At The Time Of Death

The main topic of the chapter, however, is the final question, "How can those engaged in devotional service know You at the time of death?" On this point rests the remainder of the chapter. But in His typical fashion, the Lord states the whole position first, and then slowly elaborates. What is that complete statement? "Anyone who quits his body, at the end of life, remembering Me, attains immediately to My nature; and there is no doubt of this." (5.5) There are nine authorized processes of devotional service, beginning with hearing, then chanting, praying, remembering, worshiping, serving, rendering personal service, making friendship, and surrendering everything. Remembering Krsna is the central point of all nine. Therefore the instruction of Narada Muni to King Yudhisthira is that "One has to fix his mind on Krsna by any means." There is no other way. We have to remember Krsna; then we will be successful. "There is no doubt of this," Krsna says. That is the perfectional practice, and it may be begun at any time and at any place. It is at once the way and the goal, for at all times it is identical with Krsna. But that final point must be Krsna. That is most important. It is clearly indicated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam that after following all the rules and regulations, performing all kinds of austerities, going to thousands of places of pilgrimage, or studying all the Vedas, or rigidly practicing the mystic yoga system, if one doesn't ultimately come to Krsna, it is all useless, a colossal hoax and waste of time.