Reincarnation
dhruvam janma mrtasya ca
tasmad apariharye 'rthe
na tvam sochitum arhati
"One who has taken his birth is sure to die, and after death one is sure to take birth again. Therefore in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament." (Bhagavad-gita 2.13)
What Is Reincarnation?
An intelligent person wants to know why in the first place he must suffer helplessly, die unwillingly and lose everything, despite the best wishes and efforts of doctors, friends and relatives, and his own desperate urge to survive. Most of the population is absorbed in solving day-to-day problems and is hardly interested to know what happens after death. But when they come across the death of some near and dear ones, it shakes them and gives them an opportunity to inquire about life and death. Some think that death is the end of everything and others believe in heaven and hell. Still others hold that this life is only one of many we have lived and will live in the future.
From whom to hear about Reincarnation?
Most of the reincarnation literature available in the market today is highly speculative, superficial and inconclusive. Although such books make for interesting reading and have stimulated the ever-widening public interest and belief in reincarnation, none of these popular works explain the fundamental facts about reincarnation, such as the simple process by which the soul eternally transmigrates from one material body to another. Authors present their own self-styled theories about how and in which particular cases reincarnation occurs, as if only some special or gifted living beings reincarnate and others do not. This type of presentation does not deal with the science of reincarnation but leaves the reader with scores of unanswered questions.
So many books now clutter our shelves and minds. Many Westerners, in order to gain a deeper understanding about reincarnation, are turning to the original sources of knowledge about past and future lives. Among all available literature, the Sanskrit Vedas of India are the oldest on earth and present the most comprehensive and logical explanations of the science of remcamation, teachings that have maintained their viability ar*d universal appeal for more than five thousand years. The most fundamental information about reincarnation appears in the Bhagavad-gita, the essence of Vedic knowledge and one of the most important Upanishads. Since time immemorial it has been appreciated by many world-renowned men of wisdom for its authoritative knowledge. Albert Einstein, the outstanding scientist of his times, said, "When I read the Bhagavad-gita. 1 ask myself how God created the universe. Everything else appears to be superfluous." The Bhagavad-gita is targeted at people of this day and age who have difficulty grasping the imports of the complex and often esoteric Vedic hymns. It has been tried and tested by millions of spiritual practitioners as Lord Krishna Himself informs us: 'bahavo jnana tapasa puta mad bhavam agatali' 'many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me, and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me' (Bhagavad-gita 4.10)
Definition of Reincarnation
In this and subsequent chapters, we will learn what reincarnation actually is and its relevance to our lives. Re- = 'again' in = 'into' earn = 'flesh' -ate = 'cause' and -ion = 'process'. 'Reincarnation' literally means "the process of coming into flesh again." This implies that there is something that is separate from the flesh or body that returns after death. The word 'Transmigration' is often used interchangeably with reincarnation. Trans = 'across' migr = 'to go or move' and -ation = 'process of causing or becoming'. Transmigration is "process of moving across, from one to the other."
The Vedic scriptures give us information regarding the nature of matter and spirit. The fundamental knowledge taught is that we are not these bodies; we are souls. The body of the soul is made of sat-cit-ananda (eternity-knowledge-bliss) and it is called the spiritual body. The material body is made up matter: the five gross elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether and the three subtle elements - mind, intelligence and false ego. Originally the soul is a spiritual being, but when he desires to enjoy this material world, he is sent down from the spiritual world. When the soul is sent to this material world, he has to be covered by a material body so that he may get acclimatized to matter, just as one wears winter clothes when one goes abroad, to a cold atmosphere. The soul first accepts a body that is human in form, but gradually, due to his degraded activities, he falls into lower forms of life - into the animal, plant, aquatic forms etc. By the gradual process of evolution, the soul again attains the body of a human being and is given another chance to get out of the process of transmigration. This simple process by which a soul transmigrates from one body to another is known as Reincarnation.
Direct experience, inference, logic, religious faith and empiric observation all concur: some sort of conscious self energy exists within the body. The body is an instrument; the conscious energy, soul is the user of that instrument. Say, I use a bicycle to travel from one place to another. My brain or nervous system is as much different from 'me' as the bicycle I ride. If an instrument is destroyed, the user is not necessarily destroyed as a consequence. Analogically, if my body is destroyed, I am not necessarily destroyed with it. If my cycle is destroyed, I would have to get another one to ride - or I would have to stop using bicycle altogether. But I exist apart from the bicycle, and my longevity does not depend upon the longevity of my instrument. One bicycle may breakdown, but I can get a new one. In the same way, the soul assume millions °f births one after another, to fulfill his unfulfilled desires or can purify himself, escape from the cycle of birth and death and return back to the kingdom of God, from which he originally came here.
Eternal Damnation In Hell After One Sinful Life?
