Death has been called the great leveller.
'When the game is over, the king and the pawn go into the same box', is very apt. It also brings about what is called 'Smashana vairagya' i.e. the feeling of dispassion when we see our loved ones die. We realise that everything is temporary and our perspective changes. But this lasts only for about 13 days after which we forget about it and return to our (sub)normal ways.
In the Mahabharata, the Yaksha King asks Yudhishtira what is the greatest wonder in the world. Yudhishtira replies that everyday we see people die, yet we live as if we are going to be here forever. This verily is the greatest wonder.
In the context of death, life finds true meaning. In Bhagavata, King Parikshitha learns of the curse that he will die within 7 days from a snake bite. Immediately he gives up his throne, summons the wise Sage Shukacharya and asks him, 'What is the most important thing that every dying person should know/do?' The king asked this question on behalf of every mortal as each of us is dying, only we don't know when.
The sage replies that the highest good that we can do during a human birth is Bhakti to the Lord. What follows in his sermon is the beautiful story of Krishna called Bhagavata.
Purandaradasaru has extolled, 'Maanava Janma dodaddu. Idannu haani madalibedi huchappagolira'. 'Human life is very precious, don't waste it'
Serving Lord Krishna is the best way to live.
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