Death as a great guru

Now that rumours of his sudden demise have been proved false, can former President Abdul Kalam expect to add more years to his life? That happens according popular belief when one dreams or hears about one’s own end. As a rationalist, Kalam may not countenance such sentiments . But neither would he be fazed by the rumours.

The ones with egg on the face are the rumour-mongers and they have already apologised cravenly and begged for a thousand-fold increase in the savant’s lifespan! But the moot question is even if it were possible would the ex-President want it?

As Raymond Tallis, noted British savant-scientist , writes in Hippocratic Oaths: medicine and its discontents, “However death is postponed and palliated — by means of medicine, public health, technology and social reforms — birth remains a one way ticket to the grave.” As Shakespeare put it memorably in Hamlet, “Thou know’st ‘tis common: all lives must die/Passing through nature to eternity.” That may perhaps explain why eastern tradition looks upon Death as the greatest of teachers of the secrets of life.

In Kathopanishad, for example , Death is shown offering bribes to Nachiketas. Initially he tries to fob off the seeker of the secret supreme. But when Nackiketas stands firm, Death discloses the dichotomy of paths leading to shreyas and preyas; to blessedness and sensory satisfaction.

Do not mistake enjoyments for acts of freedom, Death says: Choose what is ultimately real and not what appears to be immediately valuable. Appearances can deceive you, right here and now!