My Gurudeva taught us a profound truth: we should neither fear death nor look forward to it. Just as we were welcomed into this world at birth, we will be received when we leave this earthly plane. So, why fear death? Gurudeva often referred to death as “The Greatest Experience of Life.”

Let me pose a few questions to you.

What is your age?
Let’s say you’re 30 years old. Now, if I ask, “What were you doing 30 years ago?” some might say, “I was in my mother’s womb.” Fair enough.

But what about 40 years ago?
Many people answer, “I didn’t exist,” or “I don’t know.”

Now let’s fast-forward. What about 80 years from now (assuming you’re 30 today)? Where will you be?
Most respond with “I don’t know” or “Heaven.” Interestingly, no one says “Hell.” This shows that people are aware of the consequences of living a dharmic life versus an adharmic one.

Here’s another question: Do you want to come back to Earth again?
Would you like to start all over as a baby, learning to walk, eat, speak, and go through all the experiences you’ve had so far? Or… (Feel free to fill in your own answer here.)

The Tale of Hippo, Dippo, and the Mountain Pippo

Let me share a little story.

Once, two friends, Hippo and Dippo, decided to trek up the mountain Pippo. As they began their journey from the base, they noticed many unpleasant things: dried trees, sharp thorns, and rough rocks. The bottom of Pippo seemed far from inviting.

After 90 minutes of trekking, they reached halfway up the mountain. Dippo, tired and frustrated, said, “I’m done. I want to go back down.”

But Hippo encouraged him, saying, “Just 30 more minutes to the top. Let’s climb slowly, sip some water, and take deep breaths. It’ll be worth it.”

With renewed determination, they continued. Twenty minutes later, they reached the cliff.

To their astonishment, they saw an elephant dancing at the top of the mountain!

Startled, they asked the elephant, “Who are you?”

The elephant replied, “I am Jumbo, the master of Pippo.”

Still amazed, Hippo and Dippo greeted Jumbo warmly. Jumbo then invited them to look beyond the mountain.

What they saw left them mesmerized. From the mountaintop, the world looked breathtaking: birds soared gracefully, the vast ocean glimmered in the distance, and all the differences they had noticed at the base of the mountain now seemed harmonious and beautiful.

A Deeper Perspective

The journey up Pippo mirrors our journey through life. At the base, challenges, discomfort, and struggles dominate our view. But when we persist and rise above, we gain a broader perspective. From the mountaintop, everything comes together in harmony, and what once seemed flawed now appears beautiful.

Death, as Gurudeva said, is not an end but a transition—a new vantage point from which we see the greater picture.

So, let us live a dharmic life, face challenges with courage, and climb our mountains with faith. The view from the top will be worth it.

Aum Namah Sivaya.