Death is Incomprehensible, But You Can Make Peace With it – The Upanishadic Viewpoint

Death is the great unknown, the final frontier that every living being must cross, yet no one returns to explain what lies beyond. It is an experience that defies human comprehension, for it represents the absolute cessation of everything we identify with—our thoughts, memories, relationships, and even our sense of self. Since time immemorial, mankind has grappled with the reality of death, trying to understand, rationalize, and ultimately make peace with it. While death remains incomprehensible in many ways, it is possible to approach it with acceptance and even serenity.

One of the primary reasons death is so difficult to understand is that it is entirely outside our realm of experience. We have encountered loss, we have mourned loved ones, and we have seen death claim others, yet our personal understanding of it remains incomplete. Unlike birth, which is accompanied by growth, learning, and memory, death offers no tangible experience that can be recalled or described. Philosophers, scientists, and mystics have all attempted to define death, yet no consensus exists.


Many ancient traditions, particularly those rooted in spiritual wisdom, suggest that death is not an end but a transformation. In Hinduism, the concept of reincarnation posits that the soul merely sheds its body like old clothing, moving into a new existence. Similarly, Buddhism teaches that death is a transition in the cycle of samsara, and how one dies affects the next rebirth. The idea of an afterlife, heaven, or even transcendence into a higher state of being provides comfort to millions who fear the void that death represents.

Science, on the other hand, approaches death with a more materialistic lens. From a biological standpoint, death is the cessation of all bodily functions, the shutting down of the brain, and the breakdown of cells. Yet, even within this framework, mysteries abound. Near-death experiences (NDEs) reported by individuals who have been clinically dead and revived suggest that consciousness might persist in some way. Accounts of floating above one’s body, traveling through tunnels of light, or experiencing a profound sense of peace challenge the notion that death is simply the end of existence.


Despite the various interpretations of death, the fear of it is deeply ingrained in human nature. This fear stems not just from the unknown, but also from attachment—to our loved ones, our identity, and our very sense of being. The idea that all we have built, cherished, and become will vanish is profoundly unsettling. Yet, the very impermanence of life is what gives it meaning. The inevitability of death urges us to live fully, love deeply, and seek purpose beyond the mundane.

One of the ways to make peace with death is to embrace impermanence. In Buddhist philosophy, the principle of Anicca teaches that everything is transient. The river flows, seasons change, and we, too, are constantly evolving. Meditation on impermanence allows us to detach from the illusion of permanence and prepares us for the natural cycle of life and death. The more we internalize this truth, the less fearful we become.

Another way to approach death with acceptance is to cultivate a deep awareness of the present moment. Fear of death often arises because we live too much in the past or future. The past holds regrets and unfinished business, while the future holds uncertainty. But when we anchor ourselves in the present—fully experiencing each breath, each moment, each connection—the fear of death diminishes. For in the present, there is no death, only life unfolding moment by moment.


Various spiritual and philosophical traditions also emphasize the idea of the self as something beyond the body. In Advaita Vedanta, the true self, or Atman, is said to be eternal and unchanging. The body and mind are mere instruments, subject to birth and death, but the real self remains untouched. When one realizes this deeply, death loses its terror, for it is seen as merely a transition rather than an annihilation.

For those who do not subscribe to spiritual beliefs, making peace with death can come through a different form of understanding—accepting the finiteness of life and focusing on the legacy one leaves behind. If life is all we have, then the way we live, the love we give, and the impact we create become all the more significant. Death does not render life meaningless; rather, it gives life its urgency and depth.


Finally, making peace with death is also about how we prepare for it. Many cultures have traditions of contemplating mortality as a means of fostering wisdom. The Stoics practiced memento mori—regularly reflecting on death to live more fully. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, practitioners meditate on their own death to free themselves from attachment and fear. Far from being morbid, these practices encourage a richer, more present, and more meaningful engagement with life.

Moreover, many people find solace in the idea of continuity—not in the personal sense, but in the broader cycle of nature. Just as a tree sheds its leaves in autumn only to sprout new ones in spring, life continues in myriad forms. Our bodies return to the earth, nourishing the soil, becoming part of something greater. This perspective, often associated with ecological and scientific worldviews, offers a naturalistic form of transcendence.

Ultimately, while death itself may remain incomprehensible, our relationship with it can evolve. Whether through spiritual insight, philosophical understanding, or mindful living, we can learn to face death not as a terror to be avoided, but as a natural part of existence. In doing so, we free ourselves—not just from the fear of dying, but from the fear of truly living.