WHAT IF I DONT WANT TO DIE

n deference to all religious beliefs worldwide, let us acknowledge that no one truly knows what transpires in the afterlife. Anyone who claims to do so is speaking without certainty. Nevertheless, in the realm of reality, there is no need to separate life and death because just as life is a process within us, death is also a part of this same process, both occurring within the same space. The fear of death is ubiquitous; animals, insects, and even humans fear it. In my perspective, animals and insects are unaware of concepts like heaven or being in the presence of God there. The fear of death in humans is often shaped by the beliefs of about 70% of the population, which instill this fear by emphasizing divine judgment after death. However, I must convey that since none of us knows what tomorrow holds, why not live a good life here and embrace death when it arrives? Even God, if we consider a divine existence, would likely appreciate this. As for the question of God's existence, I'm not here to debate it. In my view, if you affirm God's existence, you are correct, and if you deny it, you are also correct. We both believe in something we do not fully comprehend. Let's explore the notion of existence itself. Existence is that which is already present, whether it is something or even nothing; in fact, nothingness is the foundation of existence. God exists; God is existence itself, and there is no distinction between existence and non-existence; everything simply exists.

Chapter 1

"Contemplating Death:

The nature of death is a profound inquiry. People frequently avoid this topic, but it is imperative that we acknowledge the inevitability of death. Death can be defined as the absence of one's presence, wherein someone who was once vital to you is no longer there, be it a beloved, a cherished person, or even someone of no personal significance. Death is the single certainty that unites all living beings, and it is the sole guarantee in life.

It is crucial to recognize that death is not an occasional event; it is an intrinsic part of our bodily existence. As we age, our bodies exhibit signs of this process, and doctors can discern our condition by examining our physical state. Death is an eventuality that will ultimately touch each of us. Many have passed away, spanning from the remarkable to the obscure, from the destitute to the affluent, from the youthful to the elderly. Death knows no boundaries; it is a universal phenomenon, and it requires no prerequisites for its arrival. Life ebbs and flows, and there will come a point where our bodies can no longer sustain the flame of life.

Have you ever encountered someone who initially professed a desire to remain alive but subsequently expressed a longing for death? Such a change of heart can stem from the physical incapacity to persist in life due to an ailment. In such instances, death becomes a form of liberation. It is important to recognize that death itself is not a predicament; rather, it is a release. The lack of comprehension of life is what imbues death with a sense of enigma. To grasp death, it is essential to comprehend life.

Death does not necessitate forfeiture; rather, it represents freedom. It is akin to inflating a balloon until it bursts. The significance lies not in the bursting of the balloon but in the liberation of the air contained within. Life may be fraught with miseries, but death represents absolute peace and a form of emancipation. Rather than perceiving death as a scourge, regard it as a respite. Life, in its essence, carries the affliction. In response to a devotee's query regarding avoiding diseases, a wise master articulated, 'Even the physical body itself is a malady.' To transcend this affliction is to transcend the body. Upon departing the body, one's path leads straight to the grave. As one wise individual aptly stated, 'This world serves as the eternal resting place of past experiences, yet we tenaciously clutch onto our corporeal existence.'"

"The Fear of Death:

Death is an inevitability, and there is no need to be consumed by fear of it. Regardless of whether one fears death or not, the reality remains the same – we will all face mortality. The prevailing fear of death can be attributed to the unfamiliarity of the experience and the lack of insight into it. Even if one were to have experienced death and rebirth, it remains an enigma that eludes description. At present, we are only certain of our existence; everything else resides within the realm of experience. If you were asked, 'Are you alive?' your response would affirm your current state, which is indeed one of vitality.

Human beings are confined to their awareness of life, lacking a conscious understanding of its mechanics. Our consciousness of life and death hinges upon our connection to the physical body. In deep sleep, life and death are inconspicuous; we dwell in a state of pure existence. Our awareness of life and death is dependent on our awareness of the body. It is a realization that helps clarify the distinction – death does not befall the self; it transpires within the body. You, as the self, remain untouched by death; it is only the body that is susceptible to its grasp. Embracing this understanding renders the fear of death obsolete.

