Philosophy: Life after Death- Reincarnation

Reincarnation Notes: 

• Reincarnation can also be known as transmigration of the souls, it is the rebirth in another body (after physical death). 
• The notion of reincarnation raises questions about the relationship of the soul with the brain and body. 
• Karma is the principle of cause and affect in Hinduism (and even Buddhism), which asserts that all acts or deeds leave their influence on a future transmigration of the actor. Basically the current situation of a human being is the consequence of the person's actions and thoughts in current and past lives. 
• In Hindusim, life and death are regarded as part of the cycle of existence. A person lives out their life then, at death, their soul (as the conscious character and memory-bearing self) is reborn again in another body. 
• The cycle goes on through many lives until the soul achieves ultimate reality (nirvana) and is united with Brahman. 
• The ultimate reality is Brahman and it is union with Brahman that all souls seek. 
• The soul's journey from life to life is governed by the notion of Karma. 
• In the Vedantic tradition, the soul (jiva) is eternal and identical to Brahman. Moreover, it dwells in a state of maya wjich is unreal and finite. The soul exists in a state of illusion and separateness from Brahman. 
• In the state of illusion, the soul, regards itself as being enclosed in a set of bodies- the "gross" body (sthula sharira), which is the physical body, and the "subtle" body (linga sharira). 
• The soul…