We, humans tend to avoid or at best ignore the reality of death 

Pamu: Hey, Viru what is going on?

Viru: Hey… Nothing special. Tell me about you…

Pamu: Same on my side. Anyway, tell me how are you doing?

Viru: Great and what about you?

Pamu: I am also doing fine.

Viru: So, tell me what is it that we have on our table to discuss?

Pamu: Today, I wish to discuss a topic which is very important in our life. It is so near to us, yet we prefer to ignore it at best.

Viru: Ohhh… Then tell me what is it?

Pamu: Death… Death is what I want to discuss with you.

Viru: Death? Where did it come from out of sudden in your mind? Tell me what is it that made you think and talk about it?

Pamu: Did you see the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria?

Viru: Yes…I am aware of that terrible incident, which struck that region.

Pamu: Did you see the level of destruction caused by it? Thousands of people perished under the fury of nature. Not only that, regions affected by it have turned into rubble.

Viru: Yes… the destruction was total and absolute. Those earthquakes show the merciless and ruthless face of mother earth.

Pamu: I am appalled by the level of destruction, absolutely giving no time for victims to have any chance to save themselves.

Viru: Yes…. nature has that specialty, it strikes so suddenly and that person can do nothing but witness it dumbfounded. At least, in some hazards we have developed technology to predict such instances, but not so in case of an earthquake.

Pamu: Ha…. those instances have terrified me. I literally felt that death is that close to me and can end my life at any moment like theirs.I have also witnessed how swiftly life can ebb away from our bodies at any moment due to any cause. My heart has become restless and it is gripped by the fear of death.

Viru: Why are you fearing? We are not struck by any such hazard.  At least now, we are safe. So there is no need to worry at all.

Pamu: I don’t know that. We can also be struck by any hazard at any time. Be it an earthquake, tsunami, cyclone, or some industrial or natural disaster. I don’t think we are safe the say you are talking.

What makes you think and so confident about the words that you said, that we are safe?

Viru: You are right. Death is the ultimate reality. And most horrifying aspect of it is that it is so swift and sudden that it gives no time to take measures to ensure survival. It comes when it comes. It always wins. When the person is done with his time here, nobody can save him from the grip of death. It is such a powerful. Look at the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria. Those people could never have thought that death was waiting for them at the very door, waiting for them to go to sleep. Many people would have been planning their next day, which they could never see. Many would have been engrossed in happy dreams, and so on. Many children would have been in sweet sleep on the lap of their parents. In one single stroke, everything was destroyed.

Pamu: That is what terrifies me. Even I have dreams, which I hope to fulfill. But after seeing that I do not know where and when death is coming for me. I can die at any moment. And I believe that is the same for you as well as others.

Viru: I remember the time when my situation was exactly like yours. I was terrified by instances, where life ends quickly and suddenly. I started feeling terrible and fear of death grabbed me. I could do almost nothing out of fear. Whatever I thought of doing, that fear used to crop up and would stop me from doing anything. I used to fear that this act would end my life.

Pamu: Really? I am feeling the same. I never thought you would have been through it. Then you can certainly help me to tackle this situation.

Viru: I don’t know about it. The bit I will try my best to help you.

Pamu: Ohhh… thank you for that.

Viru: Let me tell you the truth so that you face the truth and may not be deceived. The truth will be the best solution to your problem. Along with the truth what you need is a bit of change in perspective and attitude.

Pamu: Truth…. it is what makes me tremble. And you are advising me to embrace it so that my fear gets exacerbated. It will not be the solution but will create a greater problem.

Viru: No my friend….. you will find your emancipation in truth only. You are asking me to provide relief to you based on lies. It will give you temporary relief. But it will not be sustainable. Someday or somehow you will encounter the truth. In that situation, you will be helpless. You will become the victim of the very lie, which you made to evade reality.

Pamu: I don’t know about that. But I want this thing to go away from me. I don’t know how… be it truth or lie. Just remove it from me.

Viru: Then I would suggest you go with the truth.

Pamu: Ok then I will do as you say.

Viru: Not as I say, but act the way truth says.

Pamu: Ok then let the truth be my guide on the path toward my fearlessness and emancipation.

Viru: Good…. then understand the truth.

Pamu: I am ready. Please tell me…

Viru: Look…. one thing is certain in every life. That certainty is called death. So, by that virtue one day we both would encounter death and would succumb to its power.

Pamu: Ha… I know that. It is horrific.

Viru: Yes… Our death may come at this moment, tomorrow, or some other time, which we are not certain. But, one thing is certain, which is death itself. And that is the truth that you must face. And not only that you must accept it.

Pamu: That is what terrifies me. How can I do anything when I know that death can strike me at any time?

Viru: Have some patience….. You will have your way. So firstly you accept the reality.

Pamu: Done… OK, I am listening.

Viru: Then after that, you need to change your perspective and attitude towards that truth. Now, you are feeling down because of your perspective of death. You are thinking that death is near. That means an end to all pleasure and enjoyment in life. Tell me if I am wrong.

Pamu: That is right. Death means I will not be able to enjoy the pleasures that life offers. Who knows what is there after death? Or even if there is something after death. I do not even know whether I will be reborn or not.

Tell me something that will alleviate my suffering.

Viru: Ha… I am about to tell you about the second step, which I believe would be helpful for you.

Pamu: Please tell quickly.

Viru: After acceptance, you will need to change your perspective toward death.

Pamu: Perspective…. how to change?  Tell me…

Viru: Look….now the reality of death is hindering you from doing anything. But if you take it in the positive sense, death will act as a great motivation for you to do things.

Pamu: And how is that so?

Viru: We all know our death is certain. It means our time is limited. Now, we have two choices. First is that we can cry over the issue that we have limited time. Or secondly, where we can keep in mind that our time is limited and keep that thing in mind. Since our time is limited, we should use it to the maximum use for our as well as societal benefit without wasting it on useless things.

Pamu: Ohhhhh that. Yes, it can be done. I never thought of it. Yes…..if I know I am going to die then I will try to enjoy and live my life to the fullest.

Viru: Yes…. and even if death comes we would not be afraid for we would have lived our lives at full vigor. Or at least would have tried to live life to the fullest.

Pamu: Ha…. certainly that is a very optimistic and powerful attitude. That will help us avoid worrying.

Viru: There is a very good quote based on stoic philosophy. It says that death smiles at all of us, what we can do is look at it and smile back.

Pamu: You are right. Why worry if we have to face death? Let’s face it while living and enjoying life fully.

Viru: Ha…. it seems that you have changed your view about death.

Pamu: Yes….. it is helpful and most importantly it is the truth. Now, I will always keep that in mind. Without wasting time I will try my level best to live my life to the fullest.

Viru: Ha… that is a great way forward for all of us.

Pamu: Thank you.

Viru: Next time you meet someone guides him accordingly to face life.

Pamu: I will do that.

Viru: Another thing that I forgot to mention is that never forget to express gratitude to nature and others around you for making you able to live your life.

Pamu: Why?

Viru: Simply because it is because of them we are living. Without their active and passive support, we would not survive a day. So we should appreciate and say thanks to them. That is all.

Pamu: Ok…. then I will do it.

Viru: Yes…I hope good for all. And I wish a quick recovery for disaster-struck nations. I send my best wishes and condolences. I hope for their speedy recovery and the strength to them to endure it.

Pamu: I wish the same for them. I hope they will recover. And we all will try our best to live our life to the fullest potential.