Understanding Reincarnation and the Role of Karma
The concept of reincarnation often raises questions, especially when considering the circumstances of the new life a soul chooses after the end of a previous life. For instance, why would a soul choose a body that is mentally challenged or one that is blind, deaf, or unable to walk? This article aims to delve deep into the philosophy behind such apparent choices, rooted in the belief of karma and soul evolution.
Behind the Scenes: The Virtually Godly State of Between Lives
According to this philosophical perspective, when a soul is between lives, it finds itself in a state almost akin to divinity. It makes profound, enlightened decisions based on what is deemed best for both the individual and the extended family it is connected to. This is a state where the soul, being virtually God, makes choices grounded in wisdom and understanding.
Karma: The Way Forward
One of the primary reasons for the choices made by a soul in selecting its next life lies in the concept of karma. Traditionally, karma is often associated with earthly consequences, such as a wealthy individual suffering an incurable disease or being killed by wild dogs during a luxurious vacation. However, this perspective is more akin to the Abrahamic view of the afterlife, where the sum total of past actions dictates the conditions of a future life.
Here, the soul does not make the decision. Rather, the decision is made based on a predetermined karma, a consequence of the past actions and lifestyles. It is believed that no pleading or bargaining can alter this fate; all one can do is strive to live the best life possible, with the hope that the next life will be an improvement.
The Nature of Reincarnation
Reincarnation is not about the death of the individual but the ongoing cycle of life. The dead enter into God's eternal memory, which is a state of rest until the day of resurrection. There is no immortal soul that transmigrates to a realm of eternal torment. God is depicted as a loving entity, whose ultimate goal is for all souls to achieve eternal harmony in Paradise.
The Role of Karma and Past Actions
From a different philosophical viewpoint, the choice of a body or disability is not made by the soul but determined by the accumulated karma from past actions. This is where the concept of sanchita karma (past actions and their effects) comes into play. Each soul is assigned a slice of its karmic debt to address in the present lifetime. When this debt is successfully managed, it is wiped from the account, leading to a potential cessation of theWheel of Samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth).
The ultimate goal is to achieve moksha (liberation), where the soul returns to a state of harmony with the universe. This implies that the conditions of each new life are reflections of the past actions. Any injustices or harm caused, including to animals and nature, will be addressed in the form of corresponding experiences in the current life.
The Impact of Actions and Free Will
The law of karma extends beyond physical actions, including thoughts and emotions. Even the desire or intention to harm someone carries karmic consequences, as karma originates in the mind. It is therefore paramount to control one's thoughts, emotions, and deeds carefully, as they have profound effects on one's future lives.
Animals, acting instinctually, do not bear the same moral responsibility as conscious beings. Hence, actions that harm them are particularly significant in the karmic context. The overarching principle is that any life form making conscious decisions is subject to the law of karma, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in every aspect of one's life.