Question: Can you briefly describe the doctrine of reincarnation and the law of karma, how they determine the jivas experiences here and in the afterlife?
Answer by Romapada Swami: The Jiva soul is embodied within a particular body according to the laws of karma as ascertained universal authorities depending on his desires and actions in this life and past lives. The soul is immortal but his particular embodiment is temporary. In the human form of life his actions, thoughts, and convictions code certain impressions into his subtle body consisting of the mind, intelligence and false ego. Based on these impressions the Supersoul directs him to another gross body at the end of this life to which he proceeds carrying the subtle body and its constituent impressions or samskaras (coded tendencies) with him.
These accumulated tendencies or desires direct one’s course within the material world and one who seeks liberation from these wanderings and entry into the spiritual realm must submit to Lord Krsna and the process of devotional service under the direction of bonafide spiritual master who trains him to scientifically replace these desires with the desire to serve the Lord in loving devotion. (Ref: BG 18.61)
