Those who remember me at the time of death will come to me. Do not doubt this.
The Bhagavad Gita
The Eternal Godhead
Topic: Life Beyond Death & the Spirit World
“Those who remember me at the time of death will come to me. Do not doubt this. Whatever occupies the mind at the time of death determines the destination of the dying; always they will tend toward that state of being. Therefore, remember me at all times and fight on. With your heart and mind intent on me, you will surely come to me. When you make your mind one-pointed through regular practice of meditation, you will find the supreme glory of the Lord.
The Lord is the supreme poet, the first cause, the sovereign ruler, subtler than the tiniest particle, the support of all, inconceivable, bright as the sun, beyond darkness. Remembering him in this way at the time of death, through devotion and the power of meditation, with your mind completely stilled and your concentration fixed in the center of spiritual awareness between the eyebrows, you will realize the supreme Lord.
I will tell you briefly of the eternal state all scriptures affirm, which can be entered only by those who are self- controlled and free from selfish passions. Those whose lives are dedicated to Brahman attain this supreme goal.
Remembering me at the time of death, close down the doors of the senses and place the mind in the heart. Then, while absorbed in meditation, focus all energy upwards to the head. Repeating in this state the divine Name, the syllable om that represents the changeless Brahman, you will go forth from the body and attain the supreme goal.
I am easily attained by the person who always remembers me and is attached to nothing else. Such a person is a true yogi, Arjuna. Great souls make their lives perfect and discover me; they are freed from mortality and the suffering of this separate existence. Every creature in the universe is subject to rebirth, Arjuna, except the one who is united with me.”
Inspiring Journey of a Great Soul: Early Life, Teachings, and Death
Early Life
Niels Bohr was born on October 7, 1885, in Copenhagen, Denmark, into a family that fostered a strong academic environment. His father, Christian Bohr, was a respected physiology professor, while his mother, Ellen Adler Bohr, came from a well-educated Jewish family. This nurturing atmosphere ignited young Niels’s passion for learning, particularly in the fields of physics and mathematics. He excelled in his studies, earning his doctorate in 1911 from the University of Copenhagen, where he began to lay the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum theory. Bohr’s early experiences and the intellectual climate of his upbringing would profoundly influence his revolutionary ideas about atomic structure and the behavior of electrons.
Teachings
Niels Bohr is best remembered for his pioneering work in quantum mechanics, particularly the Bohr model of the atom, which introduced the revolutionary concept that electrons orbit the nucleus at specific distances, or energy levels. His teaching extended beyond formal education; he was a mentor to many young physicists and championed the idea of open dialogue in scientific inquiry, famously coining the phrase “A physicist is just as good as his ability to ask the right questions.” Bohr’s philosophical insights into the interplay between classical and quantum physics have inspired countless scholars to explore the mysteries of the universe. His belief in the importance of cooperation among scientists, particularly evident in the establishment of the Niels Bohr Institute, fostered a collaborative spirit that continues to resonate in scientific communities worldwide.
Death
Niels Bohr passed away on November 18, 1962, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire generations of scientists. His contributions to the understanding of atomic theory and quantum mechanics not only transformed the field of physics but also had profound implications across various disciplines, including chemistry and philosophy. Bohr’s commitment to peace and democracy during turbulent times, particularly in the wake of World War II, underscored his belief that science should serve humanity. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the power of curiosity and collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge and the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have on the world. Niels Bohr’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, inviting us all to explore the depths of our own intellectual potential.
The Bhagavad Gita
Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture - a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1991, p. 199 [The Bhagavad Gita 8:5-22 (8.5-7, 12-13)].
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The Bhagavad Gita 8:5-13
This teaches that one’s prayer and attitude at the time of death is all-important for the soul’s subsequent journey. Regardless of the quality of one’s life, just remembering God at the time of death can lead to liberation. Yet since death may come suddenly, and may be accompanied by much pain and distraction, the habit of remembering God should be nurtured throughout life.
–[World Scripture – a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1991] p. 199.
God Makes the Rivers to Flow
The Bhagavad Gita (“Song of the Lord”) is India’s best-known scripture. This passage has been translated by Easwaran for meditation and is published in his spiritual anthology, “God Makes the Rivers to Flow.” [Also by Easwaran: The Bhagavad Gita and Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: A Contemporary Guide to Yoga, Meditation, and Indian Philosophy.]
The eighteen verses which conclude this chapter, “Living in Wisdom” (Gita 2:54-72), were considered by Gandhi to contain the essence of the Gita’s teaching. “All Paths Lead to Me” is from Gita 4:9-11; “The Eternal Godhead,” dealing with the time of death, is from Gita 8:5-22). “Whatever You Do” is the close of chapter 9; “The Way of Love” is the whole of chapter 12.
–Eknath Easwaran [God Makes the Rivers to Flow (Nilgiri Press, 2009)].