GREETINGS

Dear Swamiji Hari Om!! We say ‘Atma’ is pure consciousness without any form. At the same time it is told that the ‘departed soul’ cannot attain ‘Moksha’ or ‘Supreme Bliss’ unless last rites are performed by the son. I see certain contradictions as listed below. 1. Whose son are we referring to here when ‘Atma’ is supposed to have no relationship? Is not ‘son’ or ‘any relationship’ with reference to the ‘body made up of cosmic energy’? How can last rites performed by a relative to such a body made up of cosmic energy, grant salvation to a ‘soul made up of conscious energy’? 2. What about individuals who do not have a male child? Will such individuals (Atma?) never attain Moksha since no son is available to do last rites? Whose last rites are acceptable in our Shastras in such situations? 3. It is also told that the ‘Atma’ finds other body/bodies to discharge the outstanding ‘vasanaas’ and gain the ‘Karma Phala’ for previous Karmas. Will performing last rites by a son, overrule such a theory making ‘Atma’ attain the supreme bliss without taking rebirth? I would be grateful to you to be removed out of my ignorance. With Pranaams S. Venkateswaran Block 12, Plot 207, Bhaveshver Sadan, Sion East, Mumbai 400 022 Mob: +91 9820602244 Hari Om!!