The Breath of Life
Singing HU Opens a Window on the Eternal Journey of Soul
By US
For many months, I helped my father care for my mother.
We knew she was near death, and it was important to us that Mom have the opportunity to die at home. When she finally left this life, she would be surrounded by all that she loved.
I arranged to work from my parents' home in Switzerland in order to be available to the family twenty-four hours a day.
As I worked, I usually played a HU: A Love Song to God CD softly in the background to keep my attention on this holy and sacred name of God.
I noticed how both my parents, who are not members of Eckankar, were attracted to this beautiful song of love. Often, they came in to the den as I worked just to sit and listen to the gentle sound of HU.
Each day as the HU song played, I observed how my mom began to let go of her fears and concerns about death. We never talked directly about the HU, which was foreign to her religion. Instead, we talked about how death is nothing to fear and it's good to trust in God.
One day, as I finished up my work, both Mom and Dad were sitting close by, listening to the soft, sweet sound of HU. We talked about what a wonderful time we were having together, and I asked my dad if he'd like to go for a short walk. He was too tired, but my mom said she'd like to go.
As we made our way around the neighborhood, we marveled at the beauty of the setting sun. Inwardly I sang HU and talked to the Inner Master, wondering if this might be my last walk with Mom.
As I looked back over my shoulder at the last rays of the sun disappearing behind the trees, my mother suddenly tightened her fingers around my arm and asked me to hold her. I looked into her eyes, and we both knew what was happening.
Gently, I lowered her to the ground as she took her final breaths. It took only seconds but seemed to span an eternity.
I began to sing HU out loud, as my mother took a few more halting breaths. I told her I loved her and to go with God.
Suddenly, I saw the Mahanta appear at my mother's side and take her hand in his. Lifting her up in her Light body as Soul, they ascended into the heavens together, leaving behind this physical world. I looked down at my mother's body. The breath of life had gone and left behind an empty shell.
I expected that helping my mother through the process of death would be a very somber and sad undertaking. Instead, the experience turned out to be a surprisingly joyful one.
HU, the holy name of God, brought a profound peace to all my family and helped me see my mother rise into the next world as Soul. The experience showed me there are no limits to the love of God and Its vehicle, the Mahanta. Life and love endure forever.
I will carry that precious gift with me always.
Excerpted from the 2008 Eckankar Journal, copyright © 2007 ECKANKAR. All rights reserved. Illustration by Cynthia Samul.
