“The soul is neither born, nor does it die. It is eternal and everlasting.” — Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2:20

We often identify ourselves with our body and mind, navigating life through this limited awareness. Yet, despite achieving worldly success, a sense of incompleteness lingers, urging us to seek lasting happiness. This pursuit often leads us to spiritual teachings, which emphasize that true fulfillment comes only from realizing the soul's eternal nature. Let’s explore the concept of the soul, or Atman, as described in spiritual traditions.

The Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara)

Across various religions, the belief in the law of karma—actions and their consequences—is a common thread. This principle explains why good people sometimes face hardships, as karma encompasses not just actions from this life but from previous lives as well.

The idea of rebirth sheds light on this continuity. For instance, how does a baby instinctively learn to walk in just a few years, while early humans took millennia to master upright walking? Religion suggests that it is the soul that carries forward experiences from past lives. The body perishes, and even the mind changes, but the soul remains constant—unchanging and eternal. It transitions from one form to another, much like changing clothes, as described in the Bhagavad Gita.

Liberation (Moksha or Nirvana)

How can one break free from this cycle of birth and death? The answer lies in Moksha or Nirvana, the ultimate goal of spiritual life. Moksha is the realization that we are not the body or mind but the soul itself. This awakening liberates us from the fruits of actions (karma), eliminating the need for further rebirth.

Different spiritual paths offer varied practices for achieving liberation, but they converge on a common aim: purifying the mind. When the mind is sufficiently refined, divine grace leads to the ultimate realization of the soul’s true nature.

Practical Implications for Everyday Life

So, how should we live in this world while striving for liberation? Great spiritual masters teach us to:

• Perform duties with detachment: Engage in your responsibilities but remain unattached to the outcomes.
• Seek guidance from a realized teacher: A guru’s wisdom can illuminate the path to self-realization.
• Dedicate time to spiritual practice: Even a small daily commitment to spirituality contributes to inner growth.

Remember, spiritual progress spans lifetimes. Each of us carries the imprint of countless past births, and purifying the mind is a gradual process. Patience and perseverance are essential virtues as we journey toward the ultimate goal: the realization of our true self, the eternal soul.

Quote of the week

Spiritual Wisdom

At some point in life, it becomes essential to reflect deeply and decide what truly matters to us. This clarity helps to curb the endless cycle of desires that drain our energy and offer only fleeting satisfaction. By focusing on a few meaningful goals, we can channel our efforts more effectively and achieve deeper fulfillment. Yet, the greater part of our energy should be directed toward discovering the ultimate truth and attaining lasting happiness, which transcends temporary pleasures.

​

Let's connect or share your feedback.

​​