Death is the greatest and inevitable truth of this world. Alongside life, death also exists, a destiny shared by all beings. Our religious and spiritual texts acknowledge this truth, describing the afterlife and the journey that transports the soul from this world to another realm. One such ancient text is the Garuda Purana, which provides detailed information about death and the afterlife.
The Garuda Purana also mentions that before death, a person experiences certain strange and mysterious phenomena, seen as warnings of impending death. Let's understand, according to the Garuda Purana, the five things a person might see before death, which indicate their inner vision and spiritual state.
1. A Person Begins to See Their Good and Bad Deeds
According to the Garuda Purana, as death approaches, a person begins to see a glimpse of their lifelong actions. Good and bad deeds performed throughout life pass before their eyes like a film. Recalling good deeds brings peace and tranquility, while remembering bad deeds evokes fear, anxiety, and self-reproach.
This experience influences the individual's mental state in their final moments and is crucial for their soul's journey. These visions help determine their next journey based on their life's actions.
2. Strange Shadows Begin to Appear
As death nears, a person begins to notice changes in their own and surrounding shadows. The Garuda Purana mentions that a person gradually loses their own shadow, replaced by mysterious and unfamiliar shadows. This is considered a sign that the soul is preparing to leave the physical body. This illusion and changing form of shadows can mentally destabilize the individual, but it is part of the inevitable process of death.
3. The Souls of the Deceased Appear
A person nearing death may see the souls of loved ones or sometimes people with whom they had both loving or adversarial relationships. The Garuda Purana states that this experience reflects the individual's mental and spiritual state. If the souls appear positive, they offer comfort and peace; if they appear frightening, the person is filled with stress and fear. The appearance of these souls indicates that death is near and the soul is preparing for its journey to the next world.
4. The Manifestation of Yamadutas (Messengers of Yama)
As death approaches, a person may see the Yamadutas, messengers of Yama (the god of death). According to the Garuda Purana, these messengers come with the decree of death and take the deceased's soul to the afterlife. This terrifying vision informs the person that their life is ending. The appearance of the Yamadutas usually creates fear and anxiety in the individual.
These experiences are more intense at night, as spiritual energy is more active then. The arrival of the Yamadutas signifies the inevitability of death.
5. Dreams Related to Ancestors Begin to Appear
Before death, a person begins to have visions and dreams related to their ancestors or forefathers. The Garuda Purana states that a dying person experiences dreams in which their ancestors or departed souls call them to join them. Sometimes these dreams resemble the recurrence of old memories and events, spiritually preparing the person for death. These dreams awaken mental and spiritual awareness for the post-death journey.
What Lessons Do We Learn from These Teachings of the Garuda Purana?
The Garuda Purana tells us that death is not just the end of the body, but also the beginning of a new journey for the soul. The visions experienced by a person near death reflect their soul's peace or unrest. Good and bad deeds, changing shadows, the souls of the deceased, the arrival of the Yamadutas, and dreams related to ancestors—all these are signs warning of approaching death.
This knowledge inspires us to live our lives correctly. Purifying our actions, promoting truth and virtuous deeds, and preparing for the afterlife constitute true spirituality. These mysterious descriptions from the Garuda Purana tell us that life is precious and should be lived rightly so that the fear of death is absent, and the soul finds peace.
