SATYAN 5
-5. Boon In Death

“Your silence has given me the answer, my Lord!”  Vasudev conceived.  “In that case, I do not wish to live anymore!  I want death!”   

Krishna looked at his devotee for a few moments with compassion.  “If you die, it would benefit only you and me!  Death would liberate you from suffering and once you die your pure soul would become a part of me!  But then, what about your family?  Your death would cause them unspeakable trauma and affliction, especially to your son Rishabd.” 

“My lord!”  Vasudev replied with folded palms, “I would have desired to live longer had I enjoyed good health which, alas, is not the case here.    Repeatedly I get this feeling that if this is my condition now, it might only worsen in the years to come!  I may have to depend on others to even do my daily activities if I get completely bed-ridden.  Your silent response has only affirmed such feelings.  I do not want to become a burden on anyone!  It could be that others may not take my dependence on them as a burden, but I strongly dislike such a scenario. Already I hate this fact that it is because of my illness that both my son and daughter-in-law are spending more with me than they should be spending with each other.”   He continued with a staid face, “I know that my exit would cause poignant sorrow to my family which includes my King Bharadwaj.  However, being a mortal, I have to die someday and therefore sooner or later they have to learn to abide by this reality.   All of them are aware that I have led a life of complete satisfaction and happiness.  Thus, they must find solace in this realization and move ahead in their lives.  What more can I say in this regard?” 

“Very well said, O Vasudev!”  The Lord complimented him.  “With such noble thoughts, you have once again revealed your greatness!  In this world where everyone wants to live on and on come what may, how many would enjoy such an open-minded view about one’s death?”  Smiling at his devotee, the Lord continued, “I know that there is something else which is bothering you.  It is about people dying young.  You are not raising this matter for we have already touched upon it during our previous meeting. Am I right, Vasudev?”  He asked with that mischievous smile back on his lips.          

Vasudev consented.

“Death knows no age!  It is merciless!  This is sad but as true as day and night!”  Looking at Vasudev keenly, he intoned, “Considering your state of mind I can give you a boon that would serve twin purposes.  One, it would result in your death which you desire.  Second, even in your death you can give a new lease of life to a dying person!”  Smiling with an infinite charm at Vasudev’s puzzled expression, he elaborated, “All you have to do is to make attempts to find such a person who is young, noble but dying.  Once you do this, utter this prayer in your mind, ‘May my life become yours!’  Instantaneously, the age of your entire lifespan will be granted to this person thereby ensuring his survival.   Since your complete age has been given to him, you will have nothing at your disposal to survive and die instantly!  To enable you find such a person you will regain your normal health as long as you are bound by this boon.  However, you should be careful to not use this boon on an unworthy soul!  In that case while you would still lose your life the boon would have no effect on its benefactor.   What do you say, O Vasudev?”  The Lord asked looking at his ardent admirer keenly.

Vasudev fell at the feet of Krishna.  “I have no words to thank you, My Lord!  There is nothing more I can ask for!  By your blessings, I will locate such a person and happily grant my life to him.  I request you to grant me some time to convince my family about this and then I shall gladly accept this boon.”

Krishna helped him to stand and then held him close to his heart.  “Each of your actions gives me great pride and ineffable joy.  The way you are reacting at the prospect of receiving this boon gives an impression that it is going to grant you a life and not death!  Such selfless dedication for the welfare of others is divine!  Alright!  You can take your time to take up this matter with your family.  Once you are ready invoke me through your mind and I shall give you this boon.  Although you have decided to accept the boon albeit a little later you shall still enjoy your normal health from this very moment.  That is the least I can do for you, my child!”  The Lord blessed him and disappeared.