2. Is death the end of human
existence?
Is there any land beyond the grave?
Can we find in man a soul that is
distinct from his body, which can
survive the event of death?
What can we believe about hell
and heaven?
3.
4. REINCARNATION
The concept of Reincarnation is believed by
religions like Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism ,
Judaism and Gnostic sect of Christianity, and the
Sufi sect of Islam.
In addition, around 20-30% of Christians from
western countries also believe in reincarnation.
Recent scientific investigations have also discovered
considerable evidence that point towards the
concept of reincarnation.
Reincarnation is the belief that the human
soul, i.e. atman lives on after death and
takes on a new body.
Thus, a single atman will live a succession
of existences with its real true self
remaining the same with the outer form or
body changing.
5.
6. REASONS FOR REINCARNATION
To satisfy one’s desires and experience the
fruits of one’s Karma
When a person indulges in material pleasures, he or she subsequently
develops the mental tendencies to enjoy more of such pleasures (vasanas).
The craving to satisfy one’s desires causes the jiva to assume new physical
bodies. Also, the results of past actions are experienced by the process of
reincarnation.
7. REASONS FOR REINCARNATION
To continue one’s unfinished spiritual
efforts
When an aspirant making spiritual efforts for liberation dies without
attaining his or her goal, the jiva gets another human body to continue
its spiritual efforts towards the goal of moksha.
8. REASONS FOR REINCARNATION
To attain Moksha
By the grace and compassion of God or a God-realized guru, a jiva uses a human
body to attain Moksha, the ultimate purpose of life. With rare exceptions,
attainment of Moksha is possible only for a human being. The cycle of birth and
death, called samsara, ends when the jiva attains moksha (liberation), the
ultimate goal of merging with the Divine.
9.
10. Samsara refers to the state
of perpetual reincarnation
or rebirth, in which all
beings are ensnared.
Samsara is derived from
Sanskrit and Pali,
meaning "continuous
movement," "continuous
flowing" or "wandering."
THE CYCLE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
SAMSARA
11.
12. The individual being is called jiva in
Santhana Dharma. Just as a person removes
old clothes and wears fresh ones every day,
the jiva changes the body when the Karma
for which the body was given is exhausted.
Worn-out garments are shed by the body;
Worn-out bodies are shed by the jiva. New
bodies are donned by the jiva, like garments
THE CYCLE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
SAMSARA
13. THE CYCLE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
SAMSARA
Death is a part of the natural cycle of an individual,
which includes birth, childhood, youth, middle-age,
old age, death and rebirth. Even at the moment of
death, there is no extinction of the individual.
14. THE CYCLE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
SAMSARA
The never-ending cycle of
birth, death and rebirth is
known as Samsara.
Although some of us might like
the idea of reincarnation, it is
actually full of suffering - pain,
loss, fear and sadness.
So the ultimate aim is
Moksha - escape from the
realm of Samsara and
reunion with Brahman.
15. THE CYCLE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
SAMSARA
The mental tendencies
,i.e., vasanas and karmic
account are carried for
After the death of the body,
the soul or atman goes to
heaven/hell to reap some of
the results of past actions.
However, heaven and
hell are only temporary
states.
The rebirth of the
atman is based on the
vasanas and karma of
past lives.
An individual with noble vasanas
and positive karma generally takes
birth in a family with good culture
and prosperity.
