If human beings have only one life, I.e., there is no existence after death, the only concern as far as being happy is to find a way to be in that state for as long as possible either continuously or in long bursts till they die as death is inevitable. Even an unhappy life has to be endured only till such time as death intervenes to provide release. In other words, even the worst journey is time limited. If this is accepted, it has many repercussions that follow.
- It provides a different perspective on end of life decisions.
- It should enable persons to not worry about death ( apart from concern about how it would affect others who are left behind, possibly fears about the process of dying itself).
- It would make life activities more urgent and focus the mind on making best use of our lives before it ends.
- It could potentially lead, at least in some, for a reduction in moral behavior in those who lead moral lives only for fear of repercussions in the next life.
If there is life after death, why is it not obvious? For such a significant truth about lives, why is it so “hidden”? One would reasonably expect a large number of well documented and well authenticated accounts of previous lives. While there are some such accounts in the literature, they are of questionable accuracy.
But, our recollection of past events even in this life are incomplete and does not stretch back far. Is it then reasonable to expect memories of past lives to persist.
Even if there was a past existence, if we have no recollection of it at all, is there any point in being concerned with the possibility of a previous life?
If life does continue after death, there are major questions to be answered as to its mechanism. This leads concepts such as existence of “body” and “mind” (or soul), for example, and greater understanding of consciousness, self awareness, self image.
Basing morality on the basis of rewards or punishments, or the need to please or satisfy supernatural forces who are able to shape our future, is common.
If life persists in some form, is it restricted to the human form or could it be in lesser animals or even in beings which are outside our realm?
If death is followed by passing onto another form of existence, is it a permanent state (good - heaven) or (bad - hell)?
What makes that state desirable or undesirable?
