Law of Reincarnation

Hinduism believes in reincarnation. It believes that the soul of a person is distinct from the body and the soul moves from one body to another across countless lives. It believes that the soul may move across different geographies and across different species too. Depending on the thoughts, actions and tendencies of an individual, one may evolve into a higher being or go down lower.

This theory may be debated by non-believers or people with scientific mind-set who demand evidence or proof for everything. But the objective of this blog is not to establish whether the theory is correct or not. 

The Theory or Law of reincarnation is very interesting and useful. If all species and creatures are indeed linked in this manner, does it not make it easy to love one another? Will we not think twice before hurting another being who could have been our close relative or friend from some previous birth? Will we not become more compassionate and caring if we believe in reincarnation?

This, perhaps, could be one reason for this theory to have come up. The idea of one world where all souls exist in different bodies but all linked to each other is a very powerful idea indeed. Who can deny that this idea promotes values, ethics, morals among people who accept it?

I believe this one theory is the panacea for the evils and the problems that the world faces today. What do you think?

What is your view?

From the time we were very young, we observed things around us and started forming views. Some things we liked and they made us happy. Some other things we disliked and we tried to avoid them.

In this age of IT revolution, we are overloaded with information of various kinds. At every moment, we are exposed to news and developments from around the world. Thanks to our fertile minds, we end up forming a view on each of these events.

If there are 10 people in a room and a topic comes up for discussion, we will end up having at least half a dozen views. There is merit in variety & diversity and these differing views help us take a well thought through decision. The real problem comes up when some people cling obstinately to their views and refuse to change it. Such a stand (many a times without logic) results in stalemate or sub-optimal decisions.

So, should one have a view or not? And, should one be flexible enough to change it when presented with a better logic? These are two questions to ponder upon.

My own take on this is as follows. We should form a view on subjects which we are well aware of. We should have the honesty and the humility to confess that we do not know enough of a topic to form a view. And we should have an open mind to let others influence us with a better reasoning. Many a times, we realise later that our views are biased based on our own experiences & expectations.

By refusing the temptation of forming a view, we are actually freeing up our mind space. When we form views, we become attached to them as well as agitated. By not forming views, we are going into a meditative state of merely observing things as facts. When we don't have a view, we are becoming non-judgemental about things. We are reaching a state of Nirvana. Isn't that great?

What is your view?

Look inward

Over the years, we have seen a steady deterioration of human values. Propelled by a lack of fear of the law and fear of sin, people tend to break rules and behave with impunity. Thanks to the focus on the negative news by the media, we are exposed to such stories all the time.

When we read about such blatant violations of the law and of brazen display of unethical behaviour, we tend to feel upset and begin to ponder on what can be done to improve the state of affairs. Should we introduce new laws? Should we improve our judiciary system? Should we focus on the policing? Should we enhance our education system and start inculcating moral values at a young age? Should we name and shame the violators?

Many such questions come up and get debated all the time. We start blaming the leaders, the society etc. Sometimes, we are filled with hope and sometimes anguish extinguishes our faith. It truly seems that the onslaught is never ending.

When we think deeply about this we realize that we need not despair. There is hope. We can make a difference by bringing about change. The change that we seek has to be nurtured and groomed within ourselves, as Mahatma Gandhi used to say. If we expect the world to be better, we can start with ourselves first.

The solution to all issues lies within ourselves. We can only control and change ourselves. It is futile and pointless to look elsewhere. The external world will reflect our internal world. By making ourselves more compassionate, more understanding, more selfless, more tolerant and more gentle, we can create a more peaceful world. We have the power and the ability to become more honest, more balanced and simpler.

When we change ourselves, our actions and character begins to multiply. Others get influenced by us. They emulate us. They propagate and spread the word. We attract like minded people towards us. People begin to realize the importance of values.

Remember this. Each one of us can influence the world to change by changing ourselves. We can make a start by looking inwards and discovering what we can do to improve our world.