WHY VISIT THE DEAD?

Visiting the dead is a custom followed in all societies. Although this may be a tradition, a social obligation and a necessity of the near and dear ones of the deceased, it has a great lesson and learning for all of us – transforming us from within to make human existence more virtuous and spiritually fulfilling!

A VALUABLE AWAKENING OF LIFE

Paying obeisance to the mortal remains, standing in pin drop silence beside the bereaved, while the next of kin and kith cry inconsolably for the irreparable loss, create a deep void inside everybody present. The prevailing calm and quietness, momentarily take us away from a materialistic world, and plunge us into deep contemplation on the spiritual, philosophical and mystical relationships that exist in life and beyond.

Most importantly, visiting the dead arouse us from slumber and bestow us a vision of higher intellect and consciousness, whereby everybody present experience an inner awakening to see and feel the world through a humane prism. Undoubtedly, such heart-rending realizations are the most valued learnings of mankind.

LESSON FOR OUR EGO

It is the most profound lesson to hit our pride, arrogance and ego, the cause of all conflicts in society. When we see dead bodies lying one after another at the crematorium or cemetery to be cremated or buried, a realization dawns that one day we too would be lying as a corpse here. And whether one is rich or poor, powerful or powerless, we have to leave the world empty handed just as we had arrived.

Such a poignant experience makes everybody ponder – when life is so short and uncertain, why can’t we remove our inflated ego, pride and arrogance forever?

PAYING RESPECT TO THE DECEASED

Respecting the dead by visiting them to offer obeisance is a noble act, as also it is the last opportunity to see them. While the dead can’t see who is visiting them, a spiritual connect is created by paying them homage. Amidst these saddening moments, a mystical feeling develops through which you can feel the reality of life and death.

STANDING BESIDE THE BEREAVED

It is a moral responsibility of friends, acquaintances and relatives to stand beside the bereaved at the hour their most difficult crisis.

As they drown themselves in mourning, and become thoughtless, not knowing what to do, seeing well-wishers and friends not only comforts them but also conveys a silent message that they are not alone in their grief and calamity. That apart, the presence of people absorbs some of the intense emotions and pains and makes the bereaved feel stronger.

ENHANCES MENTAL STRENGTH

Just as encountering difficult situations and circumstances make one mentally strong, seeing death of a known or even unknown person make you psychologically bolder. The devastated screams surrounding the mortal remains will certainly make you sad for those who are crying but enable you come to terms through the realization that this is life all about – and that we have to acknowledge reality and move ahead. This acceptance makes one stronger to face the uncertainty of future.

MOURNING CALMS THE MIND

Human mind is always in a restless state as it remains excited, tensed and busy with diverse thoughts and ideas. Visiting the dead, brings one to a state of static calm with stillness of the mind.

Silencing of the mind, essentially soothes the frayed nerves, which is ideal for a healthy life – free of all tensions. Moreover, a thought-free mind brings clarity in thinking, which makes decision making easy and precise.

MEDIUM OF AWAKENING

Awakenings come in a meditative state of silence and stillness. Visiting the dead too brings one to the same tranquillity of the mind to evolve into higher consciousness and intellect. As it opens our inner powers, we learn to visualize and think through the heart, which is far more powerful than what the human eyes can see or contemplate.

THE FINAL FAREWELL

Thus, no matter how much painful it is to witness the dead, one must visit to see them for the last time and bid them farewell for their heavenly journey.