Many people are not prepared for death when their time comes, they either don’t want to think about it or fight it to the last breath. In the Vedas it is said that the body will die but the soul is eternal and that we need to prepare for leaving the body by cultivating spiritual knowledge. By listening to sacred mantras, transcendental sound, focusing on the Supreme Person and letting go of all attachments in this material world, one can leave the body peacefully. There are many ways to assist someone spiritually at the end of life. Listening to the mantras given below can help lessen the fear of letting go of the body and focusing on the eternality of the spirit soul.
Quotes from the Srimad Bhagavatam by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:
“The highest perfection of human life, achieved either by complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice of mystic powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty, is to remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life.” SB, Canto 2, Chapter 1.6
“What is the value of a prolonged life which is wasted, inexperienced by years in this world? Better a moment of full consciousness, because that gives one a start in searching after his supreme interest.” SB, Canto 2, Chapter 1.12
“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.” SB, Canto 2, Chapter 1.15
Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, in his final instruction, just the day before leaving this world said:
“Make your way through this impermanent and transitory life in whatever way you can, keeping the goal of worshipping the Lord foremost in your mind. Don’t abandon this goal even in the face of hundreds of dangers, insults, or persecution”