Hinduism-Afterlife

Overview
In Hinduism there is a common belief in reincarnation, or the rebirth of a soul into a new body; this belief and many other Hindu beliefs are shared with Buddhism. Hindus follow a social organization known as a caste system, in which groups of people are separated in jobs, living and marriage from one another. There is a shared belief that one’s Karma throughout life is what will determine your caste when you are reborn. For example, someone who is very successful within his or her caste and follows the Hindu beliefs may then be reborn into a higher caste. However, the contrary is also true.

Samsara
Samsara is the endless cycle of reincarnation and ultimately suffering. This cycle is continued until one has achieved Moksa.

Caste System
A caste system is a social organization of people according to wealth and status. In Hinduism to climb the caste system you must be the best that you can within your caste, for you cannot leave your caste (for marriage, occupation, etc.) during your lifetime.

Karma
In Hinduism the total of good and bad things that were done in a persons lifetime is known as that person's Karma. This Karma is what determines the form a person will be reincarnated into and also the level in the social caste they will belong to. However, to reach a higher caste level one must also follow their Dharma, "moral duty" in their lifetime.

Liberation from Suffering
Freedom from Samsara is known as Moksa and is ultimately achieved by uniting Atman, or soul with Brahman. This deliverance from suffering can be interpreted as the actual afterlife of Hinduism, for it is after achieving Moksa that a soul is one with the world.

"Follow your Dharma, give off good Karma, unite Atman with Brhama, break Samsara with meditation and achieve Moksa." -Mr. Pearl Lewis, James R.. Afterlife Beliefs and Phenomena. Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1994. Ellwood, Robert S.. "Afterlife in World Religions."The Encyclopedia of World Religions. 1st ed. 1998.