How Long Does One Live?

[Harshdeepsingh]

I've heard that death is pre-destined. And I've also heard that one can increase one's years of life by yoga which many did according to our history. They simply slowed down their breathing and thus lead a longer life. Is this true? Does this mean that life is actually dependent upon number of breaths and if so time does not play a big part since it's up to you to decide how long you want to take to breathe each breath. Are there any quotes in Guru Granth Sahib ji on the matter? Thank you

[Guest Jacfsing2]

I've heard that death is pre-destined. And I've also heard that one can increase one's years of life by yoga which many did according to our history. They simply slowed down their breathing and thus lead a longer life. Is this true? Does this mean that life is actually dependent upon number of breaths and if so time does not play a big part since it's up to you to decide how long you want to take to breathe each breath. Are there any quotes in Guru Granth Sahib ji on the matter? Thank you

Your life is predestined on how long you live, yoga as a healthy exercise can help you live longer, but in today's world nobody can do breath yoga in the way you describe it to lengthen life. The last human on Earth who could've lived extremely long through controlling their breath was Duscht Daman. (Guru Gobind Singh's previous incarnation), but Guru Sahib taught for all ages, "Whatever God does, accept that with pleasure; in comfort and in suffering, meditate on Him. (1)"

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That means even if you live a short life or long life don't waste anytime. Also Dusht Daman didn't just live a long life because of controlling his breath, he lived long because of his merge with Vaheguru which gives freedom from death. He was a savior of the people then as well as now.

[Harshdeepsingh]

Thanks jacfsing2. However, my quest is to understand what determines the length of our life. Is it the number of breaths or is it the amount of time. Some say, lead a healthy lifestyle and u will simply live longer but say one gets into an accident even after leading a very healty lifestyle and dies. What is the main purpose of death? We must die regardless but what determines when? I hope it's clear enough. I'm having trouble getting it in words. To me the only hypothesis that works in every situation is that the number of pre determined breaths one comes with but is this supported by guru Granth sahib ji and if so are there any quotes.

[Guest Jacfsing2]

Thanks jacfsing2. However, my quest is to understand what determines the length of our life. Is it the number of breaths or is it the amount of time. Some say, lead a healthy lifestyle and u will simply live longer but say one gets into an accident even after leading a very healty lifestyle and dies. What is the main purpose of death? We must die regardless but what determines when? I hope it's clear enough. I'm having trouble getting it in words. To me the only hypothesis that works in every situation is that the number of pre determined breaths one comes with but is this supported by guru Granth sahib ji and if so are there any quotes.

I'm not sure Guru Sahib talks about the length of a lifetime but from my understanding is it's Hukam, but Guru Sahib does say,"ਗ੝ਨ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਗਾਇਓ ਨਹੀ ਜਨਮ੝ ਅਕਾਰਥ ਕੀਨ੝ ॥

Gun gobind gĝio nahī janam akĝrath kīn.

If you do not sing the Praises of the Lord, your life is rendered useless." That basically means even if you lived a million years your life has been meaningless if you didn't remember Waheguru. Guru Sahib doesn't want to discourage people from death rather bring people new life in the form of internal death,(mukti)

"ਕਹ੝ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਜ੝ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਾ ਪਰੈ ਨ ਜਮ ਕੀ ਫਾਸ ॥੨॥

Kaho Nĝnak bhaj har manĝ parai na jam kī fĝs. ((2))

Says Nanak, meditate, vibrate upon the Lord, and you shall not be caught in the noose of death. ((2))"

[Guest Jacfsing2]

Your personal lifespan is based on Hukam; however, what you do in that lifespan is based on what you do. I know I probably didn't answer your question but there is a lot of bani on Hukam than on lifespan.