Solution to Death in Srimad-Bhāgavatam
Death is often viewed with fear and uncertainty, but the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam presents it as a conquered enemy for the devotee. The entire scripture is a dialogue spoken on the verge of death to a king who had only seven days to live. Through its teachings, the Bhāgavatam offers a practical solution to the problem of mortality, guiding the soul from the temporary material body to the eternal spiritual platform. This article explores the philosophy of death, the method of transcending it, and the heavy responsibility of those who guide others.
Ultimate Test of Life
According to the Vedic system, life is a preparation for the final exam: death. The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam teaches that one's state of mind at the critical moment of leaving the body determines the next birth. Therefore, the goal of human life is to mold one's character and consciousness so that one can remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, at the end (ante nārāyaṇa-smṛtiḥ).
- According to a Bengali proverb, whatever spiritual progress one makes in life will be tested at the time of death.
- The real purpose of life is to remember Krsna when ones life comes to an end (ante narayana-smrtih (SB 2.1.6)). If at the time of death one can remember Krsna, ones life is successful.
- The statement in Bhagavad-gita that the mental situation at the time of death is the basis of the next birth is also corroborated in Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Example of Mahārāja Parīkṣit
Mahārāja Parīkṣit serves as the archetype for all conditioned souls who are condemned to die. Upon learning he had only seven days remaining, he renounced his kingdom and sat on the bank of the Ganges to hear the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from Śukadeva Gosvāmī. His success proves that simply by submissive hearing, one can achieve perfection and face death without fear.
- Maharaja Pariksit was cursed by a brahmin that he would die within seven days. So he simply heard this Srimad-Bhagavatam for seven days very seriously, and he was fully conscious of Krsna.
- Simply by hearing, you become perfect. Just like Pariksit Maharaja. At the time of point of his death, he had no time to perform any yajna or any big, big thing. He simply heard Srimad-Bhagavatam carefully - and he became perfect simply by hearing.
Responsibility to Stop Death
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam issues a stern warning to all parents, spiritual masters, and leaders: do not accept dependents if you cannot save them from death. This does not mean saving the physical body, which is impossible, but saving the soul from the cycle of repeated birth and death. This instruction redefines the duty of a guardian from mere material maintenance to spiritual deliverance.
- The Bhagavata says: One should not become a father, one should not become a mother, unless they are able to protect the children from the imminent danger of death. What is that? The cycle of birth and death.
- As stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam (SB 5.5.18), pita na sa syat: one should not become a father unless one is able to protect his child from mrtyu, the path of birth and death. But where is there education about this.
- That is Bhagavatam's instruction: Dont accept guru, dont accept father, dont accept or dont be father, dont be mother, dont be if you cannot stop death. Either you dont accept, or dont become.
Attaining Deathlessness
Ultimately, Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the platform of deathlessness. The soul is eternal, but due to ignorance, it identifies with the dying body. By hearing the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and engaging in devotional service, one awakens to their eternal identity. This is the scientific process to stop the repetition of birth, death, old age, and disease.
- Krsna Consciousness means to be on the platform of deathlessness. Every sloka in Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam is informing us of this. If you read these books carefully you will understand this platform of deathlessness.
- This bhagavata-dharma means that how to get out of these four defects of material life, or four miserable condition of material life - birth, death, old age and disease - and get eternal, blissful life of knowledge.
- Just utilize the opportunity to finish the business of Krishna Consciousness, without waiting for further incarnation. Srimad-Bhagavatam says that we should try for the highest achievement, and complete it before the next death comes.
Conclusion
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is not a pessimistic study of mortality, but a triumphant guide to immortality. It provides the solution to death by offering the living entity a way to re-establish their eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord. By following the path of Mahārāja Parīkṣit and taking the instructions of the Bhāgavatam seriously, one can conquer the final enemy and return home, back to Godhead.
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 Death in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.