Narrator:
Dear friends, on this beautiful evening, I begin today's episode by paying my respects to my parents in Shantikunja. A warm welcome to those who are new to the Gupta Sadhak Shyama Khyapa YouTube channel, and a heartfelt thank you to our long-time friends for their continued support.
Narrator:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.
Narrator:
Gurudev, today I want to discuss a topic that involves a very small word but carries a profound meaning-death. We often hear people asking about death. What is it? What happens before and after? There is a deep fear associated with it. Please tell us about the feelings and experiences surrounding death. Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Death is a reality that everyone must face; it is a law of nature. Even the most hardened criminals or powerful individuals tremble when death stands before them. The nature of death is mysterious. Those who have spiritually realized life and death are not afraid. But for those who have no spiritual foundation, death is terrifying.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Even those who have lived exceptionally long lives, like 150 or 280 years, eventually choose their time to depart. Saints like Ramdev Baba or Trailanga Swami knew their time was coming and made their own arrangements. They see death as a transition, much like seeing God.
Narrator:
What are the signs before death?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People often experience terrifying visions before they pass away. They might see someone standing in their room or by the door. They might scream, "Who is there?" This is because they sense a presence coming to take them. These are what we call Yam-doots (messengers of death). They often appear a few days before the end. Some even see Yoginis, depending on spiritual directions.
Narrator:
What about sudden deaths, like in accidents?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Even in those cases, there is often a fleeting moment of realization just before the end.
Narrator:
We often see people who are on the verge of death but cannot seem to pass away. Doctors might say they are 99% gone, but they linger.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In our spiritual tradition, we have certain practices for such situations. For instance, Chandrayan-a ritual to invoke lunar energy to help the soul transition. It is a way of facilitating the end when the soul is struggling to leave the body.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You've mentioned before about your own near-death experiences while flying through storms, haven't you?
Narrator:
Yes, in those moments of crisis, I chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. I feel that Lord Shiva protects me and perhaps everyone on the plane through those prayers.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is correct. Remembering the divine at the moment of death is crucial. As the Bhagavad Gita says, if you remember the Lord at the time of your passing, His messengers will come to guide your soul. Depending on your devotion, the messengers of Shiva or Vishnu will arrive. For those who do not believe or have no spiritual focus, the messengers of Yamraj will take them, which can be a very painful experience.
Narrator:
It is so important to stay connected to God.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. I was in a coma for seven days myself. Doctors and my family had given up all hope. But I returned. I don't remember what I saw during that time, but I am here now. Perhaps Mother (the Goddess) sent me back to be with you all.
Narrator:
Others who have had near-death experiences often talk about visions they had while unconscious. Why do you think that is?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Everyone's journey is unique. I can only speak to my own experience of returning. After death, the soul seeks a new life based on its karma. It could be reborn as a human, a cat, a dog, or any other of the 84 lakh (8.4 million) species. This is the ultimate truth.
Narrator:
Thank you, Gurudev, for sharing these insights about death and the spiritual journey. Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.