realize the true purpose of one's life. Let us all accept the only permanence in life with grace, prepare ourselves and our loved ones to celebrate life by doing good to people known and unknown.

As we usher in the new calendar year 2021 wishing everyone more resilient power and increased awareness to enjoy every moment mindfully. Wishing all, success to overcome negativities like jealousy, fear, dejection, unnecessary anger and enjoy the small and big happenings of life which can teach a lesson irrespective of success or failure.

Wishing all a healthy, and memorable 2021. My gratitude to all who have touched my life significantly in this memorable 2020 which includes not only my family and friends but all those who have ensured our life moves on smoothly by their services at the cost of risking their own lives. (Arif our milkman, all the people in the housekeeping department of our building, Shravan our watchman, Yogendar our vegetable vendor and the list continues)