By Dr Zakir Naik
First: The Concept of Rebirth in Hinduism
Most of the Hindus believe in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, which is called ‘Samsara’. ‘Samsara’ or the doctrine of rebirth is also known as the theory of reincarnation or of transmigration of the soul. This doctrine is considered to be a basic tenet of Hinduism. According to doctrine of rebirth, differences between individuals, even at the time of their birth, are due to their past karma i.e. actions done in the past birth. For example, if one child is born healthy while another is handicapped or blind, the differences are attributed to their deeds in their previous lives. Those who believe in this theory understand that since all actions may not bear fruit in this life, but there has to be another life for facing or reaping the consequences of one’s actions.
It was mentioned in the Bhagvad Gita: “As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless.” (Bhagvad Gita 2:22)
The Doctrine of Re-birth is also described in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:
“As a Caterpillar which has wriggled to the top of a blade of grass draws itself over to a new blade, so does the soul, after it has put aside its body draws itself over to a new existence.” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4:4:3)
Second: Karma – The law of Cause and Effect
Karma means act, deed, action or activity and refers not only to action undertaken by the body but also to those undertaken by the mind. Karma is actually action and reaction or the law of cause and effect. It is explained by the saying: “As we sow, so shall we reap”. A farmer cannot sow wheat and expect rice to grow. Similarly, every good thought, word or deed begets a similar reaction which affects our next life, and every unkind thought, harsh word and evil deed comes back to harm us in this life or in the next life.
Third: Dharma – Righteous Duties
Dharma refers to what are the rights or righteous duties. This includes what is right for the individual, family, the class or caste and also for the universe itself. In order to achieve good karma, life should be led according to Dharma; otherwise it will result in bad karma. Dharma affects both, the present life and the future as well.
Fourth: Moksha – Liberation from the Cycle of Rebirth
Moksha means liberation from the cycle of rebirth or of ‘Samsara’. The ultimate aim of every Hindu is that one day the cycle of rebirth will be over and he will not have to be reborn again. This can only happen if there is no karma to cause an individual to be reborn i.e. it looses its good and bad karma.
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The original concept of Hereafter is a
significant part of Hinduism that was misunderstood, misinterpreted and
distorted during the later periods.
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