What Happens to Our Soul When We Die?
When we are born
We are born on this earth with a body. This body in which we are born gets a name. A name identifies us. While we are alive, we take care of our bodies, but often neglect to nurture our imperishable souls. Just as we spend much money on our perishable bodies, grooming is essential. However, we should also dedicate time to our inner selves, which will leave a lasting impression, especially when our bodies are no longer on this earth. This 'grooming' of our souls refers to practices such as self-reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness that help us grow spiritually. We will be remembered for the deeds we did, the actions we performed, the words we spoke, and the achievements we achieved. The memory of our body will be lost in this race.
When we die
When we die, our body is left on the earth to be buried or cremated. What will remain of that person are his memories, deeds, actions, and achievements. The body is perishable, so it's gone. The soul is released from the body when the person dies and goes to heaven. The Almighty has a log book ready for us, and we have to report all the deeds we did and justify ourselves. Then, our soul is reborn into another body within minutes, which could be the body of an animal, bird, or human being. This depends on the deeds we did in our previous lifetime. If we have done good deeds, our souls could become immortal and unify with the soul of the Almighty, and we would not have to take birth in any form. (As understood by the Scriptures) This cycle of life and death, of growth and transformation, is a testament to the infinite potential of our souls.
What is the meaning of life?
Life is full of challenges. We all face hardships and often find ourselves at a crossroads, uncertain which path to take. It's common to question, 'Why me?' during these times, but everyone encounters such challenges in their lifetime. If our souls were immortal, we wouldn't ask this question. However, doing good deeds is not always possible, as this world favors the fittest regarding health and wealth, leaving others to struggle and suffer. It's a harsh reality. I wish there were a way to do good without being overshadowed by competition. Perhaps, in these moments, it's crucial to turn inward, to reflect on our actions and their impact on our souls.
When we hurt someone, we feel a pinch inside us - that's our soul. Feeling this pinch indicates that our soul is alive, and we should continue to do such deeds where the pinch is not felt but instead a gush of joy or contentment. We must find a way to navigate life while keeping our souls alive. This means being mindful of our actions and their impact on others, practicing empathy and compassion, and striving to live in alignment with our values and beliefs.
In addition to daily challenges, there's the ongoing challenge of keeping our souls alive. Who says that life is not an overrated word?
© 2009 Ruchira