Afterlife

A belief in some from of afterlife is common to many religions, most of these considering that conformity or not to some ethical standard during this life will affect the type of afterlife an individual experiences. Some visions of this afterlife describe it in terms of bliss or torment (heaven or hell) in physical terms, others as a dim reflection of earthly existence (Sumerian, Ancient Greek). Related to the concept of afterlife are those of soul, generally considered the immortal or indestructible component (Amerindian "free soul", Egyptian "Ba"), and spirit (Amerindian "life" or "breath" soul, Egyptian "Ka"). The spirit is frequently seen as remaining for a while on earth near the remains of the physical body, or as returning to earth. This is the basis of funeral and memorial ceremonies in which food and household objects are provided for the use of the departed. Some Christians look on resurrection of the body in physical terms others as a metaphor for some kind of survival of the personality; according to Catholic teaching most souls judged worthy of heaven have to undergo prior purification in purgatory. Hindus and Buddhists look for many reincarnations in this life, but with periods of time in heavens or hells, all depending on the actions in particular embodiments.