Remembering Kṛṣṇa at the Time of Death

The greatest goal of human life is to successfully transition from the material body at the time of death by fixing one's consciousness on the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this principle—"one who remembers Kṛṣṇa at the time of death attains His nature"—is the central doctrine of the eighth chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā and the ultimate purpose of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. This final remembrance is the determining factor for the soul's next destination.

Final Examination - Ante Nārāyaṇa Smṛtiḥ

The moment of death is the critical examination that validates one's entire spiritual life. It is not possible to suddenly remember Kṛṣṇa if one has spent a lifetime thinking of something else (like one's dog or wife). Therefore, the success of the human form of life depends entirely upon the preparation made for this final, crucial thought.

• You may be very great devotee. That's all right. But it will be tested at the time of your death, how you remember Krsna.
• And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body remembering Me (Krsna) alone at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.

If one can think of Kṛṣṇa, Nārāyaṇa, or Rāma at this moment, even for a second, one is immediately transferred to the spiritual world, Goloka Vṛndāvana.

Lifelong Training for Final Remembrance

The practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness (abhyāsa-yoga) is designed precisely to train the mind for this eventuality. The chanting and hearing of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra is the best means to make the mind so accustomed to Kṛṣṇa that it will not forget Him when the body is failing.

• This Krsna consciousness movement means we are leading person to make the mind absorbed in Krsna consciousness. Then there is chance of remembering Krsna at the time of death.
• If he doesn't practice remembering Krsna while he is struggling for existence, then it will not be possible for him to remember Krsna at the time of death.

Even those who die as enemies of Kṛṣṇa (like Śiśupāla and Dantavakra) attained salvation because their minds were fully fixed on the Lord in hostility, confirming that any means of fixation yields a transcendental result.

Conclusion

The supreme goal of human life is to achieve freedom from material bondage by being transferred to the spiritual sky. This is made possible by successfully remembering Kṛṣṇa's form, name, or pastimes at the end of the current body. Therefore, the highest service one can render is to practice and teach Kṛṣṇa consciousness, ensuring that at the crucial moment, the soul's consciousness is fixed upon the Lotus Feet of the Supreme Lord.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Remembering Krsna at the Time of Death. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.