Reincarnation is a commonly known belief regardless of its acceptance as one’s personal dogma. Due to the new age movement in the mid to late twentieth century, as well as the blossoming of many Eastern religions in the West, this ancient Eastern doctrine has truly gained strong recognition and popularity in the contemporary world.

Even though as strongly as many fundamental Christians might argue against reincarnation otherwise, one might be surprised to find that the similar teaching of personal responsibility and its effects such as “reap what you sow” in Christianity. From the Bible, Galatians VI (King James Version), it states “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” After all, perhaps the core teaching of reincarnation is not just a belief system of the East, it is embedded in the center of human civilization and the longing for an eternal life.

Unfortunately, reincarnation is widely misunderstood as only a belief system of the afterlife. Yes, a “component” of the teaching on reincarnation speaks of the return of another lifetime. However, its core focuses on our personal choices of the life “right now”.

What happens after death has been a long debated subject and will continue to be so for as long as the human existence. This great unknown brings many fears as well as enormous hopes. The question is: Why are we so eager to know about the afterlife? Some of us pray that we go to Heaven after we die, while many others believe that if life is lived well this time, one might be allowed to return to the physical world and learn many more spiritual lessons under much better circumstances in future lifetimes. However, if we take a critical look at both belief systems, there is an unspoken acceptance of that “one’s choices and actions have immense effects on his or her future, this life, the afterlife, or for some, another lifetime.”

Regardless of the acceptance of reincarnation as a personal doctrine, one cannot take on the responsibilities of our lives lightly. All of us have choices in life. However, choice brings responsibilities and consequences. It is the beauty of free will.

In hope, in the vast opportunities of life, we aspire to choose well, live well, and leave all those around us a better place. When we depart, will we come back for another round called “life”? We will only one day realize…