Twinn Swan

Hinduism, with Shaivism as a prominent branch, embraces the concept of samsara, the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. This cycle is driven by karma. Karma, meaning “action,” isn’t just about personal consequences; it’s the cosmic law of cause and effect woven into the divine tapestry of the Universal Consciousness. Our desires and actions leave indelible imprints on our subtle body sukshma sharira. The subtle body carries the essence of past lives and shapes our current desires and predispositions.

Imagine this subtle body as a karmic memory card, holding the accumulated data of past experiences. This data influences our current reality, shaping our tendencies and propelling us through the cycle of rebirth. It’s more than physical reincarnation – it’s the transmigration of our energetic essence, carrying the weight of our karmic imprints across a multitude of lifetimes.

Unlike in other faith traditions, this is not simply about reward and punishment or sin and grace. Shaivism elevates the concept of karma beyond a system of good versus evil. We are all actors in the grand cosmic dance of Shiva, the destroyer and regenerator, and his divine consort, Shakti. Their dance represents the continuous cycle of creation and dissolution, of which samsara is a part.

Karma, in this context, becomes the script of the dance. It orchestrates our experiences in each life, guiding us towards growth and ultimately, liberation (moksha). Shiva is not a cruel scriptwriter, but a divine choreographer, guiding us through the life lessons which are tailored to our unique needs. By surrendering to the dance, by embracing our experiences with equanimity, we open ourselves to Shiva’s grace. This grace, known as shakti, awakens our true nature and propels us towards self-realisation

Shaivism’s understanding of reincarnation pushes the boundaries of human understanding. It compels us to question the nature of reality, the intricate workings of karma and our role within the grand cosmic play. It whispers of possibilities beyond the cycle – not just liberation from samsara, but the ultimate goal: union with the divine source, Shiva himself.

This union isn’t about losing our individuality; it’s about realising our inherent oneness with Shiva. It’s the complete dissolution of the ego, the merging of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal Self (Paramatman). It’s the ultimate liberation, not just from the cycle of rebirth, but from the limitations of separate existence.

The cycle of samsara, though said to be seemingly endless, is not an eternal one. Each rebirth we are granted offers an opportunity for growth, for shedding karmic baggage and becoming closer to the divine. Through practices like devotion, yoga, meditation and the pursuit of knowledge, we become conscious participants in the cosmic dance, moving with grace and purpose towards the ultimate liberation: the ecstatic union with Shiva.

Remembering the Past

Past life memories, especially those which involved strong attachments, failures or successes, could create an identity crisis in the present life. The individual might feel like a stranger in their own body, longing for the past life or feeling like a pale imitation of their former self, which they had no choice but to leave behind. Shaivism teaches us that ‘our true identity’ lies beyond the ego and past experiences. Practices like introspection and devotion to Shiva can help reconnect with the eternal essence within.

Shaivism emphasises karma as the law of cause and effect. Past life memories could feel like echoes of past karma, influencing the present life in unforeseen ways. This awareness might create a sense of pre-destination or helplessness, contradicting the Shaivite emphasis on free will and conscious action.

The journey to move away from a past life begins with Tapas: tapping into the internal fire that purifies the mind and spirit. Tapas, where a person practises spiritual discipline through self-effort, is a cornerstone of Shaivism. We learn to see the emotional energy of these memories not as a burden, but as fuel. By practicing tapas, the individual can transmute the emotional turbulence of past life memories into spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of their place in the cosmic dance of Shiva and Shakti.

Ultimately, Tapas helps us understand our role within this grand performance. Past life memories, once processed and integrated, offer a broader perspective on our soul’s journey. They become stepping stones, instead of burdens, on the path to moksha. Tapas is not a linear process, but a continual cycle of self-discipline, introspection, and transformation.

By confronting the emotional turmoil of past life memories through this transformative fire, we move closer to a state of equanimity and inner peace. This newfound peace allows us to fully participate in the cosmic dance, fulfilling our dharma and progressing towards liberation.