Any discourse concerning death pertains to the physical body because it is the vessel through which life and death are experienced. The body is the source of fear; it instills anxiety about both life and death. Fears take various forms, from the dread of failure to apprehension of particular situations and, ultimately, the fear of death. Fear, at its core, is a manifestation of ignorance. It is apprehension of what is yet to occur based on external accounts or personal conjecture, not on direct experience.

In a parallel manner, the fear of death is underpinned by the unfamiliarity of the experience. Although we may witness death in others, we remain unacquainted with it in our own experience. The inclination to fear death is not unique to humans; it extends to animals and all living entities. As a testament to this, consider the instinctual response of a newly hatched chicken, seeking refuge with its mother when faced with a threat like an eagle. Such instinctual behaviors affirm that death is universal and extends to all forms of existence."

"Our Existence and the Nature of Death:

I want to emphasize that we are all mortal beings; there's nothing we can do to avoid death. Regardless of whether we accept or fear it, death is an inevitable part of life. Life and death occur simultaneously. Consider, for a moment, what the world would be like if we never died. Imagine a world devoid of death in any form. When you ponder this, you realize that death plays a crucial role in the dynamics of our world.

Now, take a moment to reflect on your own existence. If you consciously examine your life, you may come to see that death, in fact, can be a profound and natural occurrence. We die when our time comes. However, imagine a scenario where we couldn't die at all. What would our actions be? What would be our positions in life? It would undoubtedly present significant challenges.

A wise individual once said, 'Death is a great compassion when it comes at the right time.' The fear of death stems from the strong bond between our inner self and the body. We've grown attached to our bodies, and in this life, we cannot do without them. Nevertheless, when the self separates from the body, it can exist independently. You may observe that your body, on its own, has the potential to stop functioning at any given moment. The body is akin to a machine; no matter how well we maintain it, it may cease to work at any time.

We've essentially borrowed this physical body without interest, and eventually, the Earth will reclaim it. We are like dust in the vast expanse of existence, and we could vanish at any moment. We are transient beings on this planet, and one by one, we will all depart. It's only a matter of time. Death is a freedom we all must experience. It serves as the final stage of our journey in life, a final graduation.

Death is akin to changing one's clothes; it is a part of life because it is the last chapter. While various events can transpire in our lives repeatedly, death is a singular occurrence. It is the culmination of life's experiences. Thus, death is a fundamental aspect of life.

Nothing in life is entirely certain. We cannot be sure of our success, waking up tomorrow, marrying before death, or seeing our grandchildren. This isn't meant to wish ill upon anyone, but it's a stark reality. It's important to understand that nothing in life is 100% certain. People have gone to bed, intending to wake up early, only to never awaken. Others have walked to the bathroom to shower and never returned to their room, as they've passed away.

Death is with us all the time. A few years ago, while I was in school, I was a reserved student. I struggled with memory and often forgot what I had learned. My father was concerned, and he would ask my younger brother to help me. The only thing I excelled at was paying attention and keeping quiet. This made me somewhat of an introvert, making it difficult for some to connect with me. One of my best friends from school, Jumoke, used to share her plans and aspirations with me. She had a bright future ahead, with dreams of pursuing higher education, getting a good job, and building a successful life. She was determined and passionate about her future.

I told her that while she had planned her future meticulously, life had a way of introducing failures, pain, mistakes, and disappointments. This was to emphasize that success in life required sacrifice and struggle. I encouraged her not to give up on her dreams, and she responded with determination not to relent. Her response filled me with joy.

However, Jumoke tragically passed away, and her dreams remained unfulfilled. This isn't an isolated incident; many similar stories exist. It's not because of a lack of effort, but rather because death is an unchangeable destiny. Death is certain. It has been with us since before we were born, and it is a destiny that cannot be altered.

I implore you not to view death as something distant and unlikely. Instead, see it as something that can happen at any moment. Don't perceive death as a problem; consider it a part of the natural order of our physical bodies. If you see death as a problem, you'll perceive problems everywhere. However, if you view it as a natural occurrence, it can provide profound insight into the meaning of life because it is intrinsic to our bodily existence.

Life and Death are Inseparable:

I want to emphasize that death is an integral part of life. If you try to distance yourself from death, you inadvertently distance yourself from life. The moment you reject death is the moment you reject life because life and death coexist. As you inhale and exhale, life and death are inextricably linked. If you hold your breath, you'll quickly realize that your body craves life.

