Hare Krishna.

We need to understand that the soul is present within the body, and the body is the instrument through which the soul functions. For example, I am currently speaking using my throat and vocal cords—this is how we normally operate in the world. However, sometimes the capacities of the body deteriorate or become dysfunctional.

For instance, someone may lose their ability to speak. Others may lose their legs in an accident and be unable to walk. A surgeon may lose their hands and be unable to perform surgeries. In such cases, the soul’s ability to function in the world becomes limited by the condition of the body.

Now, if we visualize it: the soul is here, residing within the body. The soul connects to the body through the mind, and the interface between the mind and the body is the brain. The soul is the source of consciousness, and this consciousness flows from the soul, through the mind, and then through the body, allowing us to perceive and interact with the world.

To illustrate, imagine consciousness as a flashlight—a beam of awareness. If my eyes are working properly, this light enables me to see. But if I go blind, I can no longer see, even though the light of consciousness is still present. That light simply can’t pass through the damaged organ. Similarly, if someone loses their eyesight, their hearing may become sharper. Their consciousness still functions—it just finds other channels to express itself.

However, the most impairing situation arises when the brain itself becomes damaged. In such cases, consciousness may not flow properly through the body. It may flicker or fade in and out. That’s why people with conditions like dementia may sometimes appear lucid, almost like the person we once knew has returned. And then, moments later, they slip away again.

We can think of the body as a rented vehicle—a temporary arrangement based on our past karma. Sometimes parts of that vehicle start malfunctioning before the final end comes. When the entire vehicle stops functioning, that is what we call death. But even before that, we may lose partial functionality.

As you rightly said, when this happens, we are faced with an opportunity—an opportunity to render service.

While physical or neurological deterioration might be irreversible, our efforts at the spiritual level can still benefit the person. The soul continues to exist even when the body is no longer fully functional. Spiritual stimuli—such as the chanting of the Hare Krishna mahamantra, sacred sounds, uplifting imagery, aromas like incense, or sanctified food (prasadam)—can nourish and awaken the soul.

Even if we can’t help the person physically, we can always help them spiritually. This can be immensely valuable in preparing the soul for its onward journey, wherever it may go after this life.

Moreover, this situation offers us not just a chance to serve—but a chance to grow. Normally, when we do something for someone, we expect something in return—even if it’s just gratitude. But in such cases, where the person may not even be aware of our service, we learn selfless service—seva without expectation.

These moments, though painful, can become transformative—opportunities to develop compassion, humility, and deeper spiritual maturity.

Thank you.