Death Before During And After Kannada

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Death Before During and After" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided Kannada content:

Core Teachings on Death from Dada Bhagwan

This book, presented by Dada Bhagwan and compiled by Dr. Niruben Amin, delves into the profound spiritual understanding of death from a Jain perspective. It emphasizes that the soul (Atma) is eternal and unaffected by birth and death. The cycle of birth and death applies to the physical body and the associated ego (Ahamkara), not the true self.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of the Soul: The Atma is described as permanent, unborn, and immortal. It is the knower and the seer, distinct from the physical body and its experiences.
• The Illusion of Birth and Death: Birth and death are considered temporary phenomena, like changing clothes. The "birth" and "death" of ego-centric identification with the body is the real cycle.
• The Role of Karma: The experiences of life and the nature of rebirth are governed by karma. Actions create causes, and these causes lead to effects in this life and future lives. The book stresses that understanding and managing karma is crucial for liberation.
• Understanding the "Self" (Atma): A central theme is the realization of the true Self, which is distinct from the body, mind, and ego. This self-realization (Atma Sakshatkar) is the key to overcoming the fear of death.
• Fear of Death: The fear of death arises from the identification with the ego and the physical body. Once the true nature of the soul is realized, the fear of death dissolves.
• Life as a Prison: Life is metaphorically described as a prison with different levels of confinement based on one's actions and spiritual progress (heavenly realms, human existence, animal realm, and hellish realms).
• The Mechanics of Rebirth: The book explains that the consciousness and accumulated karmic tendencies at the time of death influence the next birth. It clarifies that the soul does not take birth, but rather the energetic composition of the individual, including the causal body and electrical body, continues.
• Practices for Spiritual Progress:
  • Self-Inquiry: Questions like "Who am I?" are encouraged to lead to the realization of the true Self.
  • Pratikraman (Self-Correction): This is a crucial practice of repentance and asking for forgiveness for past mistakes, both to others and to the Self. It helps to neutralize negative karma.
  • Right Belief (Samayik): Cultivating right understanding and belief is emphasized as the way to break the cycle of causes and effects.
  • Detachment: Practicing detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and the physical body is essential.
  • Living with Awareness: Every moment should be lived with awareness, understanding the karmic consequences of actions.
• Rituals and Traditions: The book critically examines common death rituals and traditions, suggesting that their effectiveness lies in the intention and purification of the individual performing them rather than their external form. It emphasizes that rituals performed out of superstition or for personal gain are not beneficial to the departed soul.
• The Importance of the Human Birth: The human birth is considered a rare and precious opportunity to achieve liberation (Moksha). It is the only birth where one can break free from the cycle of birth and death.
• The Role of the Gnani Purush (Self-Realized Being): Dada Bhagwan, as a Gnani Purush, is presented as someone who has realized the Self and can impart this knowledge to others, enabling them to achieve self-realization in a short period.
• The End of Suffering: Through the path of self-realization and by following the teachings of a Gnani Purush, one can attain a state of eternal peace and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

Key Question-Answer Sessions:

The book is structured around a series of questions posed by an interviewer and answered by Dada Bhagwan, covering a wide range of topics related to death, including:

• How to escape the cycle of birth and death.
• What happens to the soul after death.
• The significance of death rituals.
• The nature of fear of death.
• The concept of rebirth and the journey of the soul.
• The causes and effects of actions.
• The meaning of "Samadhi Maran" (death in a state of meditative awareness).
• The purpose of the human birth.
• The role of divine presence in the end-of-life process.

Practical Advice:

The book offers practical guidance on how to conduct oneself during the final moments of life and how to support loved ones who are nearing death. It emphasizes maintaining a positive and aware state of mind, focusing on the Self, and performing spiritual practices like Pratikraman.

In essence, "Death Before During and After" provides a spiritual perspective on death, shifting the focus from the physical event to the eternal nature of the soul and the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It encourages self-inquiry, righteous conduct, and devotion to the Self to achieve lasting peace and freedom.