Comparing Hinduism Views On Life And Death

Hinduism sacred scriptures state “death is certain for the one who is born, and birth is certain for the one who dies (Bhagavad-Gita 2:27). The Hindus call life and death Maya, a grand illusion. They believe that death is both an end as well as a beginning. After death your atman moves on to merge with the divine it belongs in depending on the karma or state of mind of the individual. Instead of a heaven or hell they believe that there are 14 realms of existence, seven are lower than the human realm and six are higher. Many Hindus strive to think of God at time of death because they say that your last thought before death reflects your inner most desires and it will take you straight to God. The ones whose thoughts go astray will have to go through the realms of Yama (lord of death) to purify themselves. The realms that you go into are temporary just like you time on earth, they are there for you to learn so that you can move on to the higher realms. After your soul has completed its time in the realms it is sent back to earth to continue its journey. According to Hinduism your body is made up of five elements fire, earth, water, air, and ether. Your body must be cremated in order for the elements to be returned to their respective spheres and for your body and soul returns to the world for its afterlife.

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