Reincarnation – A Short Introduction

The concept of reincarnation is well described in Bhagavad Gita 2.22 where the Hindu god Krishna says –

“As a person sheds worn-out garments and wears new ones, likewise, at the time of death, the soul casts off its worn-out body and enters a new one.”

We may all acknowledge that surely life here on earth won’t be as comfortable as in heaven. Life here won’t be near to as great and glorious as life would be in heaven where we are in the constant presence of God. I think this is a universal truth believed by all religions, even by atheistic Buddhism (at least with the suffering part on earth).

Also, this verse points to the concept of rebirth interlinked with the concept of Karma (keeping accounts of good and bad deeds). But a question here arises as to which “new one” or “new body” does this scripture refer to?

The answer is given in Chandogya Upanishad 5.10.7 says-

“Among those who have good Karma will be born good womb and those who have bad karma will reach to the evil womb.”

Evil womb here means a womb of a dog, hog, or of a lower caste (presently known as Dalits in India, aka untouchables).

No matter if one’s residual results of actions are good or bad, rebirth continues on and on for anywhere from 7 times to an infinite number of times until a perfect balance is achieved between good and bad deeds. So there is no real assurance of what will happen to us after death as no one can keep count of all our deeds from millions of rebirths or the ones to come. Crazy right?

“Whether limited or unlimited depends upon you. (See Gita XVI. 19-20). There is no mention of only 7 births in the scriptures.” – (Swami Vishwananda)

“The Sanskrit words Sapta (seven), Shadham (hundred) and Sahasra (thousand) are also used to represent infinity. So when scriptures say seven births, it actually means infinite births.” – (Spark Sunshine)

Also keep in mind that what we humans supposedly experience is a Rebirth, not a Reincarnation as incarnation means avatara, which is a word only designated for gods who take human form. Just like Jesus, who is the Word, who is God of the Universe and became flesh and dwelt among humans.

But, fortunately, there is one faith that gives us hope regarding what will actually happen to us after death. That one is Christianity. It gives a hope that there is only one life, therefore, we must live a holy life, separate ourselves from sin and strive to live a life through Christ that God intended for us to live from the very beginning. In fact, these can be universal guidelines for all mankind.

And finally, anyone who accepts Christ and lives seeking holiness will see heaven where –

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – (Revelation 21:4)

This is the promise for which I would risk my all. I hope you would do too.

(Article based on notes taken from ex-Hindu Brahmin known as “Pandit”)