Soulful Discussion

 

Soulful Discussion

Two older adults were sitting and conversing with each other, and one person asked the other,

Steve, I didn't see many people attending your funeral. Steve said, "Mack, I didn't participate in many funerals; I was busy creating wealth. 

With a smile, Mack turned and said, I don't see any wealth around you. Steve said, you are right; we cannot carry it with us.

Steve, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and admiration, said, 'Mack, I couldn't help but notice the multitude of people at your funeral.' Mack, his voice filled with a sense of contentment, replied, 'Steve, I too was busy creating wealth, but not at the expense of relationships. I made it a point to be there for people, to attend all the functions and funerals, so that I will be their memories forever.'

Steve said, Mack, how do we know who attended our funeral after our death, and what difference does it make?

Mack said that the wealth you leave can erode, and your family might look for help. At that time, the people with whom you left your mark will be the first to extend their hand to your family in difficult times. 

Steve, I know that our bodies are not there, but the good deeds we have done will be there in someone's mind. These deeds can be the seeds for the next generation to be compassionate with others. Today's world is rich with technology but becoming poor with love, empathy, and care. 

Tomorrow, there will be gadgets and robots to lift the dead bodies, and there will be artificial intelligence to read the pages from the holy book. The families will witness the recorded funeral at their convenience. I don't think we should have such an end.

Steve said, you are right. I do remember my father's face, which was filled with a sense of peace when all his friends, relatives, and dear and near ones were around him when he took his last breath, but during my previous days, I was longing to see my grandchildren, but by the time they landed I departed.

Dear Readers, though the above writing is fiction, let us not be instrumental in bringing AI and Robots to our funeral; let us be people-centric so that love and care live rather than in the virtual world.

M.L. Narendra Kumar