Karma and Reincarnation

The atman (soul), in the Eastern belief system, is eternal, immortal. The phenomenon of (physical) death is, thus, nothing but its disembodiment and its 'reincarnation' in a new body. And what determine as atman's choice of a new body is the law of karma - the merits and demerits of one's actions in the present life.

The notions of karma and reincarnation constitute the fundamental tenets of Indian thinking; though these, like many other doctrinal beliefs, are hard to prove/disprove in purely rationalistic or even empirical terms. Swami Muni Narayana Prasad looks afresh at these-age-old doctrinal beliefs - from the view point of an Advaitin (non-dualist), developing stimulating insights from his studeies of the Upanisads, the Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutras and, these besides, the works of his mentor: Narana Guru. Contextually, among other questions, his book also dwells on Ultimate Reality, Birth and Death, and the Two Paths: Devayana (the path of gods) and Pitryana (the path of manes), which either the souls take to after death.

About the Author

Swami Muni Narayana Prasad is presently the Regulating Secretary of the Narayana Gurukula, a Guru-Disciple foundation founded by Nataraja Guru, the disciple-successor of Narayana Guru. He has spent three years in Fiji teaching Indian philosophy and has traveled round the world giving classes. Became a disciple of Nataraja Guru in 1960 and was initiated as a reunciate in 1984. Has been editor of the philosophical magazine 'The Gurukulam' for twelve years and still continues to be one of its chief contributors. His published works in English include, Functional Democracy - A Failure in India; Basic Lessons on India's Wisdom; Commentaries on the Katha, Kena, Prasna, Mundaka, Taittiriya and Aitereya Upanisads. The book Vedanta Sutras of Narayana Guru is in the making.

Contents:

   Preface
   Prelude

1. Vedic References
2. Artabhaga's Doubt and the Mystery of Karma      
3. What is Karma and Who Does it?
4. What is Birth and Death?
5. The Two Paths
6. In the Katha Upanisad
7. In the Bhagavad Gita
8. In the Brahma Sutras
9. Conclusion

   Bibliography
   Glossary
   Index

Of Related Interest:

Exploring Karma - Tales of a Universal Principle

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