7rcTIX1xP

Chapter XIX: Re-Birth2273
reveal an entirely different state of affairs. They are not, as a rule, really
tired of earth-life, but merely of the particular kind of earth life which
they have experienced during that incarnation. They have discovered the
illusory nature of a certain set of earthly experiences, and feel disgusted at
the same. But, they are still full of another set of desires, and of hunger for
another set of experiences on earth. They have failed to find happiness or
satisfaction in their own experience, but they will admit, if they are honest
with themselves, that if they could have had things “so and so,” instead of
“this and thus,” they would have found happiness and satisfaction. The “if”
may have been satisfied love, wealth, fame, gratified ambition, success of
various kinds, etc.—but, be it what it may, the “if” is nearly always there and
that “if” really is the seed of their remaining desires. And the longing for that
“if” is really the motive for the re-birth.
Very few persons would care to live over their earth life, according to their
own statements—and they are honest enough in the statement. But, like
old Omar they would be perfectly willing to remake the world according
to their heart’s desire—and then live the earth life. Do you see what we
mean? It is not earth life that is distasteful to them, but merely the particular
experiences of earth-life which are disdained. Give to the average man and
woman youth, health, wealth, talent, and love, and they will be very willing
to begin the round of earth life afresh. It is only the absence of, or failure in,
these or similar things, which causes them to feel that life is a failure—a thing
to be joyfully left behind.
The soul, in its sojourn on the Astral is rested, refreshed and reinvigorated.
It has forgotten the weariness of life which it had experienced during the
previous incarnation. It is again young, hopeful, vigorous, and ambitious.
It feels within itself the call to action—the urge of unfulfilled desires,
aspirations, and ambitions—and it readily falls into the currents which lead
it to the scene of action in which these desires may be manifested.
We have many instances of this change of feeling in earth-life. We feel
tired, discouraged, nay, even disgusted, with our earthly affairs, at the close