The poem "Prayer to Death" explores the conversation between the Lord of Death, Yamraja, and a soul that desperately wishes to prolong its life. It draws inspiration from the story of King Yayati from the Mahabharata, who sought endless worldly pleasures and even borrowed youth from his son, yet found that his desires were never fulfilled. From the moment the soul enters the womb, it is pursued by Death, but at each stage of life—embryo, child, teenager, married adult, father, retired individual, and old age—the soul offers various excuses to delay its encounter with Death. As it progresses through life, it remains caught in an unending cycle of desire, believing it needs more time to achieve fulfillment. Ultimately, at the end of its life, the soul realizes that desires are insatiable and acknowledges that it does not wish to die. This leads to a confession of surrender to Death, recognizing that the pursuit of desires is relentless, and it is finally ready to accept its fate. The poem concludes with the poignant admission that despite its cravings for life, the soul is prepared to embrace death.

by Ajay Amitabh Suman in English Spiritual Stories

Writen by Ajay Amitabh Suman

Category Spiritual Stories