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 an extra meaning to the mystery of life and death.

From a spiritual perspective, the essence of life is to progress spiritually and realize the true nature of your inner being. When we are aware of our true nature, we are freed from the cycle of birth and rebirth. This was the teaching of the Buddha and the early Vedic seers. However, to achieve spiritual liberation; realizing the highest consciousness is not an easy task. It implies transforming a nature from an egoistic perspective to one in which we lose the identity of our own being and identify ourselves with the infinite and vast. Many countless incarnations may be required to make this leap. If our aspiration is sincere and we have the guidance of a true spiritual Master, it may be possible to achieve liberation in this current incarnation. But for many seekers there isn’t much progress we can make in a lifetime. Death and reincarnation give us the opportunity to continue our progress with renewed energy and enthusiasm. In the current stage of human evolution death is necessary because at the end of 70 – 80 years the body and mind are tired and we need to rest.

“Right now, death helps us in a way; it allows us to rest a bit. Then when we come back, we come back with a new hope, a new light, a new aspiration.” (one)

The concept of reincarnation is linked to 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 point we will experience the effects of these actions. This could be in this lifetime or in some future incarnation. In the same way, if we serve others and create happiness, we will also receive the positive effect of these actions in the future. The law of karma is clearly summed up in the words of Jesus Christ: “What you sow, so 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 because of the ignorance of the world. It is also possible that through the invocation of 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 with others what you would like them to do with you.” (2)

We reincarnate to gain different experiences. These experiences are assimilated by the soul and used in its spiritual path. At one moment we may be born rich and powerful, at another moment we may be born poor. Due to reincarnation, we are reminded that we share a unity with other people and other countries. We may think that our country and culture is far superior. But there are high chances that we can incarnate in those countries that we look down on. George Bernard Shaw rightly noted that “Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born into it.” Reincarnation helps us feel that we should take all countries as part of ourselves.

(1) Extract from: Death and reincarnation of Sri Chinmoy

(2) Matthew 7:12