I don’t generally teach this because a) obviously, I’m still alive so what do I know about the hereafter, and b) it doesn’t matter. Raja Yoga is about reducing suffering now.
But here’s the theory: we have a super-subtle energetic aspect or dimension between our sub-conscious mind and consciousness which survives death along with consciousness!
Right – that’s why I don’t teach it. However, if you’ve read this far…….
The theory is that:
• Everything is a unique, perpetually-changing manifestation of two polarized energetic molecular states of matter (yin & yang);
• This, our subtlest dimension (other than consciousness) is where the really cool stuff happens: where intuition and insight come from, including for example, the sense that we’re being watched, or that something’s “not right”.
• When our material body stops functioning and returns to dust – and the energy that was sustaining it, and consciousness leave it – something remains: our “energetically imbalanced memories”; specifically, our countless sub-conscious, un-sated emotions which – as of the moment of death – still have the potential to trigger action. That uber-subtle, potential energy is transferred – along with its corresponding emotion-evoking capability or triggers – to another “host”.
• These energized (albeit super-low frequency) “samskara” obviously don’t remain with the material part of us that returns to dust upon death [i.e., just like the energy that sustains our body in the moments before death, these energetic “memories” or triggers somehow dissipate]; however, some fraction of the energy released upon the death of our physical body somehow remains attached to these samskara (i.e., they remain energized and thus survive indefinitely: life after life) because energy can neither be created nor destroyed – until the underlying emotions are sated and their potential energy is released.
• Our samskara’s unique net energetic polarity, strength and nature at the moment of death affects the time, place, and circumstances of our rebirth: literally, the next time – like consciousness – our “memories” are absorbed into another body.
• Like consciousness, our memories or “un-fructified seeds” aren’t subject to time and space – but unlike consciousness, they can be removed, “burnt up”, or drained energetically via meditation.
• Because of the eternal, immutable, serene, knowledgeable, curious and compassionate nature of consciousness, meditating or indirectly exposing our sub-conscious fears and desires to consciousness, quells their action-provoking potential [read: meditation lowers stress!]; especially, when done with love for our self (we are each a miracle – I sincerely hope that’s clear!!) and earnest devotion – and we accept whatever the consequences. NEVER GIVE UP – ALWAYS LET GO.
• The cycle of karma (of birth, death and rebirth) continues until a host [or the universe] intercedes to let us off the merry-go-round – and that only happens when we see ourselves NOT as the reflection in the mirror and the voice in our head – but as the observer of those things: the part of each of us that NEVER changes: our consciousness.
God bless.
