Death And Immortality, Both Invoke Fear

A lot is discussed and debated about death and dying, and how most of us are so fearful of the end. Will it be painful? Will the end be sudden and peaceful or violent? Will I linger on, ailing in hospital, with life support? Would I have completed my duties and responsibilities? What happens to my near and dear ones once I leave for good? This fear has spawned an entire industry that peddles anti-ageing and longevity products and practices, some that cost nothing and others that are brutally expensive. So what gives? Does prolonging life with lifestyle changes mean that we no longer live in fear?


In reality, most of us are as fearful of living as we are of death. What if I live long years, turning feeble and disabled, and what if I become completely dependent on others for my sustenance and daily tasks? What if I live long but the quality of my life is simply the pits? This kind of phobia for living, is called apeirophobia, "characterised by an intense fear of existence, often linked to existential dread about eternal life...connected to anxiety disorders."


When you agonise over the meaning and purpose of life and the nature of reality, you are in existential angst. Living a long life does not hold any charm, for you live in constant fear of life. You die a thousand deaths every day. Those who live in fear of death , their phobia is called thanatophobia - you may suffer panic attacks, wondering how and when you may die, what could happen after you die, what lies beyond death and so on.


In both phobias, the underlying dominant factor is the constant anxiety over the uncertainty of both prolonged living and the mystery or uncertainty of what happens after death. Both life and death may involve pain and suffering - less for some, more for others.


Many today are obsessed with longevity; to prolong one's lifespan. Experts say it would be more practical to aim for good health rather than long life that may entail reduced mobility, and more illness. Those with apeirophobia wonder if they will become a burden on their children.


There are instances in Hindu legend, of people either doing tapas, penance, to obtain the boon of immortality or of those who are described as chiranjivis, the immortals, who remain alive till the end of Kali Yuga. The eight immortals are Hanuman, Ashwathama, Parashurama, Mahabali, Vyasa, Vibhishana, Kripa and Markandeya.


In Greek mythology, Goddess Selena, who fell in love at first sight with Endymion, a beautiful shepherd, asked Zeus to grant him the boon of immortality. Zeus granted her wish but let Endymion remain sleeping, beautiful as ever, with a smile on his lips. Mahavatar Babaji, the Kriya Yoga guru, is said to be alive for the past 5,000 years. Physical sightings of Babaji have been reported over the years, by seekers who meditate in the Himalayas.


A shloka chanted with all eight names of the Chiranjivis, is believed to bestow one with long life, free of sickness, to live to a hundred years at least. The search for the elixir of life has been ongoing for thousands of years. But, to be immortal is a gift or curse? The jury is still out on that score.


Authored by: Narayani Ganesh
ganeshnarayani@yahoo.com