What follows is a set of steps to prepare for death. These were offered by one of the senior members of the Brotherhood.
If the person belongs to a religion that has a history of writings and commentaries, then these should be read. If there are descriptions of liminal [religious meditative, transcendent,
or out-of-body] states by saints and visionaries, these should also be
read. Also read stories of saint's lives as well as miracle stories.
Contemplate revealed texts [or holy books] focusing especially on any
prayers and chants that are included. Imagine heavenly scenes [contained in such books] with all the [inner] senses.
Choices about behavior should include ethical concerns. Is something that
is good for me bad for others? How often do selfishness and greed overcome
kindness? This question will be asked at the end of life [as these choices affect the
person's karmic destiny.]
If there is no institutional religion [in the person's life], the person must search his or her heart to find what is most sacred and most highly valued. This is the doorway to the true spiritual path for the soul.
He or she may seek what is highest by intuition, by yogic concentration, or
by seeking the most powerful love [in his or her life]. All of these may be
pathways to the soul's best future.
If we use the metaphor of airport security,
a rapid X-Ray can scan the soul giving an entire life history in the blink of an eye. If the person has a dark criminal soul, he or she will lose the ability to influence reincarnation and will be likely bound in a hell world.
For most souls, the question is, "Where to go next?" We can help at the lodge. We are like travel agents. We can suggest some good places for the soul to go.
But for those souls who we do not choose to help or who have no
pre-existing connection with us, there are a few seconds before karma
kicks in and the souls is propelled away towards its destiny. In these few
seconds, the soul can focus on where it wishes to go next. This is the time
for prayer or mantra or calling on a bodhisattva or god for assistance.
Some cultures emphasize the importance of the person's last thought while
alive as determining their future existence. But here we are talking about
the person's last disembodied thought. It can guide or at least influence the rudder of the soul through existing negative karma will generally have a stronger pull on the soul if it is present.
