Torah No mention in the Torah of an afterlife Why is there no mention in the Torah? Judaism puts far greater focus on people’s actions and purpose in their earthly lives which the call olam ha-ze, than on speculating about what might happen after people die. Mishnah and Talmund In these texts there are references to a belief in life after death. In particular the belief in Olam Ha-Ba (the world to come). “This world is like a lobby before Olam Ha-Ba. Prepare yourself in the lobby so that you may enter the banquet hall.” Resurrection or Reincarnation? Resurrection: Will occur after the coming of the messiah a nd the righteous dead will be brought back to life to experience the new perfect world. the wicked will not be resurrected. Reincarnation: Souls reborn to mend the world or some may have unfinished business. Where will you go when you die? Gan Eden: Garden of Eden or paradise. Only the righteous will go directly here. Gehinnom: Place of punishment OR place to experience remorse for wrong actions and missed opportunities in life. You will only spend 12 months here before ascending into Gan Eden. Utterly wicked: Will not go to Gan Eden and spend eternity in Gehinnom or soul will cease to exist.

Lesson exploring the Hindu beliefs in reincarnation Reincarnation (Life after Death) Hindus do not necessarily believe in life after death - rather it is the atman that ls eternal and not the physical body. Most Hindus believe that humans are in a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara. When a person dies, their atman (soul) is reborn in a different body. Hindus believe that an atman may enter swarg (Hindu heavenly realm) or narak (Hindu hellish realm) for a period before rebirth. Some Hindus believe that humans may be reborn in animal form - punishment for how lives previous life Some Hindu scriptures describe moksha as the atman becoming absorbed with Brahman some think he atman will just be in the presence of Brahman. moksha is achieved through: Karma yoga - being selfless Bhakti yoga - love/devotion to God Jhana yoga - meditation leading to knowledge Raja yoga - silent/spiritual meditation Case Study: Shanti Devi