Hindus believe that only Brahman exists, and all else is illusion (maya), including all creation. According to Hinduism, there is no start or finish of creation, only continuing successions of life and death. The soul (atman) of man is a "spark" of Brahman trapped in the physical body. Repeated lives or reincarnations (samsara) are required before the soul can be liberated (moksha) from the body. An individual's present life is determined by his efforts in previous lives (the law of karma), and the physical body is ultimately an illusion (maya). Bodies are usually cremated, and the soul goes to an intermediate state of punishment or reward before rebirth into another body. Reincarnations are experienced until karma has been removed and the individual soul is reabsorbed into Brahman.
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The Waiting Room
Humanity’s main conceit is that
we have an egocentric view
of our world,
of the universe,
of eternity.
Both science and religion teach
that much is beyond
our feeble understanding.
Still, though, we continue
our frantic and self-centred race
through a life
concerned solely
with hedonism,
with possession,
with sensation,
with status.
.
We pay slight attention
to salvation,
to atonement,
to the divine retribution
required by vengeful gods.
We ignore scientific knowledge,
preferring instead
the joy of instant gratification.
We abjure prudence,
swearing fealty
to the golden calf
of indulgence.
What, then, if the Vedas are correct,
and we all return to Brahman
for our Karma to be weighed,
attaining moksha,
or reincarnation?
What, then, if the Bible is right,
and we can live forever
through sincere belief?
What, then, if quantum cosmology is correct,
and other universes exist
near enough to be touched?
Our senses tell us
that here is now,
that then is past,
that when is tomorrow.
Imagine our surprise
when we discover the profound Truth
that our lives
are merely tickets,
upon which we inscribe,
through our living,
the destination to which we depart
from this waiting room
of Now.
