LIFE AFTER LIFE

Some belittle reincarnation as a superstitious concept, and yet as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wisely observed, the concept of having lived previously is no more remarkable than the fact that we are alive right now. The truth is that no one completely comprehends the mystery of life and the nature of consciousness. If we were to pass judgement on something we understand so poorly, would that not be the height of folly and arrogance?

One argument against reincarnation is that it seems like a wish-fulfillment fantasy. Perhaps so, but the idea that one can make meaningful changes in life also seems like a wish-fulfillment fantasy. Does that necessarily make it untrue? Tao sages have taught that we can transform ourselves from the inside out, and countless people have proven this to be true for themselves.

Evidently, wish fulfillment need not always be a fantasy. It can be quite real. We may not know enough about reincarnation at this point, but let us not be too hasty in ruling it out as a possibility.

The Tao Today

Spend some time contemplating how your thinking may change if you know beyond doubt that death is not the end. Would it change the way you conduct yourself? Would you be kinder to other people, knowing that you are likely to cross paths with them again lifetime after lifetime? Would you be more careful in words and actions, knowing that a misstep will have consequences reverberating throughout eternity?

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin