After-life

One of my British colleagues inquired, ‘do you believe in after-life’? Being a practising Hindu I had to be careful with my reply. For I knew his next question would be ‘why’?

Hinduism preaches the concept of after-life. But then the Hinduism I have been bought up with lets me ask questions and seek answers. It is not bonded in dogmas. It shows me a path to inner peace and growth. There is enough flexibility in Hinduism to pick and choose my own set of beliefs until the broader framework of love, respect and oneness to God is not broken.

I have questioned many beliefs of Hinduism and it has been an interesting phase of learning, un-learning and re-learning so far. In the quest of knowing myself and my surrounding I have evolved my religion. Thanks to some good books and enlightening discussions I have an enriched religion. I don’t force my religion on to others nor do I easily accept anything that’s said or written about it. They say, ‘journey for knowing oneself is never ending’, and so shall it be.

Believing in after-life gives us an excuse not to live the present life to the fullest. It works as a perfect alibi for every misery we face in this life. I know many who accept whatever is thrown at them as a consequence of actions from previous life. It’s an easy way out. For challenging the status quo and swimming against the tide needs more then strong believe system.

I don’t know if there is after-life or not. Like nobody knew if gravitation existed before Newton proved it. I don’t know if the new Newton would come in this life time to tell us how and why after-life exists. But I am comfortable in not believing in after-life. It gives me the strength to challenge the situation I am in. I don’t take anything for granted or as given.

Everything starts and ends with myself. My god resides in myself. And so does everybody else’s. As the corollary to this believe: 

Ø       I take each day as it comes. For I don’t know how many more days are to come.

Ø       I never take things for granted or given. For I don’t know how long it will last.

Ø       I don’t believe in impossibility. For I don’t know who dictates what is possible and not.

I will be honest in saying that not always does this work. Sometimes I feel like giving up all to destiny / unknown / consequence of after-life. But then that’s how it is suppose to be. Some days are rainy and some are not. Sun may be hidden but is never lost even in the sky with the darkest clouds.       

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