Atheism
Atheists do not believe in eternal life, leading them to
also not believe in an afterlife of any kind, whether of reward or punishment. Atheists
believe that the universe was created through natural causes in which people are
born and die, with no supernatural intervention. Therefore, Atheists don’t spend
their time attempting to earn an afterlife of reward by appeasing supernatural
deities. However, similar to other religions, Atheists seek to achieve their
full potential of utmost happiness, albeit in this life rather than the
afterlife.[1]
Hinduism
Hindus believe that people’s souls have existed and will
continue to exist for eternity. These souls continue to reincarnate in various
forms until they are set free from reincarnation. At this point, their souls
become one with the Hindu deity. Hindus do not believe in a specific place in
the afterlife such as heaven or hell, but rather, in this state of unity with
the Hindu deity. According to the Hindu scriptures, the best ways to attain
this freedom is through austerities, discipline, devotion, self-surrender, and
the grace of both a guru and deity.[2]
Buddhism
Buddhists believe that their “stream of mental energy” existed
before they were alive and continues to exist after they die. This stream of
mental energy continues its cycle of rebirth and death until “nirvana” is
attained.[3] Nirvana
is a state of ultimate happiness in which one is set free from whatever binds a
person such as desire, jealousy, and ignorance. The way to attain nirvana is
through wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. Although it sounds
simple, achieving nirvana requires determination and a lifetime of dedication,
specifically to the eightfold path of right understanding, right intent, right
speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and
right concentration.[4]
The concept of a “stream of mental energy” may sound similar
to the Hindu concept of a soul, but it’s actually not the same concept. In the
same way, the cycle of rebirth and death is not the same concept as the Hindu
concept of reincarnation.
–
This wraps up my three-part discussion on just a few of the many
beliefs which exist around the world for how one can achieve an afterlife of
reward.
What stood out to you from these different beliefs?
Is there another set of beliefs you’d like me to share in a future post?
[1]
David Nicholls, “Life After Death?”, Atheist Foundation of Australia, n.d.,
accessed March 6, 2017, http://atheistfoundation.org.au/article/life-after-death/.
[2]
Jayaram V, “Death and Afterlife in Hinduism,” n.d., accessed March 6, 2017, http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_death.asp.
[3] “Dharma
Data: Rebirth,” Buddha Dharma Education Association & BuddhaNet, n.d.,
accessed March 6, 2017, http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/dharmadata/fdd47.htm.
[4] “How
to Achieve Nirvana,” Scientific Psychic, n.d., accessed March 6, 2017, http://www.scientificpsychic.com/search/achieve-nirvana.html.
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