VEDIC TEACHINGS: REINCARNATION & SAMSARA

REINCARNATION & SAMSARA Reincarnation

As the Atman (Soul, Brahman) stays unaltered in life, it continues unchanged after death. The soul is carried within the subtle (astral, heavenly) body to its next variation. The nature of the new incarnation is in determination with state of mind at death and is determined by (1) the person’s desires, and (2) his karma. Samsara

(Sanskrit "World") refers to the process of passing on to another body inclusive of all walks of life. According to Hindu belief consciousness exists in all life forms. The soul being present to species, the potential is exhibited to different levels. In some species, mostly animals it is practically asleep, but in humans it is well aware. This progression of consciousness is manifest throughout six broad “classes of life, “namely (1) aquatics, (2) plants, (3) reptiles and insects, (4) birds, (5) animals and (6) humans, including the residents of heaven. Samsara in essence is painful, throughout a cycle of four recurring problems: birth, disease, old-age, and death. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 2.3.1 - “Brahman has but two forms—gross and subtle, mortal and immortal, limited and unlimited, defined and undefined.” Chandogya Upanishad 3.13.7. - “Then, higher than this heaven, above the world, higher than everything, in the highest world, higher than which nothing exists—the light that shines there is the same light that is in a human being.” 1 Corinthians 15:44 - It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Image: Bhavachakra describing the cycle of saṃsāra: illustrated in the wheel are six realms of existence in which a sentient being can reincarnate, according to the rebirth doctrine of Buddhism. Yama, the god of death, is at the top of the outer rim. The outer rim shows the Twelve Nidānas doctrine.