Seclusion

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Jan 6, 1981.

Q: After death can I help other people to reach the light?

M: After death you will not remember that you are. You must know what death is. You are talking about existence after this life; do you remember any past lives?

Q: I was on an island, helping other people in my last life?

M: Do you remember your parents?

Q: No.

M: What is the proof that you were born there?

Q: I don't know.

M: This is only imagination, a fantasy, a concept occurring to you.  If, at the time of death the consciousness entertains a very strong concept, the consciousness can created that particular concept. Suppose that at the time of death the person imagines having a life somewhere - the consciousness will create a similar situation. The realm of consciousness is not eternal. The consciousness is a fraud. All of these things are illusions in the realm of consciousness.

Q: Consciousness is always manifested, isn't it?

M: Consciousness will be there as long as the particle of space will be available.

Q: Is it helpful to go into seclusion to realize that?

M: Yes.

Q: To go out of the ordinary life?

M: Not like that. You need not go out of your family life.

Q: What kind of seclusion?

M: Even among this crowd be alone, abide in your own Self. Focus your attention on your Self.