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On Hinduism
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13. Heaven and Hell
There is no eternal heaven or hell in Hinduism. Hell (naraka) and heaven (swarga) are a state of mind, brought about by our thoughts, and deeds. These states of mind result in a temporary astral orientation of the atman – naraka or swarga, wherefrom the next birth is determined.
The destiny of Hell or Heaven is NOT a permanent one in Hinduism. The soul or jeeva moves through even these worlds, based on the past karmas. When the results are exhausted, it moves on. Sometimes coming back to a human form.
Thus, in Hinduism, if we do good deeds (punya), we are rewarded with a bout in swarga. When the Credit Card balance runs out, we are kicked out. When too many sins (paapa) accumulated, we end up in naraka, where we are roasted like mirchi bajji (tempura). But that is also temporary.
The keeper of naraka is Yama Dharma Raaja, Lord of Justice, not a Satan of temptation or damnation.
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Other reading material: Do Hindus believe in heaven or hell?
Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand: Heaven in Hinduism, is it the same as in Christianity?, Hell in Hinduism, is it the same as in Christianity?, What is Sin,
Contributor: Madhu Kopalle
Location of this post (13b): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/do-hindus-believe-in-heaven-or-hell/
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13. Heaven and Hell
15. Reincarnation
Do you remember what you had for breakfast a week ago? We don’t carry all memories even to the next day, so how will we carry all memories from this lifetime to the next, or from the past to this life? However, there are some examples of a few people who remembered something from their past life.
Actually, not remembering your past life is a blessing, is it not? Won’t we be totally miserable if we remembered all of our past 1000 lives?
We do carry some subtle memories even after we leave our physical body. For example, we have inherent liking and disliking for certain things. One might inherently like mountains and another person might find more solace at a beach. We also have inherent personalities. One sibling is an extrovert and the other an introvert–how do you explain that?
Other reading material:
Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand Hinduism Q&A: Why Don’t We Remember Our Past Lives? , HG Chanchalapathi Dasa, Iskon
Contributor: Swati Sudandhi
Location of this post (15e): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/why-dont-we-remember-our-past-life/
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15. Reincarnation