How to Stop the Cycle of Reincarnation

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

A number of faiths teach that every living entity has to die and be reborn; perhaps in a worse condition than at present. Although some faiths are happy to continue reincarnating endlessly, faiths such as Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism teach that happiness only comes from ending the cycle. If that's your goal, then follow these steps to stop the eternal cycle of births and deaths for ever.

Steps

1
Recognize suffering. The quest to stop the eternal cycle of births and deaths begins with an internal realization that one is weary of chasing youth, beauty, wealth, status and power. We have done this in so many lifetimes and found earthly rewards to be fleeting, temporal and shallow.
2
Replace the chase for earthly desires with a single longing to be one with God. For a Hindu this is believed to be the will of God. Buddhists develop a single longing for Nirvana, the end of suffering.

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3
Remember God throughout the day by speaking His or Her Names. It doesn't matter what you choose to call Him or Her - Christ, Allah, Jehovah, Krishna, Devi, etc. Buddhists remember the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
4
Recognize God, or the Dharma (spiritual teachings), in everything around you. Stop frequently throughout the day and bring to mind how God or the Dharma explains the world around you and whatever situation you currently find yourself in.
5
Give up all types of intoxication. Excesses of all sorts, (even good food is bad in excess), and other bad habits all interfere with the energy of both your body and mind. Treat your body as a living temple!
6
Give up the need to control others. Whether it is holding onto family, friends or anyone else, you need to let them live their own lives. This is not to be confused with relinquishing your obligations towards your dependants, such as young children, spouses or parents. Each cycle in one's life has a purpose, and when one has dependants their needs have to be met first. Renouncing them to seek God is a serious dereliction of duties that will result in further rebirths.
7
Live as simple a life as possible. Reduce your belongings and debts to the bare minimum and learn to trust that you will receive what you need.
8
Give up ambition and ego. These are the two biggest obstacles to ending the cycle of reincarnation. The less you want, the less draw earthly life has on you. As the desire to acquire evaporates, greed, jealousy, ego and the need for power all disappear, leaving the path and mind clear to focus on God.

Community Q&A

Question

If I gain freedom from reincarnation, should I tell anyone about it?

Community Answer

That's up to you. People might not be interested. Buddha originally didn't want to share with others what he discovered. He thought they wouldn't want to know.
Question

Will holding grudges cause a person to be reborn?

Community Answer

Yes. Chances are that holding grudges will cause bad karma that has to be repaid by being reborn. Let go of the past.
Question

Will I become free from reincarnation if I forgive everyone who has wronged me and ask forgiveness from everyone I have wronged?

Community Answer

No. According to Hinduism, freedom from reincarnation is possible only on the attainment of Mukti or Moksha. What is Mukti/Moksha? Though different philosophies have different definitions, they agree that Mukti is assured with the vision of God. Forgiving everyone who has wronged you and asking forgiveness from everyone you have wronged is a very good step. But it is not enough because it contains many loopholes like: a) You remember only this life. What about your earlier lives? b) Your definition of 'wrong' itself will start to change, once you start progressing in spiritual life. Then what? and many other loopholes.

Warnings

Beware of your mind (ego)! It will try to stop you from going ahead!

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Don't try to become one with God before your time - this will only result in yet another rebirth.

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Remember, there is no scientific proof that any spiritual belief exists, including God and the cycle of reincarnation.

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