eincarnation
A Key to Understanding Hindu eincarnation

When one thinks of the concept of a divine trinity, the first thing that most Americans would think of would be the Christian trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. However, there are other equally important trinities within other religions, for the number three has had religious relevance since ancient times. The sanctity of the number three might arise from the fact that it can be seen to represent the essential triad of life: Families and the species itself continue from past to future as each pair of parents gives rise to a child, who in turn joins with another to produce another child, and so humans step their way three by three into the future.

Hinduism also has a central trinity that in important ways parallels the Christian trinity -- or that is paralleled in important ways by the Christian trinity, depending upon which way…...

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References

Flood, G. (Ed.) (2003). The Blackwell companion to Hinduism. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Jansen, E.R. (2003). The book of Hindu imagery. Havelte, Holland: Binkey Kok Publications BV.

Zimmer, H. (1972). Myths and symbols in Indian art and civilization. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

In a world that is concerned with only the here and coupled along with instant gratification, it should not be a surprise that reincarnation is understood by few. What many fail to see is that reincarnation is actually makes more sense than many other teachings. For instance, with reincarnation, we can see how thing corresponds with one another. In this way, we can see how one generation is connected with another.
One aspect of reincarnation relies upon human recognition. It is clear that we cannot rely upon recognition or imagination when it comes to this concept because human recognition is limited to experience and that in and of itself is limited. When the mind is opened to the Baha" religion, other aspects other than the here and now are examined and considered. One of those aspects is reincarnation. When it is considered in its spiritual context rather than the physical…...

At the end of the arduous cycle is the ultimate reward. Full enlightenment comes with the end of the cycle of birth and death -- Nirvana, where the individual soul can rest. It allows for the filtering of souls which have not earned the right to relax and enjoy the spiritual realm. It also allows those individuals who have earned their spiritual freedom to enjoy an existence not plagued by the limitations of a physical body.
Thus, reincarnation solely depends on the level of morality exhibited by a particular individual during a particular life. If one chooses to act immorally, and therefore not learn the lessons presented within the context of that life, that individual is punished with being forced to live a future life at a lower level than previously attained. And so it becomes imperative that each souls lives a moral life, as to fully take advantage of…...

e can easily see how this belief would not just set the Druze apart from fundamentalist Muslims, but could possibly be interpreted as a heresy by the more strict fundamentalists.
All of these things considered, the religious definitions and boundaries of the world begin to be obscured, because there is a message of good, sharing, shedding the flesh of earthly wants and desires that is reflected in the Hindu message of reincarnation. It is not so different than the message that is at the heart of the other religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In Judaism, Hasidic Jews believe in reincarnation, they hold, like Hinduism, that individuals are reincarnated into their family lines to complete the work that they had begun, or continued doing in their past lives. Recently, a case was featured on a television program, where a man in his thirties began having dreams of having experienced the…...

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Works Cited

 http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5019968112 

Bennett, Anne. "Reincarnation, Sect Unity and Identity among the Druze." Ethnology 45.2 (2006): 87+. Questia. 18 Feb. 2009  

260). This cosmological discussion is one reason Origen is said to have "created, indeed embodied, the first model of a scientific theology;" his approach to the notion of metempsychosis, like nearly all of his theological work, is rooted in a steadfast determination to distinguish "between the dogmata of the church tradition and the problemata which were to be discussed" according to reason, logic, and a prototype of the scientific method (Kung 1994, pp. 48-49). As will be seen, Origen's focus on not-yet-determined points of Christianity would ultimately contribute to his condemnation as a heretic, because could be considered genuine, innocent investigation in the third century would rapidly become dangerous propaganda to the Church's ruling powers.
Origen's description of an ultimate, total reunification should not be taken to mean that he is arguing that the actions one takes within the temporal world is meaningless, since everything will ultimately be united once…...

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Reference List

Bovon, F. 2010, "The Souls Comeback: Immortality and Resurrection in Early Christianity,"

Harvard Theological Review, vol. 103, no. 4, pp. 387-406.

Bowen, F. 1881. "Christian Metempsychosis." Princeton Review, May, pp. 316-341.

Clergymen of the Church of England. 2010. Reincarnation and Christianity. Kila: Kessinger

25. How does New Age spirituality differ from that of Eastern mysticism?

Although the New Age readily embraces Eastern mysticism, it diverges from the old Eastern traditions because the New Age is more of a "hybrid spirituality," (131). The New Age combines Eastern and estern mystical beliefs. Eastern religions are not tailored for the modern world so the New Age mutates Eastern traditions to best suit the needs of the modern lifestyle.

