Sin death and beyond
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SIN, DEATH AND BEYOND: M.M.NINAN<br />
Hindus provide several reasons why the jiva takes on various physical bodies:<br />
(Vivekjiv<strong>and</strong>as, Sadhu. Hinduism: An Introduction – Part 1. (Swaminarayan Aksharpith:<br />
Ahmedabad, 2010) p. 46-47.)<br />
1. To experience the fruits of one's karmas: This is the main reason for . rebirth.<br />
Sattvika (good or righteous) karmas reward one with the pleasures of Svarga. Rajas<br />
(pleasure-seeking) karmas reward one with mrutyuloka (mortal realm or earth). And<br />
Tamas karmas (actions related to inertia, laziness <strong>and</strong> evil) condemn one to patalaloka.<br />
2. To satisfy one's desires: When a person indulges in material pleasures, he or she<br />
subsequently develops a stronger desire to enjoy more of it (Vāsanā). This unending<br />
craving to satisfy one's desires causes the (jiva) to assume new physical bodies.<br />
3. To complete one's unfinished sadhana: When an aspirant making spiritual efforts for<br />
liberation from maya dies without attaining his or her goal, the jiva gets as a natural<br />
cause-effect another human body to complete its sadhana.<br />
4. To fulfil a debt: When a jiva is indebted to another jiva, it gets a human birth to fulfil its<br />
debt <strong>and</strong> receive what is owed to it. The jiva comes in the form of a relative, friend or an<br />
enemy.<br />
5. To undergo sufferings because of a great soul's curse: A person's grave error or sin<br />
may incur the wrath or displeasure of God or a Rishi. This results in the jiva of that<br />
person getting another birth, not necessarily into a human body.<br />
6. To attain moksha: By the grace <strong>and</strong> compassion of God or a God-realized guru, a jiva<br />
gets a human body to purge itself of the layers of base instincts<br />
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