One Life vs Rebirth: How Worldviews Shape Humanity and the Planet

The way we perceive life, and what comes after, profoundly influences our values, behaviors, and our relationship with the Earth. At the heart of global philosophical divergence lies a fundamental difference between Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and the Sanatan Dharma traditions (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism): the concept of one life versus rebirth or reincarnation.

# The One-Life Doctrine and Its Consequences

Abrahamic religions advocate a single lifetime followed by a divine Judgment Day, where the soul is either eternally rewarded or punished. This belief has created a moral urgency: to live "righteously" by certain religious standards, or face eternal consequences.

However, it also inadvertently fosters a short-term worldview:

⇛ “Live to the fullest” becomes “consume to the fullest.”

⇛ Nature becomes a utility, not a sacred entity.

⇛ There's little incentive to preserve - after all, there’s no return.

“When you believe you won’t return, you begin to exploit everything around you, nature, time, even relationships, as if there’s no tomorrow.” ~ Adarsh Singh

This mindset has contributed to the rise of aggressive consumerism in many nations shaped by Abrahamic ideologies. Societies built around this model prioritize:

⇛ Maximum consumption in a single lifetime.

⇛ Innovation without contemplation.

⇛ Economic growth over ecological balance.

And perhaps most concerning: a disregard for future generations. The Earth becomes a resource to be used, not a legacy to be protected.

# Sanatan Dharma: A Cycle of Conscious Living

In contrast, the Sanatan Dharma worldview is rooted in cycles of ~ time, karma, rebirth, and cosmic order. Life isn't linear; it's eternal and evolutionary.

From this perspective:

⇛ Every thought, word, and action carries karmic weight.

⇛ What we do today echoes into future lives.

⇛ Nature is not just alive; it is sacred.

“Sanatan Dharma doesn’t just teach you how to live; it teaches you how to coexist, with trees, rivers, animals, and the stars.” - Adarsh Singh

The four paths under Sanatan Dharma : Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, may differ in practices, but they all hold a deep reverence for life in all forms:

⇛ Trees are not cut mindlessly - they are worshipped.

⇛ Rivers are not exploited - they are mothers.

⇛ Mountains are not just terrain - they are living deities.

This spiritual approach naturally nurtures empathy, not just for fellow humans, but for every sentient being and even non-living entities. It aligns with sustainable living, ecological balance, and spiritual accountability.

# The Sacred Breath: Why Sanatan Dharma Values Every Element

The most essential element for human survival, Oxygen, comes from the trees we often destroy in the name of progress. Sanatan Dharma recognizes the life-giving role of Prakriti (Nature) and urges us to honor it.

“Oxygen doesn’t belong to a religion or nation, it belongs to trees. And trees thrive only when humans act with dharma.” - Adarsh Singh

While modern, consumer-driven societies seek to master nature, dharmic traditions seek to harmonize with it. And in that lies the key to humanity’s survival, not just physically, but spiritually.

# A Call for Global Reflection

It’s not about East vs West. It’s about short-term gain vs long-term harmony.

As we face climate change, mental health crises, and spiritual emptiness, we must question the worldviews we’ve inherited. Do they foster compassion, balance, and sustainability, or do they breed greed, division, and disconnection?

The Sanatan way offers not just rebirth but rebalance. It is a call to see life as sacred, interconnected, and eternal.

“The soul returns, the river flows, the tree breathes again, but only if we remember that life is not to be consumed, but to be consecrated.” - Adarsh Singh

Sat May 3, 2025

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Adarsh Singh

Founder of iSOUL ~ Ideal School of Ultimate Life
Adarsh Singh empowers individuals to live purposefully by integrating timeless wisdom with practical tools. With 18+ years in finance and a deep connection to spirituality, his teachings blend Money, Mind, Matter(Body) and Meaning to help people create a truly fulfilling life.