Why raise questions of what happens after death

[Guest guest]

The Teachings of BhagavanSri Ramana Maharshiin His Own WordsCHAPTER ONEDEATH AND RE-BIRTHBhagavan,

indeed, discouraged preoccupation with suchquestions since they merely distract one from the real task ofrealising the Self here and

now.Devotee: They say that we have the choice of enjoying merit ordemerit after our death, that it depends on our choice whichcomes. Is that so?Bhagavan: Why raise questions of what happens after death? Whyask whether you were born, whether you are reaping the fruitsof your past karma, and so on? You will not raise such questionsin a little while when you fall asleep. Why?

Are you a differentperson now from the one you are when asleep? No,

you arenot. Find out why such questions do not occur to you whenyou

are asleep. 11 Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi, 242.