Garuda Purana is an important scripture of Hindu religion, which is considered one of the 18 Mahapuranas. This text is traditionally read after someone’s death. It is mainly depicted as a conversation between Lord Vishnu and his divine vehicle, Garuda.
This scripture tells in detail about life, death and the journey of the soul after death. Specifically, it explains the consequences of one’s karma, the balance between sin and virtue, the concepts of heaven and hell, and principles about attaining salvation.
Why is Garuda Purana read?
It is believed that reading Garuda Purana in the house of a deceased person brings peace to the departed soul and provides an opportunity to the surviving family members to understand the deeper truths of religion and life. Garuda Purana tells many deep things about the state of being during and after life. A person gets exactly the same results of his actions in his next birth. The next birth is not decided automatically or suddenly, rather, the total work done by a person in his entire life, combined with his state of mind at the time of death, already decides the direction of his next birth and the life to come.
Is the next birth predetermined?
According to Garuda Purana, the state of mind of a person at the time of death has a direct impact on his next birth. If the mind is calm and focused on God during those difficult times, then the soul gets a better birth. On the contrary, if the mind is filled with anger, greed or negativity, the consequences can be bad.
This scripture says that those who disrespect religion, Vedas and God or who are engrossed only in physical pleasures and enjoyments have to suffer serious consequences after death. For such people, the next life may be full of sorrow and deprivation.
Deception and consequences of deception
In Garuda Purana, the relationship of friendship is considered the most sacred thing. Those who betray their friends for their own benefit have to face a situation in the next life which is a direct result of their past karma.
importance of the last moment
It is said in Garuda Purana that the last moment of life is very important. The thoughts and feelings that a person has in his mind at that particular moment ultimately shape his next life. If at the time of death the mind remains calm and focused on the remembrance of God, then the soul can get a good and higher rebirth.
Next birth is decided before death
The conversation between Lord Vishnu and Garuda mentioned in Garuda Purana makes it clear that the next birth of a person is not decided suddenly after death. Rather, the total effect of one’s actions throughout one’s life and the state of mind in one’s last moments predetermine what kind of life the soul will go into and what kind of life it will live.
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