My dad was a great human being. For him, serving God, helping and feeding poor people and, feeding animals, even the tiniest ants was his primary goal in life. He was a healthy person, but suddenly one day, my father got sick that led to his death at a young age. Before leaving the world he told one of his close friends, "I am leaving, please take care of my family." My question is, how did my father get to know that he was leaving and, why did he leave us at a young age?
—harshita, india
Dear Harshita,
There is a saying: “The good die young.” I don’t know where this saying came from, but I recollect that Jesus Christ and Swami Vivekananda (and others) died young also. In any case, who but a saint can know the workings of karma? And why can’t the soul know in advance its fate? Our soul is omnipresent, perfect, and omniscient because it is a spark of the Infinite Power of God.
Your father’s goodness no doubt gained him access to the soul’s power of knowing. Know that he yet lives and will likely come again to continue his soul’s quest toward freedom in God. Do not doubt that your positive, loving, and caring thoughts and prayers sent to his soul are precious to him. In the after-death state it is easy to rest happily and to forget, or otherwise not make any spiritual effort. So prayers for departed souls are helpful for them.
And perhaps someday, whether later in your life, or in the next, you will meet again. But he hasn’t really left you, for he lives in you this very day.
Blessings and joy to you,
Nayaswami Hriman
Seattle WA
