How does the story of the tiger redefine the idea of death and show a path to conquering mortality?

The incident with the tiger in Chapter 31 presents a profound teaching on mortality. It redefines death not as an end, but as a transition whose quality depends on the spiritual context. Dying in the presence of a saint is portrayed as 'not death, it is Vaikuntha's (heaven's) bliss.' By leaving the body before Sai's gaze, the tiger is said to have conquered the mortal world and escaped the sorrow of rebirth. This illustrates that the path to salvation and overcoming the fear of death lies in surrendering at the feet of a saint. This act transforms the moment of death, removing all joy or sorrow and framing it as true self-salvation.