Reincarnation/Rebirth made easy
The word reincarnation derives from a Latin term that literally means entering the flesh again. Starting from Sanatan Dharma to Jainism/Buddhism, this is a central tenet of eastern philosophy.
What is reincarnation?
An aspect of every living being continues to exist after death. This transcendent aspect of a living being (‘Atman’ — the soul) is reborn in an interconnected cycle of existence. It can be in the form of a newly born human being, or animal, or plant, or as a being in some other non-human realm of existence.
As a human being puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.” — BHAGAVAD GITA
At the death of one life, a new one comes in being, much as the flame of a dying candle serving to light the flame of another. The consciousness in the new person forms a causal continuum or stream. In other words, this consciousness, or the transcendent part remains constant during this cycle of changes, giving every living being a personal continuity or personal “beingness” in the infinite flow of time.
Due to this continuity, our actions have great importance on our existence — and these actions are what we like to call — our Karma!
Why is reincarnation important?
Reincarnation creates an endless circle of life and death and the Being gets entangled into this web of aimless drifting, wandering, or mere existence called ‘Saṃsāra’. This wheel of cyclic existence is not only futile but characterized by ignorance and profound suffering.That’s why the release from this cycle of reincarnations should be the ultimate spiritual goal of every sentient being. This liberation — this eternal bliss is known by many names i.e. Moksha, Nirvana, Mukti and Kaivalya.
How is reincarnation related to Karma?
The doctrine of Karma says,
“You are what your deepest desire is.
As is your desire, so is your intention.
As is your intention, so is your will.
As is your will, so is your deed.
As is your deed, so is your destiny.”
Each soul is thus responsible for its own problems, as well as its own salvation. One’s personal destiny is not a consequence of any system of reward and punishment, but a result of its own personal karma. We do not occupy a stable place within Saṃsāra, but depending on our Karma we will pass from one existence to another. If Saṃsāra is a maze of an endless number of destinies, then depending on its karma, the Being transmigrates and reincarnates within the scope of these innumerable existences and destinies. Reincarnation is the effect of karma! Ignorance of this fact persuades one to indulge in the deceptive web of ‘Saṃsāra’. When this ignorance is uprooted rebirth ceases.
Can we escape this karmic cycle of reincarnation?
Yes! To be free from the karmic cycle we all have to do what Buddha did, learn to become a detached witness to the events of our life. Even after enlightenment, Buddha had to live out his karma, which was already present in him, but by being in the observer mode, he stopped creating more of the karmic seeds. Karma does not affect a Yogi any more. Only by doing so, he attained Moksha — the eternal bliss.
“A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires — desires that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still — can alone achieve peace and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.”
Conclusion:
The theory of reincarnation is based upon four basic principles: permanence of the atman (being), existence of maya — the original ignorance, and liberation of the being from samsara and the law of Karma !
I will like to add a footnote here: Liberation from the Wheel of reincarnation does not mean escape! It means clear perception of yourself, in the light of your own Karma, and become a lamp unto yourself!
If you liked this article, then please check this out — Punarbhava — @
