The Good Deeds That Go With Us

Garud asked: Lord, which deeds bring a soul happiness? The Lord said: Garud, wealth, home, status, even one's own body are all left behind. The family comes as far as the cremation ground, then turns back. Only dharma, our good deeds, walks with us beyond.

The Puran calls giving a very great virtue: food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, clothes for someone shivering in the cold, a lamp in the dark, medicine for the sick and learning for a student. But the Puran says giving should be done without show, with respect, and as one is able.

Alongside giving, service is a great virtue: serving parents and elders, honouring one's teacher, kindness to cows and other creatures, and helping someone along the way. All of these become shade on that road. According to the Puran, digging a well, planting trees and building resting places for travellers are also deeds of great merit.

Above all is truth. For one who speaks the truth, does not take what belongs to others and keeps their word, even the road to Yamlok becomes easy. Along with this, God's name, fasts such as Ekadashi, pilgrimage and good company are described as purifying the mind.

A beautiful point for families is that, as tradition holds, good done in the name of the departed also reaches them. Feeding someone, helping a child with their studies, planting a tree: these are lovely ways to remember a loved one and to pray for the peace of their soul.