I found that Anand had experienced this state of awareness when he made arrangement to fly to Leh Himalaya.
He had many beautiful memories from the distant past, memories of days and nights spent there with the Savior. However, he tried to be rational. He had just had a blood transfusion, and his Hb level had gone up to 4.7.
The ride from Leh’s airports to the Himis Monastry left him exhausted. He began to doubt his sanity in taking the trip. Because of early snow that year, the road was very bad.
Finally when Anand got there, he found the Lama waiting at the main entrance: “So finally you are here. Welcome!” (174).
The Lama showed him his room; Anand was exhausted, dizzy, and found it difficult to stand anymore. Later he woke up, just two hour passed. But he felt as if he had been sleeping for a long time. His body felt better.
Anand saw some cookies and traditional Indian Chai, tea, on the table. The Lama was standing right before him and said:
…You have chosen a right place to die. Look at the Himalayans with their eternal snow. And there is the Majestic Sindhu with its graceful flow. This is a beautiful place. Where on earth can you find another place like this? You have done well by coming here. Right place to die...
At that time, Anand heart was already accepting death. “This indeed is a right place to die”. Then, Anand said to himself. “Immortal Himalayas, Eternal Sindhu — the setting was perfect, death, here I am... “(174).
The Lama suggested Anand to accept death because perhaps death is more beautiful than life. People never know — for we have not experienced the death yet in this life - death was not opposed to life anyway: “... just like eating, drinking, walking, sleeping, making love, brushing teeth and washing ourselves. Life did not end with death (175).
The Lama continued (176):
…don’t fly, and don’t run away — face the challenges of life with smile on our lips. We tend to forget that we are one hundred percent responsible for whatever happens to us. We create our problems; so we have to face them... solve them ourselves. In Leh, Anand realized that fear stopped his soul from growing. Actually there is nothing new in what Lama said. Anand had read them in books. And yet they sounded so “fresh”. Then he realized that it was the “man behind the gun” who made the difference.
It is only when words are ‘not used’ but emerge from our heart, from our soul that they made a difference. And those words at that time were coming from the deep recesses of the Lama’s heart, from his very being, his soul. The words came from that point of his being which was always at onement with Existence. It was as Existence spoke to Anand Krishna.
Fear not... .Listen carefully we have a mission for you... .Carry it out, go in peace with our blessings.’ I was puzzled: ‘what mission?’ ‘Spread love, compassion. Enlighten each and every heart with the flame of love. Bring love to each and everyone’s life. You will accomplish this task. You will succeed in it. Have faith, trust, for our will shall prevail over every obstacle that may come in your way.’ ‘But you will be back with us.. .when your work on earth is over. (101)
Death is fictions right here right now. There is such thing as death. “Death loses its meaning for the person who has transcended fear of it” (202). After that meeting, the Soul Quest - Journey from Death to Immortality has ended. It begins with Love and ends with Love.
…Immense indeed is life. Endless is this journey you are undertaking. You need travel luggage, which is strong, durable and does not get worn with time. “Love” is the only brand you can count on. Do not settle for anything of lower quality and value. Do not bargain. Buy it at any price. It is still worth whatever you must pay. Love will color your journey with confidence. With love, you are more comfortable. Now you can enjoy, celebrate, dance, sing and laugh your way through life! (iv)