Afterlife?

   Thoughts on the after life varies so much from person to person. Some believe in ghosts, some in a spiritual realm, some in reincarnation, (As I've previously posted about in this blog, in case you missed it!) and some not at all. We know the human spirit exists, but is it the same as a ghost? I will attempt to bring this topic into the light. Stay with me, as these are just some rough ideas and thoughts as I, as much as anyone, do not have all the answers you may seek.

   Life is a journey, and it's foolish to think it ever ends. Countless ghostly encounters are reported each day and several of those are not from an accountable source. Now here's a deep question: would spirits really wish to be seen? Why would mortals be allowed to see glimpses of a person who has departed from this life? Perhaps there is a unsee force showing us these spirits so we know there is both an after life and a higher power. Some se e their passed loved ones. What are we to make out of all this? Are the dead really still here, around us in some other dimension? Of course I believe in all things, so my answer is yes but I don't know how or why. Are they sending messages from beyond?

  If ghosts exist, which I'm sure they do, why do only a few people see them? The answer is simple. Some people are like couriers to the next life and only they can see or hear them. They receive the message from the spirits, deliver them to people and then the spirits finally can rest. It's a tried and true method and theory of the after life and why ghosts might exist. Be wary though, as evil spirits also exist.

  Do ghosts fit into the concept of reincarnation? Yes, in a way. This entire blog is about Tibetan principle, which ironically I was never taught. It all comes to me. Ghosts serve a purpose in Tibetan culture, and are called hungry ghosts, showing even suffering after death by chasing after earthly desires. Earthly desires are the worst things. Festivals are held to aid in direction of spirits and to help ease their suffering. So in theory, a small form of reincarnation is to go from living to the dead. That seems like a small concept, but in reality its very deep. So a person can go from a human body and spirit, to a hungry ghost, to a type of animal creature or spirit or perhaps even something else.

  You ask how this applies to karma? Why so ever would a spirit play into the grand scheme of the three fold law? Honor your ancestors and show some compassion (As we covered before in this blog.) for the suffering of the dead. You'll be glad you did. May you be in tune with their suffering and you may know their suffering fully. Be it a western or eastern belief that is right about life after death, there is one thing they agree on: a man's or woman's soul is immortal, and goes through much pain in each life. Don't forget that the answer to our own questions often lies in the mirror where vanity degrades and our own reflection exists. Will you see your spirit, or someone who still is chasing after worldly desire? Rid your own spirit of desires, honor the dead and show sympathy and compassion. Karma will then come to you.