Listen, as the sacred verses unfold the signs that herald the nearness of death and the wise course to follow when such omens appear. It is said that if a person beholds the sun Ariśmavant, or gazes upon fire with radiant rays, his days are numbered—he will not live beyond eleven months. Likewise, if one sees urine, feces, gold, or silver on his left side, whether awake or in a dream, his lifespan is reduced to ten months. Should a golden-hued tree appear before him, or if he glimpses the ethereal cities of the Gandharvas, or sees ghosts and spirits, only nine months remain. If, without any cause, a person suddenly becomes stout or thin, straying from his natural state, his life is shortened to eight months. When a person’s foot is severed at the front or back, or becomes trapped in sand or mud, only seven months are left. If a crow, pigeon, vulture, or any flesh-eating bird sits hidden upon his head, he will not survive past six months. Passing beneath lines of crows, or under a shower of dust, or seeing his own distorted shadow, foretells four or five months of life. If lightning flashes in a clear sky, or remains fixed in the southern direction, or if Indra’s bow appears in water, three or two months remain. When a person cannot see his reflection in water or a mirror, or sees himself headless, his time is reduced to a single month. If the body acquires the scent of a corpse or the odor of fat, death is imminent—only half a month remains. Should the heart dry up immediately after bathing, or smoke rise from the head, the end comes within ten days. When the vital wind is disturbed and cuts through the vital spots, and water brings no delight, death is very near. In dreams, if one rides southward in a chariot drawn by bears or monkeys, singing or dancing, death is approaching. Similarly, if a dark-clad woman, singing or otherwise, leads him southward in a dream, he will not survive. If one dreams of a hole in his own throat or sees a naked ascetic, death is close at hand. Should he see himself sinking from head to foot into a sea of mud in a dream, his life will end within a day. Seeing ashes, coals, hair, a dry river, or serpents means death will come within ten nights. If, in a dream, black and terrifying men armed with weapons strike him with stones, death arrives immediately. Hearing jackals howl directly at sunrise or dawn, facing him, is a sign that his lifespan is ended. If, after bathing, a person’s heart is greatly afflicted or his teeth chatter, his life is finished. Trembling repeatedly, day or night, and failing to perceive the scent of a lamp, signals death’s nearness. Seeing a rainbow at night, the circle of stars during the day, or failing to see oneself in another’s eyes, means life will not continue. If one eye weeps, the ears fall from their place, or the nose becomes crooked, it is understood that life has departed. A black and rough tongue, a mouth resembling a lotus, or a cheek with a red swelling, all indicate death is at hand. If a man, with hair unbound, laughs, sings, or dances, and walks facing south, his life comes to its end. When a person’s form appears repeatedly white like a dense mass, like white mustard seeds, or entirely white, death is near. Should one dream of camels or donkeys yoked to a fine chariot, especially if he is going southward, his days are few. If two or the most dreadful omens unite in one person, and he cannot hear sound in his ear or see light in his eye, it is a grave sign. Falling into a pit in a dream, and a door closing so he cannot rise, marks the end of life. Dryness of the mouth, a hollow navel, and excessively hot urine place a person in peril. If someone is killed openly, by day or night, and cannot see his killer, his life is gone. At the end of a dream, entering fire or losing memory means life comes to its end. Seeing one’s own white, black, or red garment in a dream is a sign that death is near. When such omens manifest in the body and the appointed time arrives, the wise should abandon sorrow and despair, remaining indifferent. He should go out to the eastern or northern direction, to a pure, level, stable, and secluded place free from creatures. Facing north or east, calm and composed, seated in the svastika posture, and saluting Maheśvara, he should sit with body, head, and neck straight, not looking around, like a lamp placed in a windless place, unwavering. In a place sloping to the east or north, the knower of scripture should practice, abandoning desire, doubt, pleasure, happiness, and sorrow. Restraining everything with the mind, he should constantly contemplate the pure, white meditation—always at the nose and tongue, as well as at the eyes and touch. He should hold it at the ears, in the mind, in the intellect, and there at the chest, understanding the times and actions, always among the groups. Thus, when the signs of approaching death appear, let the wise act with serenity and detachment, contemplating the pure, and preparing for the journey beyond.