Disconnect to Connect

Chapter 1

Suta Goswami begins narrating the conversation between Maharaja Pariksit and Sukadeva Goswami.

In the unique gathering of distinguished saints and sages, Maharaja Pariksit posed the most intelligent question: “O trustworthy brahmanas, I now ask you about my immediate duty. Please, after proper deliberation, tell me of the unalloyed duty of everyone in all circumstances, and specifically of those who are just about to die.” (SB 1.19.24)

After exposing those who squander their valuable time in material preoccupation, Sukadeva Goswami established remembrance of the Lord at the time of death as the perfection of life. This is the ‘bottom line.’ Thus, for a person nearing death, which could be any one of us, serious immersion in hearing and chanting about Krishna is essential. Such devotional practice will help one connect with the Lord, fix their mind on Him, and think of Him at the crucial moment, cutting off all other attachments. Bhakti-yoga connects us to the spiritual and very naturally disconnects us from the material.

This is possible for everyone, regardless of their situation. Sukadeva Goswami reassured Maharaja Pariksit that he had sufficient time to perfect his life, citing the story of Khatvanga Maharaja, who achieved the perfect death in a matter of moments.