1. www.taroochi.org
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Date: 17th
August 2012
Place: Mumbai.
The rituals of death: part one
The day any human soul is born. We know that the same soul will leave his or her physical form
and experience the eventuality of death. Birth, mating, procreation and death: these are the rituals
of living. Which are pre-destined, inevitable and controlled by a higher power. Birth and death are
inevitable but mating and procreation may vary from individual soul to soul. In between these
events, we try and make attempts to live our lives. Life which is an accumulation of circumstances,
situations, traits, flaws, vices, karma and its constrains, ability to choose and the choices that we
make. Not everything that we do has a purpose or an intention; which we could be aware of. We
live from one moment to the other and the transition is so seamless; that we do not realize that
each of these events end up creating what we call as memories. Our perceptions and our
understanding or our ability to understand what we come across or go through. These aspects or
elements nourish the soul in the form of: suffering, trauma, losses and those short lived phases of
happiness. Every experience has got its relevance; whether we like it or no. Trauma and suffering
increases your power of tolerance and emotional stamina; to survive through pain and humiliation.
The more you suffer; the more you learn to live with it. Although, no one wants to suffer but the
extent of suffering is not something we get to decide or alter.
From a pragmatic perspective, death is a mode of freedom from the cycle of existence. Your
suffering has to end someday. If not in your lifetime, then the day your soul leaves the body. Death
is an important event in the evolution of the human race. It is an event which is sacred and
venerated in the form of rituals. The rituals may vary extensively depending on demographic or
geological factors, socio-economic factors, religion, race, relevance in terms of one’s faith and the
mode of seeking spiritual solace. Whether the body goes through burial, cremation or any other
method; depending on the underlying religion/culture. Each sect or religion will promote what is
acceptable to their respective faith. The guidelines are pre-reserved and stringently followed. What
is propagated is followed with pride and aplomb. Something that is considered a taboo: is kept at a
distance and not spoken about. Personally, I respect every religion. To each his own. We need to
understand and realize the importance of discretion. Rituals and the medium of faith
accompanying these rituals: these are sensitive elements of every sect, faith or religion. They
deserve respect and adherence; if not understanding.
I used to be curious and fascinated about Egypt. The land where the dead are worshipped with
extensive and massive rituals. Preservation of the body and the process of creating a mummy; is so
extensive, intricate, complex and skill-intensive. Irrespective how much awareness one is blessed
with; there is always a lot more that is still to be discovered. Since childhood, it was a desire of

2. mine, to visit the land of Nile and Goddess Isis. However, after crossing three decades in terms of
age and considering the health issues that I am blessed with. This may remain an unfulfilled
desire. As children we indulge in dreams and the notion that these dreams will come true. It is
only with age and the harsh reality of existence, do we realize that travelling requires financial
resources; which not everyone is blessed with. At the same time an individual’s life needs to be in
compliance with the prevalent visa norms. The more we age, the more we realize the complexities
of existence.
Egypt as an example comes to my mind because of its lavish and gorgeous past. I have been a
huge fan of Wilbur Smith and the book authored by him: River God. A book which has a soul: as
beautiful and gorgeous, as the land on which the story is based. Clive Barrett’s pack of Tarot
deck: The Ancient Egyptian Tarot. Is an exquisite, in-depth, soulful and a gorgeous pack of Tarot
cards. Although, I do not possess this deck but every card is mysterious, the art work is gorgeous,
in-depth, painstakingly achieved and something that is extremely rare to come across. I am sure
the moment you hold the deck in your hands; one would feel the soul of that gorgeous land. My
thoughts are as scattered, chaotic and restless as my soul is. Any feedback on this article/blog is
most welcome.
rohit dua.