Live today: There may be no tomorrow
Life does not promise another sunrise; it only entrusts us with this sacred moment. Before time quietly closes the door, let your heart forgive, your hands serve, and your soul seek God. The greatest tragedy is not dying tomorrow, it is failing to truly live today
In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas were wandering through the forest during their exile. One afternoon, exhausted by heat and thirst, they desperately searched for water. Nakul first spotted a beautiful lake shimmering amidst the trees. Crystal-clear water danced under the sunlight like liquid silver. Overjoyed, he rushed toward it.
But before he could drink, a mysterious voice echoed through the forest: "This lake belongs to me. Before drinking, you must answer my questions. Ignore my warning, and death will follow." Blinded by thirst, Nakul ignored the warning and drank the water. Instantly, he collapsed lifeless beside the lake.
One by one, Sahadev, Arjun, and Bhima arrived, heard the same warning, ignored it, and met the same fate. Finally, Yudhishthir came and was stunned to see his four brothers lying lifeless beside the lake. Unlike the others, he remained calm and respectfully agreed to answer the questions of the mysterious Yaksha.
After many deep questions, the Yaksha finally asked, "What is the most astonishing thing in this world?"
Yudhishthir replied, "Every day, countless people die, yet those who remain think they are immortal. What can be more astonishing than this?"
This answer exposes the greatest illusion of human life. Every day we witness death around us, yet we continue living carelessly, absorbed only in pleasure, wealth, ambition, and temporary enjoyments, as though death will never come to us.
After narrating this incident, Yogiji Maharaj once said, "Life is ephemeral, and therefore every moment should be lived with awareness, purpose, and understanding.
Of course, human life rests upon the most fragile foundation imaginable, uncertainty. No man knows what the next moment holds. A healthy person may suddenly collapse, a prosperous man may lose everything overnight, and a smiling face may disappear before sunrise. Yet we live as though tomorrow is guaranteed. As a result, we postpone goodness, delay spirituality, ignore relationships, and waste precious time in endless distractions, assuming life will continue forever.
That is why the timeless reminder of the Bhagavad Gita strikes the human heart with such force: "For one who is born, death is certain."
This is not a statement of pessimism; it is a call to awakening. Even Steve Jobs, who was the wealthiest and most influential man in the world, couldn't buy one more day for his life. True, all success, innovation, and fortune stood helpless before death. However, death is not the tragedy; forgetting death is the tragedy. The awareness that life is temporary gives seriousness to our actions and value to our moments. A student studies sincerely when he knows the exam date is fixed. Similarly, a wise person lives meaningfully because he knows time is limited.
If there may be no tomorrow, then why waste today in hatred? Why postpone prayer, kindness, self-improvement, or expressing love? The uncertainty of life should not create fear; it should create urgency for right living.
Live today with purpose. Speak gently. Forgive quickly. Serve selflessly. Spend time wisely. Build character more than wealth. Because life is not measured by how long we live, but by how deeply and nobly we live.
During His pilgrimage as Nilkanth Varni, Bhagwan Swaminarayan awakened people from the illusion of worldly permanence and guided them toward the eternal. One such remarkable incident took place in Nepal. At that time, the King of Nepal Rana Bahadur Shah, was suffering from a severe and incurable illness. Physicians, astrologers, and tantric practitioners had all failed to provide relief. Hearing of the Balaprabhu whose divine radiance had captivated scholars and yogis alike, the king requested Nilkanth Varni to visit the palace.
When Nilkanth entered the royal court, the old king bowed with great reverence and prayed:
"O Prabhu! If you possess divine powers, please cure my disease. I will reward you with immense wealth, honor, and whatever you desire."
Nilkanth Varni compassionately looked at the king but did not immediately heal him. Instead, He first imparted spiritual wisdom.
"Your disease has arisen according to your own karmas. No physician, mantra, or medicine can erase what has been ordained by the law of karma. Even at this stage, you are thinking of your wealth and power, which is very pitiful." He further said, "O King, this world is ephemeral. Kingdoms, wealth, youth, and power are like dew upon a lotus leaf, beautiful for a moment, gone with the first rays of the sun. Therefore, do not place your faith in what time will surely take away. Seek the eternal refuge of God instead, for only spiritual realization accompanies the soul beyond death."
Nilkanth Varni not only cured the king but also transformed his life. He reminded humanity that life is uncertain and every breath is precious. Tomorrow is only a possibility; today is the gift placed in our hands. Live it wisely.
Dr Swami Gyanananddas is a dedicated follower of the Swaminarayan tradition and has earned a PhD from MS University; Views presented are personal.
