By Robin Sam
(This article was first published in the March, 2005 edition of The Christian Messenger)
KHUSHWANT Singh, the celebrated nonagenarian writer, recently released his latest book, ‘Death at my doorstep’, where he dusts up a few old celebrity obituaries he had written in the past. But it is not entirely old wine in new bottle. The book has also something new to offer to his readers. He talks about the death of his pet Alsatian among other equally ‘weighty’ obits in the book which also deals with his own dilemmas about dying.
I must admit that I haven’t read the book yet. But if the indulgent reviews are any indication, then the book is worth a good read. “It gave me the opportunity to spill out my views on death and dying which I felt was appropriate for a man in his 90s,” Singh writes in the book. In the foreword of the 167-page book published by Roli, Singh adds tongue-in-cheek: “Besides other people’s obituaries, I could also write my own.”
What are his dilemmas surrounding death? Well, when it comes to a topic as grave as death, Singh’s fears are no less different from any average Joe’s. He doesn’t think he’s immortal. At ninety, there’s no way he’d think he can defy death, but his main concern is: what happens to people after they die? Are they reborn? Is there a heaven, a hell?
To unravel the mysteries surrounding death, Singh put these questions to the Dalai Lama. The monk deflected the volley with a not-so-direct response. “I say the choice is yours to accept or reject what you like. It is entirely your own business,” the Dalai Lama told Singh.
The grand lama is bang on. Forming his own opinion about death and thereafter is entirely Khushwant Singh’s own business. But how I wish the celebrated writer knew a few truths about death. To start with, I wish someone told him there’s life after death. Not quite the reincarnation theory that a few propound. But, a new life in an eternal world. But before that, I would like to tell him to gauge the purpose of his life on earth. If he were to correctly figure it out, he would have to understand what Christ and His salvation stand for. Salvation is for all of humanity, not just a set of people. Before one can fully comprehend the truth about death, one needs to know the truth about living. Jesus Christ said: “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3).
Entering a saving relationship with Christ is a life-changing experience. Because He makes all things new.
His saving grace does not change a few things in our life, but ALL things. (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When you know the truth, the truth shall set you free. I implore Singh to know the redeeming truth and stop looking for answers from where he cannot get any.
This article was first published in the March, 2005 edition of The Christian Messenger.
