Kishore Shanbhag

Pinnacle of Life Kishore Shanbhag

Awareness of finite nature of life is a driving force of creativity. Appreciation of "sense of time" makes living exciting and rewarding. In contrast, end of life is shrouded by mystery, enigma and fear. This is innate due to human psychology and cultural beliefs. Over generations, religion and social hierarchy have exploited the very sensitive mindset, the fear of death. We live in a different age and society, and everything has changed. We are in control of many events in our life. Very few things have not changed over past centuries. they include our concept of religion and fear and the way look at our own death. This book is not a scholarly investigation into philosophical or historical aspect of death. It is a simple guide to the ways we can look at, understand, prepare for, and accept the apex of our life, our death. The contents are written in largely atheistic tone with reflection on role of religion. I have tried to bring my own thoughts, knowledge gained from reading and experience from working in a health care set up. The hope is that it will empower reader to make a life path, to take small decisive steps in their daily life to prepare for the eventualities. It is positive, liberating and empowering experience, just to think that you can actually have some control over the most significant event of life, the pinnacle of life, death. Where I struggled to write clear text, I have used media like poetry and short stories, in a hope to deliver clear message. Acknowledgement where the role of religion is useful is made. This is not a reference or a text book, hence there are no formal referencing or bibliography. The text if for the reader to enjoy and design there own way of life events, facilitate peace and joy in the end of life. Chapter on "Care and cure" is largely written for readers familiar with jargon of caring profession. However it is increasing important that public understand this jargon to bargain with the medical profession and to be able to make correct decision for themselves or their near and dear. Last chapter assumes the mystery of death can be solved by individual efforts, radical thinking and practical steps. In epilogue, a list of activities under each pillar of wisdom is discussed. You need to make your own life pathway, and examples are for illustration. There are number of books on the subject of end of life. Many are focused either on psychology, or spiritual or medical aspects of dying event. I have tried to move away from a singular focus and tried to give more practical way of looking at death overall. You will find references to sociology, health care, psychology and philosophy, but in the end, the book is about a practical guide, to promote simpler understanding of death and dying. Hope the book is useful and enjoyable.