Karma's Belief In The Wheel Of Birth And Death

Death is a frightening thought for many people. No one can be sure what happens after death and this uncertainty can cause people to look to religion for hope. Many religions have some sort of afterlife or, like Buddhism, they can have a cycle of rebirth. Buddhism’s main teaching about death is that it is promised. To live is to die, and there is no out running death. However, in Buddhism, life does not necessary begin at birth or end with death. Buddhism believes in the wheel of birth and death. One can be reborn into many things such as hell beings, animals, humans, and gods. Therefore, not only can one be born countless times, but they can take the form of many different beings(p. 87). The deciding factor in what one will be reborn into is called karma. Karma in hinduism is defined as actions and their effects on this life and lives to come. Consequently, there are two types of karma: good karma and evil karma(Tang). …show more content…
87). Someone with good karma would show signs of generosity, kindness, and a clear state of mind. While oppositely someone with evil karma would by greedy, hateful, and have a clouded mind. How one treats others on a day to day basis determines their karma as well. In cases where one does not have significantly good or evil karma, their fate is decided on their last thought. A last thought is what one thinks of just moments before their death. Whether the thought be good or evil, it will have an effect on their next life. Buddha’s teachings encourage people to think of the Triple Gem, or Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, during their last moments to calm them. Another thing that Buddha teaches is that crying at death should be avoided. Crying at the time of death can cause suffering in one’s next