Instant Reincarnation

[ More about Step 1: Recognize our Suffering ]

Most theologies on Earth speak of at least 3 realms: Heaven, Earth and Hell. The idea is that when we die, we leave Earth and enter one of these realms depending on if we have been a good or bad person. Buddhism expands on this idea further with the Hindu concept of cyclical reincarnation, positing that all sentient beings cycle endlessly into 6 realms through the Wheel of Rebirth.

In my view, we are actually being reincarnated right now, in these very realms.

  1. We live in the world of Devas when we are joyful and happy.
  2. We live in the world of Asuras when we seek to manipulate and control.
  3. We live in the world of Humans when we exercise our self-awareness and powers of reflection.
  4. We live in the world of Animals when we cede control to our emotions.
  5. We live in the world of Pretas (hungry ghosts) when we hunger for something we cannot get.
  6. We live in the world of Hell when we punish ourselves for what we believe are our wrongs and mistakes.

To me, much of what our religions tell us of life after death are actually parables for life on Earth. By rejecting the reality of a physical, literal hell as a place of eternal fire and torment, the Pope will probably agree too.

I feel that way, because I find the world around me changing when I started to heal myself. Life became joyful and carefree. Everything became more beautiful - even the dirt and garbage. Interestingly, the ladies around me have became particularly attractive. Maybe I am already living in the world of the devas.

[ More about Step 1: Recognize our Suffering ]