26. How is paganism related to the New Age movement?

Paganism is integrally related to the New Age movement. Evidence of this can be found on any New Age bookstore shelf. The New Age movement is not necessarily demonic, as many modern witches do not believe in Satan, but neo-pagans assert a belief in a Goddess. Many New Agers support pre-Christian pagan beliefs and shamanism as well.

27. How does the eastern element of New Age spirituality contrast with estern Christianity's form…...

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Works Cited

Groothuis, Douglas R. Unmasking the New Age. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1986.

Ligeia and the Theme of Reincarnation
That the narrator of "Ligeia" is one who is frequently called "unreliable" by critics is nothing new (Sweet, Blythe), as he is an admitted opium addict, often susceptible to hallucinations in which he would imagine the lost Ligeia. Like the maddened narrator of "The Raven" sorrowing for his "lost Lenore," the unreliable narrator of "Ligeia" tempts the reader to doubt the transformation of Rowena into the narrator's lost love by reason of his habit of indulgence in the opium drug. Indeed, the night of his vigil is not without his cup of mind-altering elixir; therefore, the literal minded critic would suggest that it cannot be stated with any certainty whether the Ligeia whom he sees in Rowena is real, hallucinatory, or a result of reincarnation. There is, however, plenty of evidence to suggest that a close reading of the text gives enough clues for the…...

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Works Cited

Melville, Herman. Moby-Dick. NY: Barnes Nobles, 2008. Print.

Poe, Edgar Allen. "Ligeia." Virginia.edu. Web. 5 Feb 2016.

Poe, Edgar Allen. "The Raven." Bartleby. Web. 5 Feb 2016.

Sweet, Charlie; Blythe, Hal. "Teaching the Unreliable Narrator in Ligeia." Eureka

Thus, these castes being born twice in Hinduism, the principles behind Karma and Reincarnation applies to them. Karma refers to the corresponding reaction to an action or deed that an individual had done to another living thing/s. This means that if the deed was bad or considered evil, the corresponding reaction or karma will also be bad or evil. A similar analogy is applied to goodness/good deeds. Reincarnation is the return of some metaphysical part of the self into a new body -- a process of rebirth for the individual, characteristic of the concept of two births exclusively only to members of the three higher castes.
Jainism is an old religion prevalent in India and other nations in the Asian region. Originally a part of the Buddhist religion, Jainism believes not in the concept of a God, but the authority of the saints or prophets. Its religious principles are simple…...

Instead, the practice bhakti-style devotion to various Buddhas and other supramundane figures (Protehero, 2010, p. 177). These are not manifestations of one God, as might be understood by practitioners of most Western religions, but more similar to spirit guides.
Another aspect of Buddhism that might be surprising is the understanding of "karma." The word is commonly used in our current lexicon and refers to the good or bad that comes one's way based on one's own good or bad deeds. It is thought of as a reward or, conversely, payback. It helps people make sense of the world if they can conceive of such cosmic justice. However, karma is more complicated and really has to do with cause and effect. The idea is that everything one does has consequences, which must be dealt with constructively before one can move on (Martin, 2011). It is about learning and personal growth rather…...

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References

Bailey, S.P. (2010). American zenophilia. Humanities 31(2).

Martin, S. (2011). 10 things you didn't know about Buddhism. The Boomington Post. Retrieved from  http://www.sharpseniors.com/blog/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-buddhism/ 

Prothero, S. (2010). God is not one: Eight rival religions that run the world -- and why their differences matter. New York: HarperOne.

Wilson, J. (2011). The popularity of selected elements of Buddhism in North America. Dharma World. Retrieved from world.org/dharmaworld/dw_2011julysept selectedelements.aspxhttp://www.rk-

Buddhism and Jainism
Based on Michael Molloy's three patterns for comparing and contrasting religions, there seems to be a great deal of similarity between Buddhism and Jainism and marked differences between Hinduism and aoism (Experiencing the World's Religions: radition, Challenge, & Change, 2002.)

o start with, Buddhism and Jainism both meet the definition of religion as a 'spiritual path' and Carl Jung's description of religion as meeting the need for personal fulfillment or "individuation." Buddhism and Jainism also share a common prophetic and mystical orientation: nontheistic in nature; believing in guidance from enlightened beings (the Buddhist 'bodhisattva' and the Jain 'tirthankara'). Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, was himself believed to be the twenty-fourth 'tirthankara' and according to Buddhist Cosmology, an enlightened being is born in each era (Gautama Buddha is regarded as the fourth Buddha). Both religions are similar in upholding the path of 'dharma' and 'ahimsa.' he two religions also share…...

