Every living being in the material world will eventually have to face the reality of their own mortality in the form of death. For the serious spiritual practitioner, this last stage of life is seen as yet another opportunity to deepen his focussed meditational awareness on Vishnu (God). In this very special discourse, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya reveals the meditational sadhana that should be observed by the serious spiritual practitioner before his final exit from this life.
“At the last stage of one’s life, one should be bold enough not to be afraid of death. But one must cut off all attachment to the material body and everything pertaining to it and all desires thereof.” (Srimad Bhagavatam, 2.1.15
“One should leave home and practice self-control. In a sacred place he should bathe regularly and sit down in a lonely place duly sanctified.” (Srimad Bhagavatam, 2.1.16)
“After sitting in the above manner, make the mind remember the three divine letters [a-u-m], and by regulating the breathing process, control the mind so as not to forget the transcendental seed of Brahman.” (Srimad Bhagavatam, 2.1.17)
“Gradually, as the mind becomes progressively spiritualized, withdraw it from sense activities, and by intelligence the senses will be controlled. The mind too absorbed in material activities can be engaged in the service of the Personality of Godhead and become fixed in full transcendental consciousness.” (Srimad Bhagavatam, 2.1.18)
“Thereafter, you should meditate upon the limbs of Vishnu, one after another, without being deviated from the conception of His complete form. Thus the mind becomes free from all sense objects. There should be no other thing to be thought upon. Because the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu, is the Ultimate Truth, the mind becomes completely reconciled in Him only.” (Srimad Bhagavatam, 2.1.19)