The concept of reincarnation, central to many Eastern philosophies and religions, describes the journey of the soul as it evolves through numerous lifetimes in various forms. According to this ancient belief, one must endure countless existences before achieving liberation, known as moksha. The soul’s journey is both painful and transformative, moving from one form of life to another, slowly learning lessons of suffering, survival, and wisdom. The following exploration paints a vivid picture of what this journey might look like, tracing the path from the lowest forms of existence to the ultimate human experience.
The Tree: A soul’s first step in existence
One of the earliest and most painful stages in this journey is to be born as a tree—repeatedly, over 30 lakh (3 million) lifetimes. Trees are not just passive beings; they are living creatures that experience the ravages of nature in profound ways. They endure scorching heat, relentless storms, and the biting cold of winter. Their branches snap under the weight of heavy snow, and in the fall, their leaves wither and fall, leaving them vulnerable and exposed. Some are mercilessly felled by human hands, reduced to firewood or paper. This form is considered one of the most painful because trees are rooted, unable to escape from the harshness of their environment, yet they silently suffer and endure the forces of nature.
The Aquatic Creatures: A struggle for survival
After the soul’s long existence as a tree, it is reborn as an aquatic creature 900,000 times. In this state, the soul is devoid of limbs or hands, limited to the most primitive form of existence—a mere head in the vast, dark waters of the earth. Life as an aquatic being is one of constant struggle and survival. These creatures often feed on rotting flesh or may even consume each other to stay alive. The oceans, rivers, and lakes are no sanctuary; instead, they become places of continuous suffering and competition for sustenance. There is no peace in the waters—only a harsh, survival-driven existence that lacks any higher awareness or purpose.
The Worm: Life in the dark and hidden places
After passing through the aquatic stage, the soul is born as a worm; an existence repeated a million times. Worms live in the soil, often hidden from view, but their lives are filled with hardship and misery. They are often crushed underfoot, swallowed by larger creatures, or exposed to extreme conditions. They serve as a vital part of the ecosystem, breaking down organic matter, yet their own existence is a quiet, unseen suffering. The worm’s life is a reminder of the fragility and insignificance felt by many forms of life that remain unseen or underappreciated in the grand scheme of existence.
The Bird: Striving for freedom, yet still bound
Next, the soul is born as a bird in over 11 lakh lifetimes. Birds have the gift of flight, yet their existence is far from carefree. They often take refuge in trees, which they depend on for shelter and sustenance. The struggles of birds are many: they go hungry to feed their young, face dangers from predators, and must brave the elements. When their offspring grow up, they often fly away and never return. The experience of a bird teaches the soul the painful truth of loss and separation, as well as the yearning for freedom tempered by the harshness of nature. Among birds, certain species, like crows and Shakunis, are believed to possess longer lifespans. These birds witness the passage of seasons, experiencing a sense of continuity that comes with age. However, even they are not immune to the struggles of survival in an unforgiving world.
The Animal: A struggle for survival in the wild
As the soul evolves, it is reborn as an animal for a total of 20 lakh lifetimes. Animals experience a variety of existences, from the most docile to the most aggressive. Some live in packs, driven by instincts of hunting and gathering; others must constantly hide in caves or burrows to avoid predators. The cruelty of nature is ever-present, with stronger animals preying on the weaker ones. Among animals, the cow is often revered as the most evolved form. Cows are seen as gentle, nurturing creatures, providing sustenance in the form of milk, and playing an important role in human agriculture and culture. It is said that those born as cows have a greater sense of purpose and are closer to spiritual purity compared to other animals.
The Human: The pinnacle of evolution
Finally, after millions of lifetimes of struggle, the soul is born as a human being—though this, too, comes with its own hardships. Over 400,000 human lifetimes, the soul passes through many different forms, from the primitive and animalistic stages of early humanity to more evolved stages of civilisation. Early human beings, like those from tribal communities such as the Naga, Kuki, or Santhal, lived simple lives, close to nature, with little knowledge or technological advancement. They were often driven by the most basic needs of survival, struggling with the harsh realities of their environment and lacking the comforts and conveniences that modern society would later provide.
As humans evolve, they acquire knowledge, skills, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. They experience the full range of human emotions—joy, sorrow, love, and suffering—and the soul begins to develop an awareness of its own impermanence. The human form is seen as the final step in this long evolutionary journey, where the soul is capable of self-reflection and spiritual growth, and the possibility of liberation, or moksha, becomes attainable.
This journey through various life forms is not merely about suffering; it is a process of growth, learning, and transformation. Each form—whether tree, fish, bird, or human—offers the soul lessons that shape its eventual quest for enlightenment. By experiencing the suffering of countless lives, the soul gradually becomes aware of its true nature and its connection to all living beings. The ultimate goal of this journey is to transcend the cycle of birth and death, to achieve liberation and unity with the divine. Thus, the soul’s journey through 30 million lifetimes serves as a profound reminder of the impermanence of life, the importance of compassion, and the potential for spiritual evolution. Through suffering and survival, the soul is slowly shaped into something greater, ultimately attaining the wisdom and awareness necessary to break free from the cycle of reincarnation and achieve spiritual liberation.
Comments