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Re: A few questions
In article <3ti2qk$43c@babbage.ece.uc.edu>, adep@netcom.com (akilesh deperalta) writes...
>However, in the very FIRST cycle of rebirths, when we were first put on
>here, did we not start out with a clean slate?
According to Hinduism there is no absolute FIRST cycle. The existence is
without the beginning or any ending atleast within the limits of our
mental capacity. There might be an absolute FIRST cycle, but, it is
incomprehensible by the rationalistic mind.
However, the existence goes through cycles and there is indeed a state of
inactivity where soul and its associated karmas (jiva) lie in dormant
state. It doesn't mean that jivas don't exist in that state. The karmas
are still there and will be used to determine the next course.
Moksha is simply a union of soul with Brahma. Such a soul is not bound to take
any re-births. (My preferred logic is that such a jiva has satwic
preponderance in its subtle body.) However, it can take re-births when there
is a cosmic crisis. The God re-incarnations are a good example. Moksha simply
means that there is nothing to be achieved. (I don't think taking birth is
a curse according to Hinduism. It is like an adventure for the soul to
experience diverse life planes or the manifestation might very well be a
puzzle which soul is trying to solve. Moksha is a goal but is not the end.)
A released soul knows the secrets of the existence. Such a soul in re-birth
behaves responsibly to maintain cosmic order.
Once a soul (released or traped) takes re-births, it is subjected to the
influence of the gunas of nature. There comes the fight between the right
and the wrong. Gunas create delusion. They are like a honey which influences
the 'physical' instruments of perception. That's where all desires are
created. A released soul may indeed can get corrupted by the influence
of the gunas. The degree of cleanliness of soul (moksha) is an important
aspect to determine the 'right' course under the influence of gunas.
Hope that helps.
regards,
-- Virendra Verma