Our breath introduces us to the simultaneous occurrence of life and death. The inhalation represents life, and the exhalation represents death. They happen in a continuous cycle – 'life, death, life, death.' Some may say 'life and death,' but the distinction isn't as clear-cut because as you sit with your eyes closed, focusing on your breath, you'll discern that life and death are interwoven processes that cannot be separated. As we live, we are also in the process of dying. Only someone destined to die needs life.

The last chapter of our existence is death, and it should be embraced gracefully. It's the final act we perform in this journey. Death is the one certainty we cannot change. It's an integral aspect of our lives, and understanding this can provide profound wisdom."

Chapter 2: When a Person Dies, What Dies

People can describe the celestial events, but they cannot pinpoint the source of life within the body. In truth, when someone passes away, it means the body has ceased to function. There is a distinction between carrying a deceased body and a living person. When someone dies, it's not a final event; it's a process. Both life and death involve processes. One process occurs at birth, and another at death. However, the process of death is ongoing, even as we speak, regardless of our efforts to maintain our health. This physical body is like a temporary passport or identification for our existence on this planet. When its time is up, this passport or identification becomes obsolete. The true self can never die; only the body does. We must grasp that we acquire this body from our mother's womb, and it's not everlasting. We are merely borrowing it for a finite time.

What would be the purpose of achieving something if our body dies? There is nothing to achieve in life; it's not about accomplishments. If you claim to have achieved something, I'm sorry, but you haven't achieved anything. Life is using you; you're not using life. Life wants you to fulfill itself, even though it can never be truly fulfilled. To illustrate this, consider the act of creation. Everything essentially emerges from nothing. This underscores that life is essentially nothing, and you cannot derive something from nothing. Nothing is all we have; life is essentially a dream, and we are returning to nothing, where we originated. Once we become aware that our bodies are transient, we are nothing more than dreamers. By "dreamer," I mean that life is akin to an illusion—it doesn't exist. To clarify, imagine yourself as the only person on Earth. You have nothing; you are a product of nothing. You sit alone, imagining an airplane and various things. How can you make them a reality? You cannot, for you are a creation of nothing. You can only envision these things and make them feel real to yourself. This is why everything can only be a part of you; they can never be you.

A fish in the ocean is oblivious to being in the ocean. The moment it becomes aware of this fact, it achieves enlightenment, which a fish can never truly attain. Sometimes, if we don't step outside of our current state, we cannot comprehend what lies beyond. It is only when human beings become enlightened that they realize life is a dream. Once we recognize life as a dream, we awaken. Once awakened, we exist in a state of awareness, living within the self. The self is the ultimate truth, requiring nothing and everlasting. You are the self.

What the body desires is a struggle. Even if you build thousands of houses, if your body perishes, you will lose it. If you possess a thousand expensive cars, but your body dies, they become meaningless. Even with an abundance of clothing, if you pass away, it all becomes irrelevant. Everything we have or desire in life serves to satisfy our bodies. We engage in daily struggles to satisfy our bodies, take risks for the same reason, endure pain for the same purpose, but when the body inevitably turns to waste, everything we've strived for loses its value.

Here's a poignant story about Joel. He prayed to God, saying, "I'll be happy when I graduate." He graduated and then said, "I'll be happy when I get a job." He obtained a job and once again said, "I'll be happy when I have a good wife." He found a good wife and said, "I'll be happy when I have children." He had children and then said, "I'll be happy when I see my grandchildren." Joel saw his grandchildren and started going to church. When asked why, he replied, "When I die, I'll be happy." Nothing in life can satisfy us more than death, and we'll forget all we've had in life. Consider Joel's life, and you'll see it's similar to everyone's. The only achievement you can offer your body is food. I'm not saying you shouldn't strive for something in life, but I want to reveal the fundamental truth of this existence: all we want is a struggle.

Now, imagine this: You say you want to be a doctor, and I make it so. You want a job, and I provide it. You desire a child, and I make it happen. You seek a promotion, and I grant it. I can fulfill everything you can imagine, and even those you cannot fathom. Now, what do you want? You'll likely find there's nothing more to request. Everything we want is tied to struggle, and this relentless struggle is consuming our lives, often without our awareness.

