When a person is about to die, the soul or spirit contracts and withdraws into a state of slumber, just like that of an unborn baby in the mother’s womb. The dying person’s senses become dimmer and dimmer until completely extinguished. In such a state the soul carries concentrated records of its entire life. The astral body then passes out in a misty form. The soul which is in deep slumber does not know that its physical plane (Annamaya Kosha) is no more. And that it exists only in the mental plane (Manomaya Kosha). The soul feels distressed at not being able to function as usual. The weeping and wailing of relatives affect the soul adversely.

At such times, prayers and good thoughts should be conveyed, which are very reassuring to the soul when it comes back from its state of deep slumber. After waking up from its inactive state, the soul enters into the astral plane. In a peaceful ambience it feels reassured and realises that it is no longer present in physical but in the astral plane. If at such a time, the soul is subjected to negative vibrations caused by the loud weeping and wailing, it would be distressed just like a newly born infant would be distressed by the loud noises around it .

It is necessary that people understand this aspect of the soul of the deceased, and behave appropriately. Amongst some cultures, the loud wailing has become a kind of custom. Silent shedding of tears may be inevitable, but loud wailing is a sign of insensitivity on the part of the person who does so. One needs to behave with total sensitivity at such occasions, especially so because the deceased is on its final journey. Prayers and good wishes create vibrations that bring about pleasantness in the soul’s mental plane, and it is very important for people to understand and adhere to the requirement of the soul of the departed one.