It was a long time ago. An elderly woman lived in a village. She had dedicated her entire life to devotion to God. Every morning and evening, she meditated on Him, visited the temple, and treated everyone with love. When the time of her death came, Yamaraj himself appeared before her.
The woman folded her hands and said, "O Yamaraj! Tell me, where are you taking me? To heaven or hell?"
Yamaraj smiled and said, "Mother, you have devoted your entire life to God with a true heart. God is pleased with you and has called you to his abode. Therefore, we will neither take you to heaven nor hell—we will take you straight to God's abode."
The elderly woman was pleased, but a curiosity arose in her mind. She said, "Yamaraj, I have a small wish. I have heard all my life that one goes to heaven or hell after death, but I have never seen it myself. Can I see what both are like before I go?"
Yamaraj smiled and said, "Your wish will be granted because of your devotion. First, I will show you hell, then heaven, and finally, I will take you to the Lord's abode."
Yamaraj took her to hell. The woman was stunned by the sight there. There were screams, pain, fear, and darkness everywhere. People were crying and suffering, but they couldn't die. Sorrow reigned all around.
A large pot hung 100 feet high in the middle. The aroma of sweet pudding wafted from it. The people below were starving. The woman asked someone, "Son, why are you so worried? This delicious pudding is kept high up, why don't you eat it?"
The man cried, "Mother, that's our pain! The pot is so high that no one can reach it. We have such a big spoon, but no one can use it. We are tormented by hunger, but we can't reach the pudding."
The woman felt pity for them, but there was nothing she could do.
Then Yamaraj took them to heaven. There was an atmosphere of joy and happiness. People were happy, music was echoing, everyone was smiling and serving each other.
The woman looked around—surprise! The scene was the same here too. The same tall vessel in the middle, 100 feet above, the same delicious kheer and the same big spoon. But no one was hungry here; everyone's face was filled with contentment and happiness.
The woman asked curiously, "How is this possible? The situation is the same as in hell, but people there were unhappy, and here everyone is happy?"
A man said, "Mother, you will find the answer to this question from our elder."
The woman went to the old man. He smiled and said, "Mother, the difference is only in thinking. There, everyone was selfish, wanting only their own food, so no one could eat. Here, we all live together. Climbing one on top of another, as in the Dahi-Handi festival, we reach the top, scoop the kheer from the pot, and distribute it to everyone. Only those who feed others are satisfied. This is the secret of heaven."
The old woman's eyes filled with tears. She understood that God has given everyone equal circumstances, but only those who help others, who are cooperative and loving, enjoy the pleasures of heaven. Those who are selfish and self-absorbed live in hell—even if they are on earth.
Yamaraj said, "Mother, this is what you taught all your life—love, cooperation, and devotion. Now, let's go to the Lord's abode."
The woman smiled and said, "Now I understand that heaven and hell are created by our actions and thoughts."
Saying this, she peacefully departed for the Lord's abode.
Life's circumstances are almost the same for everyone; the only difference is attitude and actions. If we cultivate the habit of helping, sharing love, and rejoicing in the happiness of others, our lives become heaven. But if we only think about ourselves, complain, and don't cooperate—that very life becomes hell.
Lesson : - Our attitude, not circumstances, determines whether we are in heaven or hell. Helping others is true devotion. Those who live with love and cooperation are closest to God.
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