The idea of reincarnation is not prevalent in the West. However eastern spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism teach reincarnation as an integral part of life. To understand reincarnation is to give extra meaning to the mystery of life and death.
From a spiritual perspective the essence of life is to make spiritual progress and realize the true nature of your inner being. When we are aware of our real nature we are liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth. This was the teaching of the Buddha and the early Vedic Seers. However to attain spiritual liberation; to realise the highest consciousness is no easy task. It involves transforming one nature from an egoist perspective to one where we lose identity of our own self and identify with the infinite vast. To make this jump may require many countless incarnations. If our aspiration is sincere and we have the guidance of a real spiritual Master it may be possible to attain liberation in this current incarnation. But for many seekers there is only so much progress we can make in one lifetime. Death and reincarnation provide us with an opportunity to continue our progress with renewed energy and enthusiasm. In the present stage of human evolution death is necessary because at the end of 70 - 80 years the body and mind is tired and we need to take a rest.
"Right now death helps us in a sense; it allows us to take some rest. Then when we come back, we come back with new hope, new light, new aspiration." (1)
The concept of reincarnation is linked with the idea of karma. Karma is a universal law of cause and effect. The law of karma means that if we create suffering at some time we will experience the effects of these actions. This could be in this lifetime or in some future incarnation. Similarly if we serve others and create happiness, the positive effect of these actions we will also receive in the future. The law of Karma is neatly summarised in the words of Jesus Christ "As you sow, so shall you reap." However it is worth remembering that the law of Karma is complex. If you suffer it is not necessarily because of your bad karma; it could just be the ignorance of the world. When Jesus Christ was crucified it was not because of his bad Karma but the ignorance of the world. Also it is possible that through invoking the Grace of the Supreme the adverse consequence of some karma can be mitigated. However reincarnation means there is no hiding place for our actions. It is a powerful reminder to live by the golden rule of spirituality.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (2)
We reincarnate to gain different experiences. These experiences are assimilated by the soul and used in its spiritual journey. At one time we may be born rich and powerful, at another time we could be born poor. Because of reincarnation we are reminded that we share a oneness with other people and other countries. We may think that our country and culture is far superior. But there is every chance we could take incarnation in those countries that we look down upon. George Bernard Shaw aptly noted that "Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.." Reincarnation helps us to feel that we should take all countries as part of ourselves.
(1) Extract from: Death and Reincarnation by Sri Chinmoy
(2) Matthew 7:12
Tejvan became interested in Eastern philosophy and spirituality whilst studying at University. He now practises meditation on a regular basis under the guidance of spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy. http://www.srichinmoybio.co.uk/
