The holding rooms were bare and austere, with a naked bulb and uncurtained windows. The locked door was bereft of handles and could not be opened from inside. I must have waited perhaps for about twenty minutes. The acolyte who processed me had told me that a higher power would be with me shortly.
Meanwhile I reviewed my past life and conduct. I was satisfied. I had lived a good life. Devoted to prayers and a study of the scriptures. I hadn't indulged in any vices. Eaten modestly. Stayed true to my wife. Been a responsible father. I had lived conscientiously.
Now that I was dead and coming face to face with my Maker I confidently looked forward to a life in Heaven.
The door opened. The Being that stepped in had wings and carried a lute. He spoke, "Hello, I'm your guardian angel. I trust you like this accommodation that we have allotted to you?"
"It's nice for the moment. I'd like to see Heaven though. All my life I've lived virtuously, denying temptation. I'd love to enjoy the pleasures of Swarg now, forever. Where is the somras? Where are the apsaras?", I asked.
He smiled kindly and said, "No, no. It doesn't work like that. Your life on earth is a preview. You are given the freedom to choose. We saw you willingly lead a virtuous and simple life. We saw you very happy living thus. That is what lies in store for you here, in Heaven, too. For eternity. I hope you will be happy here too."
Meanwhile I reviewed my past life and conduct. I was satisfied. I had lived a good life. Devoted to prayers and a study of the scriptures. I hadn't indulged in any vices. Eaten modestly. Stayed true to my wife. Been a responsible father. I had lived conscientiously.
Now that I was dead and coming face to face with my Maker I confidently looked forward to a life in Heaven.
The door opened. The Being that stepped in had wings and carried a lute. He spoke, "Hello, I'm your guardian angel. I trust you like this accommodation that we have allotted to you?"
"It's nice for the moment. I'd like to see Heaven though. All my life I've lived virtuously, denying temptation. I'd love to enjoy the pleasures of Swarg now, forever. Where is the somras? Where are the apsaras?", I asked.
He smiled kindly and said, "No, no. It doesn't work like that. Your life on earth is a preview. You are given the freedom to choose. We saw you willingly lead a virtuous and simple life. We saw you very happy living thus. That is what lies in store for you here, in Heaven, too. For eternity. I hope you will be happy here too."
