Again, a common question that comes up frequently is on Rebirth. What are the criteria for rebirth? Man faces different kinds of situations and meets various types of persons during his lifetime. There are several experiences that he goes through. His subconscious mind registers them as imprints – which he judges as good, bad, pleasant etc.
The theory of karma or cause and effect is the main criteria for man’s rebirth. There is accountability for all his behaviours, actions, and reactions. The rebirth of the soul is according to these accountability factors. The soul is a subtle body with a collection of all the sense perceptions, bodily functions, intellect, breath, consciousness and ego. The gross physical body is comprised of the five elements—Earth, water, fire, space, wind. When a man dies, the gross body decomposes, and the subtle body or linga sarira leaves the body.
The last thought-forms play a vital role in the soul’s migration. The nature of rebirth and body is based on the thought process of a dying person, and his evolution process is chalked out accordingly. Remembering or reciting the lord’s name at the time of death clears the way for the next birth.
The linga sarira or astral body carries the impressions of the past birth. It continues to exist till it achieves the realization of the self and attains liberation.
