I am grateful to Asian Voice readers Ramesh Jhalla, Upendra Kapadia and others for their enlightening views on reincarnation, a subject we discussed here many months earlier but now taking the topic further by wondering how one can attain moksha (freedom from reincarnation’s ever-revolving cycle of life after life). Jhalla says one must pursue a “virtuous life” and be “absolutely selfless” – no show of pride or desire for reward. However moksha is not the end, says Jhalla. Such a soul would stay in “heavenly environs” until its good karma is exhausted, then it would surface again in a new human body, subjected to more advanced spiritual processes.
Hinduism, according to reader Kapadia, is based on “renunciation and simple living” – not on “unbridled worldly desires and lavish lifestyles”. One can expect to be fast-tracked to higher levels and attain freedom from the “vicious circle” of reincarnation, Kapadia says, if you renounced society and led a “lonely, pious life” existing on any scraps to keep you going.
These thoughts spark other questions. It would seem that Hinduism has no time for people who are ambitious, who wish to accumulate wealth by using any talents they may possess, who strive to lead fuller and more comfortable lives. Materialism and Hinduism don’t mix and come under Kapadia’s heading of “unbridled worldly desires”. Or is materialism only acceptable if you are willing share the wealth and possessions you have worked hard to achieve with less fortunate people? Yes, I think the latter course would find favour with Hinduism – and other religions too.
Asian Voice carried just such a story a couple of years ago where an Indian multi-millionaire businessman got rid of all his wealth and chose to become a sadhu.
Rudy Otter
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