If there is a central theme to the first part of Chopra’s LIFE AFTER DEATH, it might be summarized as follows: “Everyone’s basic choices . . . begin at the level of consciousness . . . They depend on memory and conditioning, on culture and expectation. All these ingredients factor into what happens in the afterlife (p. 54). In a nutshell, one constructs one’s own world in the afterlife, made up of karmic experiences that also reflect one’s spiritual and religious expectations of what is to come. Chopra’s conclusion is based on the fact that around the world, people who experience NDE’s (Near Death Experiences) have visions and experiences that reflect the details of their own religious persuasions. However, there is a common core of seven steps that all seem to have (p 40). Therefore, “If different cultures see different things after death, we must face the possibility that we create our own afterlife.” (p. 52) Pages 1 – 17, however, generated the most discussion. In these pages, Chopra presents a linear picture of what happens to the individual after death. Many questions were generated about karma, what it is, how does it work in this life and the next, how can one divest oneself of karma, and many more. Dr. Kajuth spent some time explaining the three types of karma (sanchita, prarabdha, and kriyamana) and how they work together to collect and distribute its effects. In addition, he shared the theory of 3 bodies (Physical / Astral / and Causal) and 5 sheaths (koshas) that also help to explain the location of the soul and where karma resides in the subtle body. (See the attached chart for a review.) Some confusion seemed to remain about the ways to reduce and eventually eliminate karma so that one could attain the most complete blissful experience of divinity and not have to reincarnate again. Chopra’s answers are on pages 14 and 15, but may themselves be the cause of confusion. Please reread them and we will discuss them again. You may also post your questions here on this page if you choose. Some uncertainty was also expressed by a few about why animals (and also babies to a certain point in time) do not make karma like totally free-willed human beings. Please bring any other unanswered queries from our first reading with you to the next session. Richard will attempt to answer your questions and clarify these concepts in a much clearer light at our next meeting, Tuesday, December 9th, at 7 PM in room 148-1. Please read pages 93 – 189. We’ll see you again soon . . . Best wishes and blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday to all!
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 22:09:12 +0000
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