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IS DEATH A DESTINY FORGED BY KARMA? A DEEP DIVE INTO INDIAN PURANAS & VEDAS

By P Mohan Chandran


Does the trajectory of our life culminate in a predetermined point, painted by the colors of our actions? Can the very manner of our departure from this realm be a culmination of deeds spread across lives we've lived? And if so, do our actions in this life alone dictate our end, or are we bearing the burden of ages past? As we voyage through the depths of the Indian Puranas and Vedas, we might uncover secrets that have echoed through time and space, revealing the intricate dance of karma and death.


The Philosophy of Karma: A Cosmic Ledger


To comprehend the profundities of death and karma, it's vital to first grasp the essence of karma itself. Rooted in the ancient scriptures of India, the concept of karma is not merely about 'cause and effect' but is a testament to the universe's pursuit of balance. The Bhagavad Gita elucidates, "As we sow, so shall we reap." It's the universal law of moral causation, where every action pulsates with intent, eventually returning to the doer.


Draupadi's Vow & the Mahabharata: A Tale from the Puranas


Recall the epic Mahabharata. Draupadi, wronged and humiliated, swears revenge. Her vow wasn't just a promise; it was a karmic debt that the Kauravas had to repay. The intense war that ensued, leading to the eventual death of the Kauravas, was it fate or a consequence of their own misdeeds? Here, karma interweaves with destiny, implying that our past actions might indeed influence the circumstances of our death.


The Vedas & the Cycle of Birth & Death


The Rigveda proclaims, "Our destiny was fashioned long ago." This isn't a simple surrender to fate, but an acknowledgment of karma's cyclical nature. Our past actions, even from previous lives, play a part in determining our life's course and possibly its culmination. The manner of one's death might not be a random cosmic event but a piece of a grander jigsaw puzzle crafted by one's karma.


Stories of Resonance: From the Puranas


Numerous tales from the Puranas reiterate the same message. King Harishchandra's unwavering commitment to truth, Ravana's arrogance leading to his downfall, and Gajendra's liberation from a past curse — each tale underscores the inextricable link between karma, destiny, and death.


The Confluence of the Present


However, one mustn't ignore the present. The Upanishads emphasize the significance of 'Aaj' or today. While past karmas influence our journey, the present is where we wield the power. It's a delicate balance between what was, what is, and what can be. So, is our manner of death entirely in our hands? Perhaps not. But can our actions today alter its course? Quite possibly.


Probing the Depths of Existence


As we stand at the crossroads of karma and destiny, we're left pondering profound questions. Are we mere puppets in a divine play, or do we hold the strings to our destiny? Is the manner of our death etched in stone or is it a malleable clay molded by our hands? And if karma indeed shapes our end, can we, in this lifetime, cleanse the slate, ensuring a peaceful transition into the great unknown?


As the ancient seers might suggest, seek the answers not in the world outside but within the depths of your soul. For in introspection, might lie the revelation of the cosmic dance of karma and destiny.

Do you believe that the manner of our death is decided by our past & present karmas?

  • A. Yes, our karmas strongly influence our manner of death.

  • B. No, the manner of death is already pre-ordained.

© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.

17102023






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