A few years ago, something happened to me that left me feeling depressed. Everything around me turned negative, and I didn't even like myself. I realized that I was working against myself. To cope, I bought a bucket of popcorn, sat alone in a dark room, and began eating it. After about five minutes, I noticed I was no longer fixated on what had been bothering me; instead, I had focused on the enjoyable aspect of the popcorn. I fell asleep for a while, and upon waking up, I found that my subconscious mind had resolved my problems. This serves as a lesson; when we feel depressed, we often dwell on the past, but the past cannot be changed, and what happened around us doesn't define us. Time isn't what's taken away; it's our life. We can't reclaim what's passed, so whether we act or not, our life continues to slip away. You must ask yourself: When will I die? It's not about having negative thoughts; it's a way to grow your spirituality and understand life in a more pleasant manner.

Chapter 3: The Nature of MortalityNothing is increasing within our bodies; everything is diminishing. Some believe that something with a beginning and an end is progressing towards its conclusion. It's essential to understand that things with a beginning and end are not growing; they are only diminishing. Nothing within our physical bodies is on the rise; everything is in decline. "A person's life is akin to a book we read; you read it until it dwindles to its end." While our bodies may leave a lasting impact on this world, they are still diminishing. One of history's greatest figures, Nikola Tesla, invented, predicted, or contributed to hundreds of technologies that continue to play a significant role in our daily lives. We are using all his inventions at an advanced level to this day. This remarkable individual can never be forgotten in the history of humanity. A person's life is like a candle; the candle may illuminate an entire room but is continually diminishing, just like our bodies. Our bodies may contribute to human and animal growth in this world, but they are still diminishing. For instance, Nikola Tesla was born on July 10, 1856, and he passed away on January 7, 1943. He knew he would eventually leave his body, but before he did, he invented groundbreaking technologies like the remote control, Tesla coil, radio, induction motor, and violet ray, among others. We recognize his impact on our lives, and all he invented continues to evolve, but not his physical body.Everyone has their own time, and that time is finite. Just as we have newborns and elderly individuals, once they give birth to us, a part of our lives slips away, and we inch closer to our inevitable demise. We don't die solely because of age; we die because of life's constant progression. Our lives can be compared to a battery; as soon as we start using it, it begins to deplete, ultimately reaching its end. This is why we die - because everything within us is diminishing. It's essential to grasp that the concept of reduction depends on having a beginning and an end, while progress depends on what has neither a beginning nor an end.No Beginning and No EndOnly God has no beginning and no end. God is infinite, and in God, there is no "here" or "there"; God is omnipresent. You don't need to search for God in specific places like churches, mosques, or traditions; they are there to teach about God. God can only be found within your heart; He resides there, waiting for you to acknowledge His presence. When you have God in your heart, you will perceive God in everything and everyone: in Jesus, in Muhammad, in Buddha, in stones, in sand, in water, in space, in the sky, in plants, in ants, in demons, in creation, in nothingness, and in existence. God is not a human being; He is formless. Both existence and non-existence are manifestations of God. Nothingness forms the foundation of existence; because nothingness exists, who creates nothing? Nothingness itself is uncreated, and God is also uncreated. The essence of God is present even in nothingness because without God's presence, nothingness would cease to exist. God is limitless, which is why He is infinite. Finding God in existence leads to finding God in nothingness, demonstrating that existence and non-existence are inseparable, forming the essence of God.As living beings, as we approach our goals, we also draw closer to death. Whether we act or remain inactive, time is constantly slipping away. Some claim to manage time, but in reality, we can only manage ourselves to align with time. Time is not an external entity; it is continually unfolding within us and around us. While you read this text, time is passing for you and me. Our physical bodies are attuned to time; they signal us when we need to change our posture or eat. Every moment counts, and wasting time is equivalent to wasting life. To avoid wasting time, we must not squander our present moments – the "now."A Story of a Wise LordThere was a wise lord who never wasted his present moments. He once called one of his devotees. The devotee, however, requested a moment to put down a flask he was holding. When he returned, the lord admonished him, stating that he called him one minute earlier and that his time had been wasted. The devotee learned a valuable lesson about the importance of not squandering time. The wise lord emphasized that time is a precious resource that can never be reclaimed when lost. Time passes, and our lives are like dreams, fleeting and impermanent. Therefore, we must utilize our present moments wisely.The Story of King JanakIn India, there was a king named Janak, also known as Videha-raj. He was renowned for his detachment from the physical body. Two scholars in his kingdom were curious about how he remained detached in the midst of such opulence. When they asked him, King Janak tested their detachment by giving them a luxurious experience one day and having them walk around his kingdom the next. Despite the opulence and temptations, the scholars remained detached during their second day's journey. King Janak explained that he maintained his detachment by constantly remembering the impermanence of life and the certainty of death. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that every moment is invaluable and that we are all headed towards our graves.These reflections serve as a reminder that time is a precious and finite resource. By acknowledging the impermanence of life and making the most of our present moments, we can live more purposefully and with greater awareness.

