Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.1.38
Nirodha· Winding upPrepare for Death Without Committing Sin
“O great hero, one who takes birth is sure to die, for death is born with the body. One may die today or after hundreds of years, but death is sure for every living entity.”
What the purport teaches
- Death is born with the body and is certain for everyone who takes birth. Whether it comes today or after hundreds of years, it cannot be avoided.
- Vasudeva wanted Kaṁsa to understand that killing Devakī could not save him from death. It would only harm his reputation and that of his family.
- Rather than fear death, one should prepare for the next birth. Human life should be used to end birth and death, not to become entangled in sinful activities.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today to study this teaching instead of postponing spiritual preparation.
Ask yourself
How might accepting death’s certainty change the way I use my time?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.