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Cycle of Life
The Cycle of Birth, Death and Rebirth
The cycle of birth, death and rebirth (reincarnation) is known as Samsara. The word Samsara means to flow. Hindus believe humans have an atman, or eternal self, that is born again and again into many different lifetimes following its own spiritual journey. The cycle of samsara only comes to an end when an individual has achieved moksha; they have discovered their true identity as part of Brahman. Moksha is a liberation from the cycle of samsara and being reunited with Brahman.
The atman refers to the eternal self that exits beyond the physical body. It is the real and authentic self behind the ego. Atman is sometimes referred to as soul or spirit, and is considered as the essence of what makes us who we are. When the physical body dies, the atman can inhabit many temporary bodies until that individual has achieved moksha.
Karma, Reincarnation and Moksha
Karma is the belief that all actions in life have consequences. Everyone in life has choices, and these choices result in either good or bad Karma. When the physical body dies, Hindus believe the atman (eternal self) moves on bringing their karma with it. The karma of an atman will shape the future lives it goes on to have and what temporary bodies it will inhabit. However, karma is also influenced by many other forces that are beyond human control, such as the actions of other people. This can have an impact on an individual’s karma, and some Hindus would argue that to understand karma as ‘do good deeds be rewarded with good life’ would be an over simplification of the law of karma.
There are, therefore, a number of things that Hindus believe impact their karma. Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of samara, of death and rebirth when the atman is reunited with Brahman. Through the cycle of samsara, and the way in which Hindus live their lives, the atman slowly begins to realise its true nature; it is part of, or one with, Brahman.
After the physical death of the body, some Hindus wish to be cremated at Varanasi, a holy city in India. Some believe that to die and be cremated at Varanasi, and have your ashes placed into the Ganges River is to release you from the cycle of samsara. Watch the video below, a clip from The Story of God, of the importance of Varanasi for many Hindus.
Virtues of Life
Many Hindus believe there are key morals, or virtues, an individual should live by. These are typically accepted as:
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Compassion (loving kindness)
- Service to others
- Tolerance
- Self-disciple
- Honest with others and oneself
- Respect for all life
- Wisdom
- Cleanliness
- Providing shelter and/or support to others
These qualities apply to all living things, including ourselves, as Hindus believe that Brahman is part of every part of life. As Hindus believe the atman is on a journey to be reunited with Brahman, attitudes and virtues followed will help them towards Brahman.
Reflection
What does the concept of ‘loving-kindness’ mean to you?
Why might this be important in your own life?