A common misconception dispelled by the clear logic of reincarnation concerns religious dogma claiming that everything rests on our performance in this one life time only, warning that if we lead a immoral life, we will be condemned to eternal damnation in the darkest regions of hell- without a prayer of emancipation. Understandably, sensitive, God-conscious people find such a system of ultimate justice to be more demoniac than divine. Is it possible that man can show mercy or compassion toward others, but Gcd is incapable of such feelings? Such unreasonable teachings ignore the eternal bond of love that exists between God and His intimate expansions, the living beings. By definition (man is made in the image of God), God must possess all qualities to the highest degree of perfection. One of these qualities is mercy. The notion that after one brief life a human being can be consigned to suffer eternally in hell is not consistent with the conception of a supreme being possessing infinite mercy.Even an ordinary father would give his son more than one chance to make his life perfect.
The Vedic literatures, which give the most clear understanding of the principles of reincarnation, repeatedly extol the magnanimous nature of God. Krishna is merciful to even those who openly despise Him, for He is situated within everyone's heart and gives all living beings the opportunity to realize their dreams and ambitions. Actually the Lord's mercy knows no end. The Lord loves each and every living being so much that He repeatedly gives him opportunities to transcend the cycle of birth and death, even if he may not deserve such opportunities due to his sinful activities.
According to the doctrine of reincarnation, Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, recognizes and preserves even a small amount of good done by an otherwise evil person. It is rare to see anyone who is 100% sinful. Therefore, if a living being makes some slight degree of spiritual progress in his present life, then in his next life he is allowed to continue from that point. The soul may thus develop his inherent spiritual qualities through many lives, until he no longer has to reincarnate in a material body, until he returns to his original home in the spiritual world.
Reincarnation - Modern Outlook
Reincarnation was thought of to be a Hindu belief at one time. In 1969, a Gallup Poll found that nearly 20 percent of the American public believed in life after death. A similar survey in 1981 revealed that 23 percent of all Americans believed in reincarnation - almost one quarter of the population. In 1989, research analyst Walter Martin wrote that "the latest survey on reincarnation indicates more than 58 percent of Americans believed in reincarnation." According to a recent survey published in 'World Statistics' (July, 1996), "more Americans believe in reincarnation than ever before." In the East, four out of five people surveyed embrace the doctrine with full conviction. In total, this accounts for well over half the world's population.By understanding how the concept of reincarnation is an integral part of the teachings of every religion, we can Form genuine friendly relationships that promote understanding between ourselves and members of other religions.
Understand that all humans, nay, all living beings, are working towards that ultimate perfection of becoming free from materialistic conceptions and returning back to spiritual realm, which is the ultimate goal of life.
"One who has taken his birth is sure to die, and after death one is sure to take birth again. Therefore in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament." (Bhagavad-gita 2.13)
What Is Reincarnation?
An intelligent person wants to know why in the first place he must suffer helplessly, die unwillingly and lose everything, despite the best wishes and efforts of doctors, friends and relatives, and his own desperate urge to survive. Most of the population is absorbed in solving day-to-day problems and is hardly interested to know what happens after death. But when they come across the death of some near and dear ones, it shakes them and gives them an opportunity to inquire about life and death. Some think that death is the end of everything and others believe in heaven and hell. Still others hold that this life is only one of many we have lived and will live in the future.
From whom to hear about Reincarnation?
Most of the reincarnation literature available in the market today is highly speculative, superficial and inconclusive. Although such books make for interesting reading and have stimulated the ever-widening public interest and belief in reincarnation, none of these popular works explain the fundamental facts about reincarnation, such as the simple process by which the soul eternally transmigrates from one material body to another. Authors present their own self-styled theories about how and in which particular cases reincarnation occurs, as if only some special or gifted living beings reincarnate and others do not. This type of presentation does not deal with the science of reincarnation but leaves the reader with scores of unanswered questions.
So many books now clutter our shelves and minds. Many Westerners, in order to gain a deeper understanding about reincarnation, are turning to the original sources of knowledge about past and future lives. Among all available literature, the Sanskrit Vedas of India are the oldest on earth and present the most comprehensive and logical explanations of the science of remcamation, teachings that have maintained their viability ar*d universal appeal for more than five thousand years. The most fundamental information about reincarnation appears in the Bhagavad-gita, the essence of Vedic knowledge and one of the most important Upanishads. Since time immemorial it has been appreciated by many world-renowned men of wisdom for its authoritative knowledge. Albert Einstein, the outstanding scientist of his times, said, "When I read the Bhagavad-gita. 1 ask myself how God created the universe. Everything else appears to be superfluous." The Bhagavad-gita is targeted at people of this day and age who have difficulty grasping the imports of the complex and often esoteric Vedic hymns. It has been tried and tested by millions of spiritual practitioners as Lord Krishna Himself informs us: 'bahavo jnana tapasa puta mad bhavam agatali' 'many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me, and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me' (Bhagavad-gita 4.10)
Definition of Reincarnation
In this and subsequent chapters, we will learn what reincarnation actually is and its relevance to our lives. Re- = 'again' in = 'into' earn = 'flesh' -ate = 'cause' and -ion = 'process'. 'Reincarnation' literally means "the process of coming into flesh again." This implies that there is something that is separate from the flesh or body that returns after death. The word 'Transmigration' is often used interchangeably with reincarnation. Trans = 'across' migr = 'to go or move' and -ation = 'process of causing or becoming'. Transmigration is "process of moving across, from one to the other."