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The first elemental difference between Hinduism and Taoism is the transcendental nature of the former and the immanent nature of the latter. This characteristic also leads to Hinduism's sacramental orientation and the importance lent to the use of sacred words and scriptures in areas such as music and art vs. The more mystical leanings of Taoism and the value it places on silence and wordless meditation. The second significantly different pattern of contrast is that while Hinduism advocates dualism or that nature is contaminating and exists as an opposing force to the non-material world of the spirit, Taoism believes that nature is sacred and needs no alteration (Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, & Change, 2002.) third aspect of contrast is that Hinduism preaches the doctrine of karma and cyclical time, and that the 'atman' or human soul will receive 'moksha' or liberation from personal limitation, egotism and rebirth only through following a path of 'Jnana Yoga,' 'Karma Yoga' and 'Bhakti Yoga,' whereas Taoism places far less emphasis on the individual. Taoism, instead, takes the view that actions are not guided by an internalized moral system but by society, tradition and a sense of mutual obligation (Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, & Change, 2002.)

The fourth point of marked difference is that while Hinduism practices 'exclusiveness,' Taoism is inclusive in nature accepting belief in many deities and regarding truth as relative in the interests of attaining social harmony.

In conclusion, though there are some similarities and some differences when comparing any two religions, Buddhism and Jainism do seem to have a very common basis in their overall orientation whereas there seems to be sharp differences between Hinduism and Taoism.

Hindus?
hat Am I? My Atman is so subtle that I am unable to perceive it. I know, therefore, that I am not in danger of experiencing the undifferentiated creative energy mentioned in verse 11 of the Katha Upanishad. That, however, does not answer the question posed. hat am I? A Hindu might see me as a seeker on one of many possible paths to salvation.

Believers in Hinduism are not condemned from birth with only one possible path to salvation. They do not have to feel guilt for their humanity, nor suffer admonishment for their shortcomings. Hindus seek truth. I am a student and therefore a seeker of knowledge. I am on a path. My life is full of riches. A Hindu would perceive that my former incarnation was, at least, reasonable. I did not come back as harijan. For this, I am grateful. Only grateful, of course, that a…...

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Works Cited

 

Maya
In the reading, Maya has been given different meanings by the Upanishads. From my understanding, the world contains both magic and matter. Therefore, the world is real because it takes many different forms and accommodates diversity. Therefore, God is our creator who directs us to the concept of Maya when dealing with nature. For the Shvetasvatara this implies that God is the one who rules over Maya and this includes human beings and all other things found on earth. The world can be looked at as something stable and permanent, but some disparity can be drawn from the aspect that makes movements. This move has enabled it to shift and change all the time and is similar to the world of one’s thoughts and dreams where changes also take place. Time is also seen by people to be something that is real and the distinct divisions in this element of…...

Dharma is related to "karma," another basic Buddhist principle that governs reincarnation and rebirth. Karma is the idea that a person must perform moral deeds throughout his life to attain a higher level of reincarnation and rebirth. Karma governs these moral deeds, and a person must "pay" in the next life if they do not act morally and spiritually in this life. Thus, karma governs more than one life, and is an important concept in the religion.
Buddhism differs from many of the world's major religions in many ways. For example, monks are the holy men of the religion, but they do not act as priests or officials of the church. In fact, many rituals, such as baptism and marriage, are considered family rituals and are not presided over by monks. They do attend funerals, because Buddhists believe death is simply the gateway to another life, and the beginning of…...

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References

Keown, Damien. Buddhism a Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.

Robinson, B.A. "Buddhism, Based on the Teachings of Siddhartha Gautama." ReligiousTolerance.org. 2007. 28 June. 2007.  http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism.htm 

Schmidt-Leukel, Perry. "Buddhism and the Idea of Human Rights: Resonances and Dissonances." Buddhist-Christian Studies (2006): 33+.

