Sometimes, I contemplate hopeful thoughts on what occurs after we die. Nobody really knows what
happens or if anything happens to our spirits or souls. Actually, there is no clear proof we have souls or spirits which survive after our bodies quit. Faith and hope are crutches holding up this and other theories not provable by scientific means. While faith and hope are nice feelings, they are concepts likely invented and promoted by religious leaders to justify their specific religions.
My Catholic education and traditional western religious beliefs teach our souls or spirits ascending or descending to another place. In this afterlife scenario our eternal destination is determined by our beliefs, good works or something called pre destination. This may all be valid, but I enjoy thinking about the eastern Hindu idea of reincarnation. In this belief the human spirit returns to earth as a different life form and the process repeats itself as the spirit strives for perfection. While inexpert on all the specifics of this reincarnation business, I find the possibilities curious and appealing.
I'm not sure what form of life one gets each time they are reincarnated since a soul or spirit may get no choice in the matter. One could come back as a slug, bug, tree, rabbit or any of countless other life forms. The possibilities are incredible and how one would strive for perfection from being an insect or plant is a mystery.
If reincarnation was an afterlife reality and I got a choice, I'd choose to return as one of natures glorious winged creatures. For years many have sworn I was a "bird brain" and I would revel at the thought of having a matching avian body. Forever, I have admired the great animals that can fly.
From backyard birds fluttering tree to tree while chirping to mighty raptors soaring on high while eyeing prey, the variety is remarkable. To live and learn the mysteries of flight, migration, and the secrets behind the songs and calls could easily consume several lifetimes.
My Catholic education and traditional western religious beliefs teach our souls or spirits ascending or descending to another place. In this afterlife scenario our eternal destination is determined by our beliefs, good works or something called pre destination. This may all be valid, but I enjoy thinking about the eastern Hindu idea of reincarnation. In this belief the human spirit returns to earth as a different life form and the process repeats itself as the spirit strives for perfection. While inexpert on all the specifics of this reincarnation business, I find the possibilities curious and appealing.
I'm not sure what form of life one gets each time they are reincarnated since a soul or spirit may get no choice in the matter. One could come back as a slug, bug, tree, rabbit or any of countless other life forms. The possibilities are incredible and how one would strive for perfection from being an insect or plant is a mystery.
If reincarnation was an afterlife reality and I got a choice, I'd choose to return as one of natures glorious winged creatures. For years many have sworn I was a "bird brain" and I would revel at the thought of having a matching avian body. Forever, I have admired the great animals that can fly.
From backyard birds fluttering tree to tree while chirping to mighty raptors soaring on high while eyeing prey, the variety is remarkable. To live and learn the mysteries of flight, migration, and the secrets behind the songs and calls could easily consume several lifetimes.
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