Introduction
Reincarnation is a fascinating concept due to its widespread nature and impact on multiple religions. Chandel (2015) defines reincarnation as the belief that souls continuously get reborn in different bodies, times, and places. The concept of reincarnation primarily argues that an individual’s soul is continuously reborn into a different body and time. However, various religions hold differing beliefs on aspects of reincarnation, such as its purpose and cause.
Similar Aspects of Reincarnation
The three main religions well-known for their belief in reincarnation are Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. One of the key similarities between the three religions is their belief in the soul’s immortal nature. Similarly, all religions believe karma, which is the accumulation of actions of a soul in a lifetime, plays a role in how the soul gets reincarnated. Although the religions believe in reincarnation, they differ in various aspects, such as how the process occurs.
Differences in Perception of Reincarnation
There are several differences in the understanding of reincarnation amongst Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. While Hindus believe that reincarnation comes to an end when a soul attains moksha, which is the final release, Jainism does not offer an endpoint, instead urging souls to strive to attain the highest level of rebirth as Deva Gati, demi-god (Chandel, 2015). In contrast, Sikhism argues that souls get liberated from reincarnation when they finally form a union with God in their perfect state.
Thus, the religions differ in their understanding of the endpoint of reincarnation and what the soul achieves upon attainment. Similarly, the religions have a contrasting feature in their concept of heaven and hell. While Sikhism and Hinduism offer no concept of heaven and hell, Jainism presents varying states of rebirth comparable to heaven and hell with lower levels of rebirth, such as Naraki Gati, hell-beings existing in hell (Chandel, 2015). The differences in the religion’s descriptions of reincarnation highlight the differences in their understanding of the concept despite various similarities.
Furthermore, all three religions offer ways through which a soul can avoid being reincarnated and attain liberation from its cyclic nature. In Hinduism, a soul can attain liberation by performing good deeds and accumulating karma, eventually attaining moksha. Jainism argues that by following the path of ahimsa, nonviolence, a soul eventually rids itself of karma and achieves liberation from the cycle, settling in heaven as Deva Gati (Chandel, 2015). The Sikhs believe that souls undergoing reincarnation are separated from God.
Therefore, by following the teachings of Gurus and contemplating the Shabad, the word of God, a soul can attain its dignity by merging with God. However, after undergoing the 8.4 million cycles of reincarnation without gaining union with God, the souls face ruin (Chandel, 2015). While these three religions assert the goal of reincarnation as attaining a perfect state, religions such as Christianity and Islam reject this concept, with minor sects within them holding onto its belief.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the understanding of reincarnation varies widely depending on religious beliefs, with each religion presenting its understanding. The concept of reincarnation significantly impacts the cultures of its believers as it encourages individuals to do good deeds, hence gaining karma. By holding beliefs in reincarnation, individuals are encouraged to shun evil and heinous acts as they will have consequences on their future lives and may prevent their souls from attaining a perfect state. Therefore, people holding beliefs in reincarnation are inclined to deal with others relatively in politics, business, and familial interactions. The beliefs encourage individuals to relate better with their environment as their good deeds get rewarded in the future and serve to help their souls break the cycle of reincarnation.
Reference
Chandel, P. K. (2015). Religious Interpretations of Reincarnation. Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing, 6(7), 737-740.