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Remember The Moment of Death > Page1
4. In this Chapter it is stated that the thought that is uppermost at the moment of death prevails in the succeeding birth. The soul sets out for the journey ahead, with this provision for the way. Taking today's earnings with us after a night's sleep, we begin tomorrow. In the same way, with the accumulations of this life, after the heavy sleep of death we resume the journey in the next birth. The end of this janma, life is the beginning of the next. Walk through life having in mind the hour of death.
5. This is necessary also because we should conquer the fear of death and make it easy to cross over. There is a story about Eknath. A man asked him, "Maharaj, your life is so simple and sinless. Why is our life utterly different? You are angry with none, you quarrel with none, you hate none. How calm, how loving, how pure you are!" Eknath replied, "Never mind me. I have found out something about you. In seven days from now, you will die." Who could disbelieve Eknath's words? Death in seven days? Only 168 hours left. Oh, God that a calamity? He ran in haste to his house. Nothing seemed clear to him. He was talking of disposing of his affairs and preparing for the end. Then he fell ill. He lay flat on his bed. Six days passed. On the seventh day Eknath came to visit him. He greeted the saint. Eknath inquired, "How are you?" He said, "All is over. Now I am going." Eknath asked further, "In these six days, how many sins did you commit? And how many sinful evil thoughts came into your mind?" And the man who had been awaiting death answered, "Lord, where was the time to think of thoughts? Death stood ever before my eyes."
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