**Chapter 4: Where Do We Go After Death**It is inevitable for all beings, whether human or animal, to face the certainty of death. Once life is breathed into a body, death becomes an intrinsic part of existence. The profound question that arises is, where does our journey take us after we depart from this mortal coil? This is a question that has been answered in diverse ways, often tied to religious beliefs and the circumstances of one's passing.When an individual succumbs to death, the soul is believed to depart from the physical body. The destination of this disembodied soul, however, remains a subject of great contemplation. In contemplating this, it's crucial to free oneself from undue worries about the future. Such concerns stem from our attachment to the body. Our awareness of God and our own creation is inherently linked to our physical form. We see creation, and from this, we infer the existence of a creator. Yet, in the state of deep sleep, we neither perceive our own existence nor the existence of God. Our consciousness of God only arises in our wakeful state.However, when we acknowledge that we are not merely the body, these concerns about the afterlife dissipate. In deep sleep, the mind recedes, leaving only the fundamental "I-thought." This "I" refers to the true "self." This self, often referred to as the soul, cannot be defined in physical terms but is known through living, not lifeless, experience.So, what is this "living dead"? It is, in essence, meditation. Meditation transcends mere concentration or religious contemplation. To become meditative is to create a space between the self and the accumulations of body and mind, which have been gathered over time. To embark on the path of self-inquiry, one may commence with meditation. Even if you lack a regular practice, sitting quietly and allowing the mind to naturally settle is a good start. There is no need to force or manipulate the mind—simply rest in pure awareness.The self is detached from external factors; it needs nothing and is defined by purity and truth. It coexists with the body but is not the body itself, nor is it the mind or the thoughts that animate the mind. It is not confined to the brain. The self temporarily inhabits the body, sustaining it during its lifetime, but it departs once the body ceases to function. The self is eternal awareness.Death is often misconceived as the end of life, but it marks the beginning of a new existence—a transition of the soul from one body to another. As Jagadish Vasudev suggests, if he were to die at this moment, his body would remain while the elements collected from this world would return to the earth. However, the life within, which is a part of your karmic journey, does not belong to you. The depth of your existence during moments of solitary contemplation reflects how much life you have absorbed.So, the question arises: where does one go after death, and how long does it take to return to life? The circumstances of your death play a significant role in determining your next journey. For instance, dying peacefully in old age allows for a swift transition, whereas sudden, violent, or unnatural deaths may lead to an extended limbo state. Without a discerning mind, the soul may be lost in its own tendencies.In the absence of a discriminating mind, fear and paranoia can intensify and persist in the afterlife. If, however, one can find peace at the moment of death, that peace multiplies exponentially. Heaven and hell are not physical places; they are states of mind determined by one's actions and consciousness. Live well, and you are likely to die well.Reincarnation is not a belief held by all religions. While some, like Islam, reject it, others, such as early Christianity and Sufism, entertain the notion of rebirth. Evidence from various cases, like the Pollock sisters in Hexham, England, suggests that memories of past lives can carry forward, but such experiences typically fade as one lives their new life. The idea of death is akin to completing one chapter in the book of life and beginning a new one. It is not the end but a transition to a new existence.In conclusion, the journey after death remains shrouded in mystery, and the answers to these profound questions may vary depending on one's beliefs and experiences. However, the understanding that death is not the end but a transition to a different state of being is a common thread that runs through many perspectives on this subject.