REBIRTHS
Yesterday, I visited my friend’s office, who happens to be a businessman, and our discussion unexpectedly shifted toward spiritual topics. Here are the key points from that conversation:
Friend: What is the difference between Catholics and protestants?
The difference between Catholics and Protestants lies in their theological beliefs and historical context. Protestants originated from the Reformation movement, which protested certain practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church. One significant difference revolves around salvation: Protestants emphasize faith in Christ for salvation, while Catholics incorporate good works as well.
Friend: I find it challenging to accept the concept of heaven or hell, as I believe judgment occurs either in our present lives or in the subsequent cycle of rebirth.
Do you subscribe to the concept of moksha, and if you do, could you elaborate on what moksha entails?
Friend: Certainly, I hold the belief in moksha, which is attained when one’s karmic balance is settled, leading to liberation from the continuous cycle of rebirths.
What transpires when an individual achieves moksha?
Friend: In such a scenario, the individual souls come to an end.
Do you hold the belief that a human can take birth in a species other than human?
Friend: No. I believe that other species lack the capacity to make moral judgments, unlike humans.
You mentioned that judgment occurs in this life or the next birth. Could you elaborate on how this process is carried out?
Friend: If someone carries karmic debts from a previous life, they are destined to undergo suffering in their current life. Alternatively, the karmic debts accumulated in this life may also lead to suffering in this life itself.
As I comprehend that the process of payment or punishment is automatic, it raises the question of why everyone wouldn’t attain moksha. If the cycle is automatic, what prompts another rebirth, and who determined the initial birth and its criteria?
Friend: I, too, am pondering the idea that there should be a fixed number of souls; however, the current global population is in the billions.
Two explanations are offered for this phenomenon: 1. Animals are accumulating positive karma. 2. Souls might be originating from other planets.
Friend: While I find both explanations difficult to believe, our conversation has been insightful. I look forward to discussing your interpretations of human suffering and the path to attaining moksha next time.
Sure