DYING DAILY
A few years ago, a well known rock musician was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given six months to live.
When he was interviewed by the press and asked how he was dealing with his situation, his response was that he had never felt so peaceful and liberated in his entire life.
This is the essence of the spiritual path of a Sikh. The one thing that every single human being on the planet has in common is, that we will all inevitably succumb and give in to death but we rarely know when this moment will come to us.
As in the above example, when we do know that death is just around the corner, all of a sudden, all the material distractions in our lives very quickly evaporate. There is a stark realisation of the importance of the vast majority of things in our lives.
This state is the ideal gateway to spiritual liberation. If we can live every moment of our life, as if it is the last, this will automatically connect us to the essence of the universe, the Naam (Godโs mantra). Everything else then becomes secondary and unimportant.
Then, when actual death does come, it will be a peaceful and smooth transition for the already liberated soul.
The 3rd Master, Guru Amar Das Jee, blesses us with the following teaching.
Kiaa Jaanaa Kiv Marehagae Kaisaa Maranaa Hoe ||
What do I know? How will I die? What sort of death will it be?
Jae Kar Saahib Manahu N Veesarai Thaa Sehilaa Maranaa Hoe ||
If I do not forget the Lord Master from my mind, then my death would be easy.
Maranai Thae Jagath Ddarai Jeeviaa Lorrai Sabh Koe ||
The world is terrified of death; everyone longs to live.
Gur Parasaadhee Jeevath Marai Hukamai Boojhai Soe ||
By Guru's Grace, one who dies while yet alive, understands God's Will.
Naanak Aisee Maranee Jo Marai Thaa Sadh Jeevan Hoe ||2||
O Nanak, one who dies such a death, lives forever. ||2||
Vaheguroo!
