We believe that the soul is indestructible and eternal, existing through countless lifetimes (*1).
Therefore, when the soul departs from the physical body, where does it go? The soul either ascends or descends. Ascending leads to a state of bliss and liberation in the heavenly realms (Cảnh Tiên) or Nirvana (Cõi Phật). Descending leads to the suffering realms of the underworld and Hell, where one atones for past transgressions and undergoes further rebirths to resolve karmic debts (*2).
Punishment in the underworld is spiritual (peines morales), a consequence of violating Heavenly laws. Reincarnation into this world to endure hardships (*3) is a physical punishment (peines matérielles), a consequence of wrongdoings against others and society.
Reincarnation is both a form of punishment and a transformative process for the soul. It allows the soul to be refined and purified, becoming increasingly lighter and purer until it returns to its original state, uniting with the Creator, achieving enlightenment (refer to the book “Explanation of the Human Body,” soon to be published).
We believe in reincarnation because it explains the disparities and inequalities among humans. Why are some intelligent while others are not? Why are some wealthy while others are poor?
Wouldn’t it be unjust for the Creator to create such disparities among people? The concept of reincarnation provides the answer. (Refer to the section on destiny).
Believing in reincarnation and karmic retribution helps us avoid mistakes in life. We do not lament poverty or hardship, for we understand that these are consequences of our past actions that we must now bear. This belief empowers us to endure adversity. We believe in future lives, so we strive to cultivate virtue and accumulate merit in this life, both for our future benefit and for the sake of our descendants. If death were the end, why would anyone bother with virtuous deeds? People would readily commit any evil to gain wealth and comfort, living only for themselves and indulging in fleeting pleasures. What then would become of morality, compassion, and social responsibility?
(*1) Buddhism believes in Heaven, Hell, and reincarnation. Christianity believes in Heaven and Hell but not in reincarnation. European spiritualism believes in reincarnation but not in a physical Hell. While these beliefs differ, they share a common thread: the belief in the eternal soul that exists through countless lifetimes.
This small book is based solely on my personal beliefs and does not intend to oppose any other religion.
(*2) Karmic consequences stemming from past actions.
(*3) This world is considered a “terrestrial purgatory” (purgatoire terrestre). However, the reincarnation of virtuous souls is not meant for punishment. They are reborn into wealth and privilege to enjoy blessings. But even within these blessings, there are four fundamental sufferings: the suffering of birth, illness, old age, and death. If these individuals had cultivated themselves in their previous lives, they could have escaped the cycle of reincarnation. Therefore, humans need to cultivate both virtue and spirituality to achieve completeness. Virtue means cultivating good character and compassion (Nhơn Đạo), while spirituality means practicing the Way to achieve liberation (Thiên Đạo).
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