There is a vast difference between Samadhi and death. Samadhi is a state where one consciously leaves the physical body. When an individual becomes aware that all their karmic duties are complete, with the blessings and permission of the universe and the Gurus, they voluntarily give up food, water, and medicine, preparing themselves to leave the body. Samadhi is a state of being.
Gurus who enter Samadhi dissolve their Jeevan (life), Bodha (consciousness), and Sakshi (conscience) in a specific manner, spreading them across every cell of their body. As a result, their body becomes as hard as a diamond and is preserved in Samadhi for the welfare of the world. Here, the Jivatma or life (Embodied Soul) does not merge with Paramatma (the Supreme Soul) instead, it continues working tirelessly in another dimension for the well-being of the world. (Gurus who attain Samadhi can create special dimensions and create a new world as they wish. Only such Gurus are in Mahasamadhi in Bharath)
However, in death, we do not consciously abandon the body; rather, Jeevan (life) departs when the body can no longer hold on. Accidental death, death due to old age, or death from illness all of these falls under the category of ordinary death. A person who dies in this manner continues to experience the consequences of their past karma after death. But a person who attains Samadhi is beyond karma and its effects.
According to traditional rituals, both a sage who has attained Samadhi and one who has died an ordinary death are enshrined in Samadhi. However, if a body that has not truly attained Samadhi is placed in Samadhi, it will continue to carry the burden of karma. The consequences of this are severe. The karma of the body is over only when the Sakshi (conscience) completely merges with Pancha Bhutas (the five elements). A body placed in Samadhi without truly attaining that state will remain bound to its karma, endlessly experiencing its effects.
Recognizing the suffering that follows death, Sree Narayana Guru instructed: “A dead body must be cremated immediately.”
