AntyEshti or shraaddha karma

Notes for antyEshti ... to be completed ...

Today, we gather to perform a sacred rite known as Antyeṣṭi, also called the Urdhva Daihika Saṁskāra.

The word Urdhva means “upward,” “later,” or “that which follows,” and Daihika refers to the body. Together, this saṁskāra signifies the final rite performed for the body after life’s journey in this world has come to an end.

In our tradition, the human being is understood to exist not merely as this physical form, but through three layers of embodiment:

• The Sthūla Śarīra – the gross, physical body that we see and touch
• The Sūkṣma Śarīra – the subtle body, consisting of mind (manas), intellect, and impressions
• The Kāraṇa Śarīra – the causal body, the deepest layer that carries the seeds of existence

Until recently, Mother resided in the Sthūla Śarīra, the physical body. With its departure, she now continues her journey in the Sūkṣma Śarīra, the subtle realm—at the level of the manas, the mind.

At this stage, the being is referred to as Preta. The term Preta does not denote anything negative; rather, it simply means “one who has moved on,” a being in transition—one who has not yet assumed a new form, nor attained final liberation (mokṣa).

The purpose of these rites is deeply compassionate and purposeful. Through this Urdhva Daihika Saṁskāra, we aid the onward journey of the soul. We support its passage through this transitional state, helping it move toward the next stage of its destined path—whether that be a new embodiment or ultimate liberation.

Thus, this saṁskāra is not merely a ritual for what has ended, but a sacred offering for what continues.
It is an act of gratitude for a life lived, and a prayerful assistance for the journey ahead.

In our tradition, we understand that every being carries three types of karma:

• Prārabdha Karma – that portion of karma which has already begun to bear fruit and is being experienced in this present life
• Āgāmi Karma – the karma that we create through our current actions, which will bear fruit in the future
• Sañcita Karma – the accumulated karma from countless past lives, stored as impressions

This śarīra, this body, is not merely physical—it is the field in which these karmas unfold.

As long as even a trace of karma remains, the Ātman, the conscious principle (chetana), must take on a Sthūla Śarīra, a physical body, in order to experience and exhaust these karmas. Life itself becomes the sacred opportunity to work through what has been accumulated across time.

Among these:

• Prārabdha must be experienced—it cannot be avoided
• Sañcita can be gradually reduced
• Āgāmi can be shaped or even avoided through awareness and right action

Ultimately, the only true way to dissolve this vast store of karma is through complete surrender to Bhagavān, aligning one’s actions and intentions with the divine.

Now, when the Ātman leaves the physical body, it no longer has the Sthūla Śarīra. It continues in the Sūkṣma Śarīra, the subtle body.

In this state:

• It no longer performs new karma—there is no creation of Āgāmi
• Yet, Prārabdha and Sañcita still remain to be resolved

However, without a physical body, the being does not have the means to act and consciously work through these karmas.

This intermediate state—from Marana (departure) to the next Janana (birth)—is called the Preta state.

A Preta is simply:

a conscious being that has not yet assumed a new physical body

It is a state of transition, of movement, of seeking its next destination.

At this delicate stage, the role of the living becomes deeply significant.

Since the departed no longer has a body to act, the responsibility shifts to the children and descendants—to perform Śrāddha and other dhārmic rites.

Through these actions:

• We assist the onward journey of the departed
• We remove obstacles along the path
• We offer strength, direction, and support to the traveling consciousness
• We help ease the burden of unresolved karma

Thus, these rites are not symbolic alone—they are acts of love, duty, and spiritual responsibility.

So today, through this Śrāddha Karma, we are not merely remembering the departed… We are actively participating in their journey, helping them move forward, guiding them toward their rightful destination, with prayer, with faith, and with gratitude.