The Cycle of Life in Hinduism

Bill Sean

Professor Reimann-Gonzalez

August 9th 2016

Hindu Mythology 140

The Cycle of Life in Hinduism

Whether life ends the moment one’s heart ceases to beat or whether an individual’s journey continues the moment it is laid to rest is interpreted differently from religion to religion and ways of life. For instance, Judeo Christian religions believe in an individual's entrance into heaven or hell after death occurs. This signifies the end of a single life. On the other hand, this belief differs in the religion of Hinduism. In Hinduism afterlife is believed to be a series of reincarnation that the soul is reborn repeatedly on earth until it is purified. In this process, the soul is expressed in multiple forms and forgoes many experiences before it is perfected and becomes one with the divine (Jayaram V). In this paper we will explore the prevalence of reincarnation in afterlife in Hindu mythology and the role reincarnation plays in Hinduism. This will be done by analyzing the aspects and existence of reincarnation in Hindu mythology and discussing the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the myth of Pārvati (Sati, Uma) and several other reincarnation stories as seen in Hindu mythology.

In order to better grasp the concept of reincarnation, it is important to recognize the concepts of samsara, karma, dharma and the ultimate goal moksha.   Samsara is identified as, “a chain of births and deaths linked by reincarnation.”(Flood G) Samsara takes into account an individual's accumulation of karma.  Hindu’s believe that, “good actions create good karma and evil actions create negative karma.”(Flood G) Having a greater amount of good karma can serve as a catalyst into achieving higher status during reincarnation.  Dharma on the other hand is the virtue of happiness from within ourselves and leading a righteous life. Lastly, moksha is the last of the four primary goals within Hinduism. It consists of the idea of “liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth (samsara) is the supreme goal of human existence” (Andrew O. Fort). It is the state of a higher conscious that is achieved through experiences of life in the physical world. It is after a vast amount of experience and ultimate spiritual understanding that one reaches this goal.  With these goals in mind, reincarnation stems from these ideas and this recurring process ceases once one has reached moksha.  

Reincarnation is extensively referred to in Hindu mythology. Depending on the narrative, each instance of reincarnation has a specific significance. Prominent sets of incarnations in Hinduism are the ten incarnations of Vishnu. Commonly referred to as the preserver or protector of the universe, Vishnu fulfills his duty through, “returning to earth in troubled times, restoring the balance of good and evil”(Vishnu). To sustain and serve his function, Vishnu is incarnated in various forms a total of nine times, and a tenth time being when the word is coming to an end.