Year: 1971
Movie: Andaz
Singer: Kishore Kumar
Lyricist: Shailendra Singh
Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: here
This song reminds me of several positive compositions connecting death, fearlessness and enjoying the present moment.
Aane Wala Pal Jaane Wala Hai (1979, Golmaal) has a simple message. It reminds me of a dialogue in Kung Fu Panda (2008): "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present"!
Pal Do Pal Ka Saath Hamara (1980, The Burning Train) is a vibrant qawwali that reminds us that the length of our association with anybody is unpredictable. Be grateful for whatever time somebody spends with us. Enjoy the present moment. Dance and make merry simply in honor of being alive! A lifetime of bliss is right here, now!
Since we never know when we shall meet somebody again, we should always part with a smile and with good wishes for the other :)
Kabir Poetry: Death is a common theme in poetry by Kabir (1440 - 1518), an Indian mystic. A somewhat hilarious composition by him:
Bhala Hua Meri Matki Phooti
Main Paniya Bharan Se Chhooti Re
More Sar Se Tali Bala!
Bhala Hua Meri Mala Tooti
Main To Ram Bhajan Se Chhooti Re
More Sar Se Tali Bala!
A rough translation: 'Blessed am I that my water pot has been smashed; I'm relieved of having to fill it with water repeatedly — what a big burden has been lifted off my shoulders! Blessed am I that my rosary is broken; I'm relieved of having to chant the name of Lord Rama repeatedly — what a big burden has been lifted off my head!" The joy with which Kabir embraces death makes me smile :)
Farid Ayaz Qawwal (jump to 8:40) sings the above composition in qawwali style. Another rendition by Farid Ayaz Qawwal (13:00) is very joyful. Abida Parveen / Gulzar (16:11) has sung this composition pensively.
Indian classical music lovers may hear Kumar Gandharva's renditions of Kabir poetry. For example, Ud Jayega Hans Akela (6:20) is awesome.
Martial Traditions: In the Japanese samurai tradition, mindfulness of death results in high virtues. For example, see the Excerpt under Editorial Reviews for the book The Code of the Samurai. The basic idea is simple: there is no tomorrow. There is only now. So one's conduct in the present moment must be of the highest order.
In the Sikh tradition, there is a highly invigorating couplet by Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Deh Siva Bar Mohe Ihe, Shubh Karman Te Kabahu Na Daru.
Mindfulness of Death: Our death is certain and death can strike us any moment. These two truths are fundamental. However, it is challenging to remember these truths at all times. How challenging is it? The answer lies in the story of Yaksha Prashna. In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, a Yaksha asks Yudhishthira a hundred different questions on philosophy. Towards the end, he asks, "What is most wonderful?" Yudhishthira answers, "Day after day, countless creatures are going to the abode of Yama, yet those that remain behind believe themselves to be immortal. What can be more wonderful than this?" My interpretation of the word 'wonderful' is 'intriguing' or 'unbelievable'.
How can we develop mindfulness of death? In the Buddhist tradition, death meditation is one of Four Protective Meditations, explained in an article by Bhikkhu Bodhi. The other three are: Anussati (recollection of the sublime qualities of the Buddha), Pratikulamanasikara (reflections on repulsiveness) and Metta (loving kindness). All of these meditations are much easier than breath meditation and serve as preparatory exercises for tougher practices like breath meditation and insight meditation.
One technique for death meditation is to spend five to ten minutes daily on the contemplation of two truths: 'my death is certain; the time of my death is uncertain'. Some monks follow the practice of keeping their drinking bowl upside down before going to sleep at night. This is to remind themselves that death may happen during sleep.
In India, many saints smear ashes on their forehead daily. This reminds them that their bodies shall turn into ashes some day (among Hindus, bodies are burnt in fire after death). The practice of smearing ashes on the forehead is also followed by some Christians. See the Wikipedia article: Ash Wednesday.
Jaikishan's Last Moments: According to the Wikipedia article for Andaz, the movie was one of the last movies for which Shankar Jaikishan composed music together. Jaikishan died of liver cirrhosis in 1971 at the young age of 42. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana turned out to be the last song that Jaikishan recorded.
Roman Script
Yaha Kal Kya Ho Kisne Jaana
Hindi
यहाँ कल क्या हो किसने जाना
Translation
Who knows what will happen tomorrow
Roman Script
Duniya Ki Tu Parvaah Na Kar
Muskurahate Hue Din Bitaana
Yaha Kal Kya Ho Kisne Jaana
Hindi
दुनिया की तू परवाह न कर
मुस्कुराते हुए दिन बिताना
यहाँ कल क्या हो किसने जाना
Translation
Do not worry about what others say.
Spend your days smiling.
Who knows what will happen tomorrow!
Roman Script
Jaan Jaani Hai Jayegi Ik Din
Aisi Baato Se Kya Ghabraana
Yaha Kal Kya Ho Kisne Jaana
Hindi
जान जानी है जाएगी इक दिन
ऐसी बातों से क्या घबराना
यहाँ कल क्या हो किसने जाना
Translation
Life has to end. It will end some day.
Why worry about these things?
Who knows what will happen tomorrow!
Roman Script
Aasmaano Se Badhna Hai Aage
Peechhey Reh Jayega Ye Zamaana
Yaha Kal Kya Ho Kisne Jaana
Hindi
आसमानों से बढ़ना है आगे
पीछे रह जाएगा ये ज़माना
यहाँ कल क्या हो किसने जाना
Translation
Have to go beyond the skies.
The world will be left behind.
Who knows what will happen tomorrow!
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