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Birth - Another Opportunity
"There is no death but only in appearance - even as there is no birth save only in seeming. The change from 'being' to 'becoming' seems to be birth and the return again from 'becoming' to the state of 'being' seems to be death.' - Apollonius of Tyana Although birth and death are twin mysteries, our preoccupation with death seems to have assumed more importance than our entry into life. This event is as important as its departure from the physical body. The entrance of a soul into a new body can be explained by the timeless concepts of Reincarnation, Evolution and the Law of Cause and Effect. The long period between lives is somewhat like the hours between meals, a period of digestion and assimilation as necessary as the meal itself. The Ageless Wisdom teaches that between lives the soul extracts and assimilates the essence of its experience in its former physical life and this influences the circumstances of the new incarnation. DUAL MYSTERY Birth involves a dual mystery. Firstly, there is the mystery of the growth of the embryo from the physical union of the sperm and egg of the parents. The embryo develops into a complex and uniquely formed human baby. The second half of this mystery is the union of the soul with the physical body. Drawn by an inner urge to seek new experience on the path of return to its Divine Source, the soul returns again and again to physical life. Theosophical teachings suggest that the soul attracts not just a new physical body, but also emotional and mental 'vehicles' appropriate to its new incarnation. The characteristics of the individual's nature are said to be the outcome of experiences from past lives. Former thoughts, desires and actions therefore influence the present circumstances and environment into which the birth occurs. GUIDING INTELLIGENCES The term 'Guardian Angel' is commonly used when a child comes unscathed through a dangerous adventure. Theosophy suggests the existence of spiritual intelligences that guide the working out of residual Karma from the past. These beings help bring a soul into an environment where it may best balance the consequences of past actions and provide new opportunities to express itself. It is further suggested that the child's new circumstances may continue relationships from past lives. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which past ties were not harmonious and these karmic bonds need to be transformed into ties of love and understanding. THE DRAMA OF BIRTH Although much has been written about leaving the physical body at the moment of death, perhaps we should discover more about the needs of the newborn infant at the moment of birth. The process of birth is as dramatic for the baby as for the mother. Some babies seem to rush eagerly into life; others seem to resist entering a new incarnation. The French physician, Le Boyer, and others, have emphasised that babies should be brought into a quiet atmosphere with diminished lighting. This can assist the most gentle transition possible from the soothing surroundings of the womb into the very different circumstances of physical life. Poets and mystics have hinted at childish recollections of existence before birth. However, these are quickly forgotten as the new physical life unfolds. As we mature and grow in spiritual Wisdom, a fuller understanding of our evolutionary purpose is revealed. RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS Parenthood is seen to be much more than responsibility for the care of a child. The physical baby is an expression of a soul which the parents are destined to nurture for a short time. Modern psychologists stress the child's need for love and a sense of security from the moment of birth. Many parents are deeply aware of the responsibility they have undertaken in assisting the birth of a soul into a new body. They understand the importance of creating an atmosphere conducive to the soul's further growth as well as providing for the child's physical, emotional and mental development. They recognise this opportunity to assist the soul's growth by helping the child to develop its strengths and latent talents while overcoming inherent weaknesses. The parental influence, if provided in an atmosphere of love and respect, is of great assistance when the child moves into the larger environment and faces inevitable difficulties. Birth is an experience which we do not normally consciously remember. Yet the atmosphere into which a child is born can be one of the most significant experiences the parents can provide as a harmonious and positive environment provides a basis for steady growth. A PILGRIM SOUL A newborn child provides a vehicle of experience for a pilgrim soul. Wise parents seek the best possible ways of aiding the child to understand its emotional nature and to direct its mind in positive ways, thus encouraging the child to develop Spiritual Wisdom. Ageless teachings propose that the journey which begins with birth is a universal and often repeated one, with the goal being the eventual return and reunion with the Divine Source. BOOKS SUGGESTED FOR FURTHER READING
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