Seager, Richard Hughes. Buddhism in America. New York: Columbia University Press, 1999. Witham, Larry. "Buddhism Influences U.S. Thought." The Washington Times 11 Oct. 1997: 7.

The people of scheduled castes who are given very lowly status in Hindu society are considered untouchables. This is justified by the term Karma which says that these people must have done something bad in their past lives to have earned a lowly status in their current lives. The same kind of explanation can be presented to explain why Brahmins are considered special.
Karma is one concept that has become so closely aligned to reincarnation that it is impossible to separate the two. Wadia (1965) writes: "...the Law of Karma has become attached to the idea of reincarnation, the idea that what is called death relates only to the death of the physical body, while the soul remains unaffected by it and may be reborn in another body, human or animal." (p. 145) This happens because we see that not every good person always prospers and he too goes through…...

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References

David Pocock, Mind, Body and Wealth, Oxford, 1973

Wadia, a.R. Philosophical Implications of the Doctrine of Karma. Philosophy East and West V. 15, No. 2 (1965) University of Hawaii Press. Hawaii, USA

As one performs their dharma, they earn karma, which is the cause and effect aspect of Hinduism. Karma explains good actions bring good results, and by obeying this principle and dharma, one can experience rebirth into a "better" life that puts one in a stronger position to achieve moksha. The ultimate goal for any Hindu soul is to achieve moksha, which is the liberation from samsara, the cycle of life and death (Chidester: 85). The critical aspect of Hinduism is realizing when the body dies, the Self (Atman) does not die. The Self is carried from life to life, through reincarnation, and the secret to death is to realize the Supreme Self hidden in the heart through meditation and grace (Kramer: 30). Realizing Self in Hindu customs is required to achieve moksha, and be liberated from the endless round of birth, death, and rebirth of samsara. Only when the…...

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Works Cited

Chidester, D. Patterns of Transcendence: Religion, Death, and Dying. 2nd ed. Belmont, CA:

Wadsworth Publishing, 2001. 1-216. Print.

Kramer, K. The Sacred Art of Dying: How the world Religions Understand Death. Mahwah, NJL

Paulist Press, 1988. 27-166. Print.

I. Introduction
A. Definition of life after death
B. Brief overview of different beliefs and explanations
C. Thesis statement: Despite varying beliefs, there is no concrete evidence of life after death

II. Religious beliefs
A. Christianity
1. Belief in heaven and hell
2. Resurrection of the body
B. Islam
1. Belief in an afterlife
2. Reckoning of deeds on Judgement Day
C. Hinduism
1. Concept of reincarnation
2. Karma and rebirth

III. Scientific perspectives
A. Near-death experiences
1. Accounts of individuals who claim to have seen a glimpse of the afterlife
2. Criticism of NDEs as....

I. Introduction

Hook: Begin with an intriguing question, anecdote, or thought-provoking statement to capture the reader's attention.
Thesis Statement: Clearly state your stance on the existence of life after death, providing a brief overview of the arguments you will present.

II. Body Paragraph 1: Arguments Supporting Life After Death

Discuss cultural and religious beliefs that suggest the existence of an afterlife, highlighting common themes and variations.
Cite evidence from religious texts, rituals, and traditions that support the idea of life beyond the physical realm.
Provide examples of near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and reincarnation cases that are often interpreted as evidence of....

1. The concept of an afterlife in different religions and belief systems
2. Near-death experiences: are they evidence of life after death?
3. The impact of belief in an afterlife on how people live their lives
4. Scientific perspectives on the possibility of life after death
5. The role of reincarnation in various cultures and religions
6. The idea of heaven and hell in different religious traditions
7. How different cultures view death and the afterlife
8. The ethics of euthanasia and how it relates to beliefs about life after death
9. Personal experiences of individuals who claim to have communicated with the dead
10. The relationship between beliefs....

Afterlife Concepts and Beliefs: An Exploration of Diverse Perspectives

1. Theological Perspectives on the Afterlife: A Comparative Analysis of Major World Religions

Examine the beliefs about the afterlife held by Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other major religions.
Analyze the similarities and differences in concepts such as heaven, hell, reincarnation, and karma.

2. The Role of Near-Death Experiences in Shaping Beliefs about the Afterlife

Explore the phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs) and their impact on individuals' beliefs about what happens after death.
Discuss the common themes and variations reported in NDEs, such as tunnel visions, encounters with deceased loved ones, and feelings....