Volume
Vol. 9, The Unity of Religious Ideals
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Aspects of the Law of Religion
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3. Birth and Death
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Vol. 9, The Unity of Religious Ideals
Aspects of the Law of Religion
3. Birth and Death
Third, there are birth and death. At the coming of the child, the thought of spiritual illumination in some form or other, to welcome him on earth--this necessarily makes a foundation for spiritual development in the life of the infant; and, in the family in which the child arrives, the feeling that he has come as a gift from God, the thought that: "We, the parents, are not alone responsible for this child's life; behind there is God, Who shares our responsibility."
At the death of a person, a religious ceremony performed gives strength to the one who is passing from this world into another world, and it is also a consolation to those who think of him with love. For it brings the thought that the dead one is called towards the Source whence he has come. And, besides, added to the thought which comes with death, the religious ceremony creates also in the minds of those present the thought: "We are not here permanently. Life is like a caravan. All have to go along the same road. One goes first; the others follow in their turn." Think what a virtue this thought brings us! It makes the fact of this illusory world pale, which yet keeps so many engaged day and night in its pursuit. It offers man an opportunity to be still for a moment and consider life, man who is always absorbed in the affairs of this world of illusion.
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