The Vedic scriptures give us information regarding the nature of matter and spirit. The fundamental knowledge taught is that we are not these bodies; we are souls. The body of the soul is made of sat-cit-ananda (eternity-knowledge-bliss) and it is called the spiritual body. The material body is made up matter: the five gross elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether and the three subtle elements - mind, intelligence and false ego. Originally the soul is a spiritual being, but when he desires to enjoy this material world, he is sent down from the spiritual world. When the soul is sent to this material world, he has to be covered by a material body so that he may get acclimatized to matter, just as one wears winter clothes when one goes abroad, to a cold atmosphere. The soul first accepts a body that is human in form, but gradually, due to his degraded activities, he falls into lower forms of life - into the animal, plant, aquatic forms etc. By the gradual process of evolution, the soul again attains the body of a human being and is given another chance to get out of the process of transmigration. This simple process by which a soul transmigrates from one body to another is known as Reincarnation.
Direct experience, inference, logic, religious faith and empiric observation all concur: some sort of conscious self energy exists within the body. The body is an instrument; the conscious energy, soul is the user of that instrument. Say, I use a bicycle to travel from one place to another. My brain or nervous system is as much different from 'me' as the bicycle I ride. If an instrument is destroyed, the user is not necessarily destroyed as a consequence. Analogically, if my body is destroyed, I am not necessarily destroyed with it. If my cycle is destroyed, I would have to get another one to ride - or I would have to stop using bicycle altogether. But I exist apart from the bicycle, and my longevity does not depend upon the longevity of my instrument. One bicycle may breakdown, but I can get a new one. In the same way, the soul assume millions °f births one after another, to fulfill his unfulfilled desires or can purify himself, escape from the cycle of birth and death and return back to the kingdom of God, from which he originally came here.
Eternal Damnation In Hell After One Sinful Life?
A common misconception dispelled by the clear logic of reincarnation concerns religious dogma claiming that everything rests on our performance in this one life time only, warning that if we lead a immoral life, we will be condemned to eternal damnation in the darkest regions of hell- without a prayer of emancipation. Understandably, sensitive, God-conscious people find such a system of ultimate justice to be more demoniac than divine. Is it possible that man can show mercy or compassion toward others, but Gcd is incapable of such feelings? Such unreasonable teachings ignore the eternal bond of love that exists between God and His intimate expansions, the living beings. By definition (man is made in the image of God), God must possess all qualities to the highest degree of perfection. One of these qualities is mercy. The notion that after one brief life a human being can be consigned to suffer eternally in hell is not consistent with the conception of a supreme being possessing infinite mercy.Even an ordinary father would give his son more than one chance to make his life perfect.
The Vedic literatures, which give the most clear understanding of the principles of reincarnation, repeatedly extol the magnanimous nature of God. Krishna is merciful to even those who openly despise Him, for He is situated within everyone's heart and gives all living beings the opportunity to realize their dreams and ambitions. Actually the Lord's mercy knows no end. The Lord loves each and every living being so much that He repeatedly gives him opportunities to transcend the cycle of birth and death, even if he may not deserve such opportunities due to his sinful activities.
According to the doctrine of reincarnation, Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, recognizes and preserves even a small amount of good done by an otherwise evil person. It is rare to see anyone who is 100% sinful. Therefore, if a living being makes some slight degree of spiritual progress in his present life, then in his next life he is allowed to continue from that point. The soul may thus develop his inherent spiritual qualities through many lives, until he no longer has to reincarnate in a material body, until he returns to his original home in the spiritual world.
Reincarnation - Modern Outlook
Reincarnation was thought of to be a Hindu belief at one time. In 1969, a Gallup Poll found that nearly 20 percent of the American public believed in life after death. A similar survey in 1981 revealed that 23 percent of all Americans believed in reincarnation - almost one quarter of the population. In 1989, research analyst Walter Martin wrote that "the latest survey on reincarnation indicates more than 58 percent of Americans believed in reincarnation." According to a recent survey published in 'World Statistics' (July, 1996), "more Americans believe in reincarnation than ever before." In the East, four out of five people surveyed embrace the doctrine with full conviction. In total, this accounts for well over half the world's population.By understanding how the concept of reincarnation is an integral part of the teachings of every religion, we can Form genuine friendly relationships that promote understanding between ourselves and members of other religions.
Understand that all humans, nay, all living beings, are working towards that ultimate perfection of becoming free from materialistic conceptions and returning back to spiritual realm, which is the ultimate goal of life.
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