Death and renouncing the body (dehatyāga) are not exactly the same.
- All beings in the mortal world (martyaloka) experience death, but not all beings are capable of conscious body renunciation (dehatyāga).
- Just as an ignorant being does not have control over birth, it also lacks control over death.
The subtle body (sūkṣma-śarīra), along with the individual soul (jīva), takes on a gross body (sthūla-śarīra) as a result of prārabdha-karma (destined karma).
- Birth, lifespan, and experiences (bhoga) are all consequences of prārabdha-karma.
- Even after death, the jīva is not free; it remains under the control of divine forces overseeing karmic consequences.
As long as a being identifies with the body (dehātmabuddhi) due to ignorance, it remains bound by karma, and death continues to be veiled in ignorance.
Different Experiences of Death
- For the ignorant (ajñānī)
- Death occurs unconsciously, similar to falling into deep sleep (mūrcchā-sthiti).
- Some may experience intense suffering, while others may pass away peacefully.
- For the realized (jñānī)
- They consciously dissolve into the Supreme Reality.
- Their prāṇa merges into Mahā-Sattā (Supreme Existence).
- They experience no post-death transition (gati).
- For yogis with spiritual mastery (yoga-śakti)
- They consciously choose the moment of death (icchā-mṛtyu).
- Through deep tapasya (austerity), divine grace (bhagavat-kṛpā), or a master’s blessing, they can transcend prārabdha-karma and control the departure of their subtle body.
Two Paths After Death: Devayāna and Pitṛyāna
The Śruti (scriptures) describe two paths after death:
- The Path of Light (Śukla Gati / Devayāna)
- Only attained by those with spiritual knowledge (jñāna) and tapas (austerity).
- Leads to higher divine realms (Brahmaloka), beyond rebirth.
- The Path of Darkness (Kṛṣṇa Gati / Pitṛyāna)
- Followed by those who perform good karmas but lack knowledge.
- Leads to swarga (heaven), followed by rebirth in the material world.
The Science of Premature Death (Akaala-Mṛtyu)
According to Buddhist philosophy, death occurs due to four causes:
- End of Lifespan (Āyu-kṣaya) – The being has completed its maximum lifespan.
- Exhaustion of Karma (Karma-kṣaya) – The accumulated karmic energy supporting life is depleted.
- Both Āyu and Karma end simultaneously.
- Intervention of Opposing Karma (Upacchedaka-Karma) – Accidental or unnatural death (Akaala-Mṛtyu) due to unexpected external causes.
The last category (Upacchedaka-Mṛtyu) includes:
- Natural disasters like earthquakes, storms, and floods.
- Accidents caused by vehicles or external circumstances.
- Epidemics and fatal diseases.
The Role of Consciousness at the Time of Death
Hindu scriptures emphasize:
“Antaḥ matiḥ sā gatiḥ” (At the moment of death, one’s final thoughts determine their next existence.)
- It is considered unwise to discuss worldly matters near a dying person.
- Instead, chanting Vedic mantras, sacred hymns, or divine names is recommended to guide the soul towards a higher spiritual transition.
Scriptural instructions for the moment of death:
- Rigveda: Reciting the Tāraka Mantra for the dying person.
- Taittirīya Upaniṣad: Chanting verses like “Brahmavidā apnoti param”.
- Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā (8.15-16): Advises constant remembrance of the Divine at the time of death.
Uttarāyaṇa and Dakṣiṇāyana Death
The Mahābhārata mentions that death during Uttarāyaṇa (northern solstice) is highly auspicious.
- Chāndogya Upaniṣad (4.15.4-6) explains Devayāna, the path of the liberated, follows Uttarāyaṇa.
- This is why Bhīṣma Pitāmaha waited for Uttarāyaṇa before giving up his body.
However, for true spiritual masters (Brahmavettas), the timing of death is irrelevant since they transcend all cosmic divisions.
Death and the Kingdom of Time (Kāla-Rājya)
- Mṛtyu-Rājya (The Kingdom of Death) is ruled by Kāla (Time).
- Everything within time undergoes transformation and decay.
- All material existence is subject to:
- Birth (Jāyate)
- Existence (Asti)
- Growth (Vipariṇamate)
- Aging (Śarīra-ardhate)
- Decline (Apakṣīyate)
- Destruction (Naśyati)
However, beyond Kāla (Time) is Mahākāla (The Supreme Timeless Reality).
- In Mahākāla, there is no change, birth, or decay.
- At the time of universal dissolution (Pralaya), all of creation dissolves into Mahākāla.
Individual vs. Collective Death
- Vyasti-Mṛtyu (Individual Death)
- The death of a single being due to its karma.
- Samashti-Mṛtyu (Collective Death)
- Mass deaths due to natural calamities, wars, or cosmic dissolution (Pralaya).
- The broadest Pralaya is the complete dissolution of the material universe.
The Journey After Death (Gati Vijñāna)
The post-death journey depends on the individual’s spiritual state:
- Liberated Souls (Jīvanmuktas)
- Achieve immediate release, no rebirth.
- Pious but Ignorant Beings
- Take the Pitṛyāna path, go to Swarga (heaven), and return to earthly rebirth.
- Sinful Beings (Pāpātman)
- Travel through the dark path, experience hellish suffering, and later reincarnate into lower forms.
- Spiritually Advanced Souls (Devatva-yogya)
- Attain higher celestial realms and may join Hiranyagarbha (cosmic intelligence).
The Supreme State: Brahma-Loka and Final Liberation
Those who attain Brahmaloka (the realm of higher spiritual consciousness):
- Exist in divine bliss until the final dissolution.
- At the time of Mahāpralaya, their individuality dissolves into the Supreme Brahman.
The Ultimate Science of Death
- Mṛtyu-Vijñāna is not just about physical death but about transcending mortality.
- The real goal is to attain self-knowledge and liberation (mokṣa).
- A true aspirant must live in awareness so that at the moment of death, they can consciously merge into the Divine.
“By mastering the science of death, one attains the highest state of immortality.”