Yajurveda (40.15)

वायुरनिलममृतमथेदं भस्मान्तं शरीरम् ॐ क्रतो स्मर क्लिबे स्मर कृतं स्मर।

Word-by-Word Breakdown:

वायुः (Vayuh): The vital force or breath (life force).

अनिलम् (Anilam): Wind or the cosmic air element.

अमृतम् (Amritam): Immortal, referring to the eternal essence.

अथ (Atha): Then, thereafter.

इदम् (Idam): This, referring to the body.

भस्मान्तम् (Bhasmantam): Ending in ashes, signifying the body's destruction after death.

शरीरम् (Shariram): The body.

ॐ (Om): The primordial sound, symbolizing the absolute or Brahman.

क्रतो (Krato): Referring to the one who performs actions, i.e., the doer or the soul.

स्मर (Smar): Remember, recall.

क्लिबे (Klibe): For the attainment of your true strength or capability.

कृतम् (Kritam): What has been done, past actions (karma).

"O soul that performs actions! As the body turns to ashes at the end, the life force (vayu) merges with the eternal element (amrit). Remember, O doer (Krato), the Supreme Lord (Om). Remember your true nature (Klibe) and reflect on the deeds you have done (Kritam)."

Deeper Meaning:

At the time of death: The mantra urges the individual to remember their true essence, the Divine (Om), and to reflect on the deeds of their life. The breath (vayu) returns to its cosmic source, while the body (shariram) turns to ashes (bhasmantam).

The Eternal Connection: The reference to vayu and anilam suggests the connection between the individual life force and the universal wind, which is eternal and undying (amritam).

Karma and Remembrance: The mantra emphasizes that as the body dissolves, the soul should reflect on the actions performed during life, remembering both the Divine and the self's true capabilities (Klibe).

Spiritual Realization: At the moment of death, the ultimate focus should be on the higher self and the remembrance of one's spiritual connection, realizing that the material body will perish, but the soul and its actions (karma) continue their journey.

Philosophical Interpretation:

This mantra reflects the Hindu view of life and death, where the body is temporary and perishable, but the soul (atman) is eternal.

It encourages mindfulness and reflection on one’s karma at the end of life, symbolizing that no action goes unrewarded or unpunished. The importance of remembering the Divine, even in the last moments, highlights the belief in the power of spiritual remembrance (smarana) for liberation (moksha).

Practical Lessons:

Live consciously: Recognize the impermanence of the body and focus on actions that align with righteousness (dharma).

Remember the Divine: In moments of crisis, or at life's end, turning toward the Divine can provide peace and clarity.

Karma: Every action leaves an imprint, so we must live with awareness of the consequences of our deeds.

Connection to Advaita Vedanta:

The mantra reflects Advaita Vedanta's principle of non-duality, where the individual soul and the supreme Brahman are ultimately one. The remembrance of Om at death symbolizes the realization of this unity and the dissolution of the ego.

This mantra serves as a reminder of the cycle of life and death and the eternal nature of the soul. It encourages one to live with the consciousness of one's actions and to strive for spiritual growth, ultimately realizing the oneness with the Divine at the time of death.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Rai 

Assistant Professor 

Udai Pratap College Varanasi