Peace of mind when you are about to exit !
I’m 69 years old and I cry everyday knowing that I’ll die soon and get erased forever or will not have consciousness. What can I do to get mental peace?
I don’t have any great words of wisdom to offer, but with all humility, may I please suggest that you read the masterpiece “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy. This book is just 75 pages. While the book may seem a bit depressing initially, there is a great deal of optimism and redemption towards the end. I believe that the book may have some pointers for you. I strongly recommend it to you.
The opening sections opens with Ilyich(who is a judge) learning about his death. He is terrified of his approaching death. Each of his colleagues imagine what Ilyich’s death mean for their own professional life. They all feel grateful that it is Ilyich who is going to die and not themselves. One can feel the selfishness on display but don’t we see that in normal life too?
The paradox in Ilyich’s life is that he has lived a pleasant, competent life. In all his life, he aimed to please his superiors and people in the higher social strata and moved ahead. He managed to get luxury and status, but somewhere he lost the authenticity. This left him spiritually barren.
He is now getting scared. He like most mortals keeps avoiding thoughts about death in favour of superficialities. It is only in his last days that he comes to terms with the fact that he has squandered his life to trivialities.
His servant — Gerasim is the opposite of Ilyich. He is humble, poor and selfless. He is materially poor and spiritually rich. Ilyich manages to learn from Gerasim right before his last breath and finds comfort in his presence.
Ilyich’s redemption could be yours too..!
And for each one of us..!!!
