“I do not fear death, is it normal?”

Dear Billy,

It probably isn’t normal not to fear death – most people do.

But a better question to be asking yourself is not whether it is normal to fear death or not – but why you don’t?

If you don’t fear death because you don’t care, or aren’t involved in your own life, this would be a source of concern. Sri Yukteswar, the guru of Paramhansa Yogananda said, “As long as you breathe the free air of earth, you should render it grateful service.”

By grateful service he meant energeticly, creatively, and feelingly performing your duties in life – but without attachment to the results.

This is known in the Gita as nishkam karma or desireless action.

Practiced to perfection, nishkam karma is bliss in action.

Many people, especially men, make the mistake of thinking that desireless action (otherwise a good spiritual practice) is acheived by not feeling.

Just the opposite is true.

Desireless action is acheived by deeply feeling your connection to God.

When we feel God’s love and joy percolating through our bodies, minds and hearts it is much easier to be truly desireless amidst the outward activities and possesions of a typical busy life.

From the perspective of spiritual philosophy there is no reason to fear death. Death is only the transiton from one state of awareness to another.

But make your fearlessness be the product of joyful anticipation – not indifference – by cultivating your inner life and devotion to God.

Warm regards,
Puru (Joseph) Selbie