Some teachers recommend that we visualize our funeral and contemplate what others will say about us at that time. The difference between what others say and what we would like them to say will probably be disconcerting, even jolting. That cerebral jolt can impel us to change our priorities.

This visualization can certainly help us in our present materialistic culture that makes us value things over people. Still, the whole exercise is rooted in a very earth-centered vision. It assumes that what matters after our death is what people say about us here. But is that assumption sound? Not really. After all, we won’t be here to hear what they say.

We are eternal souls who will after death go to some other arena of existence and will most likely not even be aware of what others say about us here. Where we go after our death depends on what we think of at the moment of death (Bhagavad-gita 08.06). The best post-mortem destination for us souls, who are eternal parts of Krishna, is his imperishable abode. We can attain that if we remember him at death (08.05). To remember him at the moment of our greatest distress, we need to make a lifelong habit of remembering him (08.07). So when we contemplate death, what needs to concern us most is: What will be my last thought?

Additionally, Gita wisdom is so inclusive that it can spiritualize the funeral talks meditation too. If we are living in a community of devotees, their good wishes and prayers can help us in both remembering Krishna at death and getting an auspicious post-mortem destination. So we can use that meditation as an impetus for tangibly expressing our regard and affection for devotees.

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