Death from the Point of View of the Sikh Religion

Death is a never ending process against which we tend to put up a lot of resistance. In this case the event of our physical death, when it can no longer be resisted, presents itself as a great opportunity to do something we have been putting off all our lives. It is an opportunity to do what might be inadequately described as to relax, let go, trust, abandon oneself, etc. Another way of putting it might be to say that it is an oportunity to cleanse the soul of psychic fantasy, to turn away from the world and to commit to meeting that which never dies - an unknown that I will call God. The deathceremony is designed to alert us to the opportunity and even celebrate it.

ô This call may be sent home every day, so remember the Lord who calls, says Nanak, for the day is drawing near for everyoneö(p12)

However the chances are that most of us will not make the most of this opportunity. This is one of the reasons why we concern ourselves with life after death and any speculation or research that could make us feel more at ease with our inevitable fate of dying. (I say this in full awareness of the claim to the immortal possibilities made by some people). Yet what happens in between dying and being reborn is not very significant since it is our actions and thoughts in this life that will determine the nature of our next life. This is settled immediately at the moment of dying. The fact of reincarnation - the repeated cycle of dying and being reborn into yet another form of existence again and again until we reach a state of consciousness that will finally allow us to be free - this is worthy of a lot more attention than we give it. Perhaps there is a sense of knowing that the price of freedom is an unconditional dying that few are really prepared for. The paradox ofdying while alive is the absolute mystery there is.

ôDeath of which people are afraid gives me joy,

Through deathÆs gate one meets the Lord of blissö(p1365)

Another important factor that has more significant implications from the point of view of reincarnation as opposed to life after death, is the principle of returning action. This returning principle is also known as Karma and consequently, given that karma extends across lifetimes, the idea of taking oneÆs own or another life develops a far deeper flavour. That our actions have reactions, and that our death results in just another life, must also raise questions as to the purpose of our existence. For a Sikh the whole of life is an opportunity to practise dying, until one dies such a death that will not have to be repeated. It is only in dying such a death that we will have fulfilled life. And while every effort is to be invested in this process the final word is claimed by GodÆs Grace.

ôOnly GodÆs name keeps you company after deathö(p1189)

NB: All page references are from the æSri Guru Granth SahibÆ, the scripture of the Sikhs