35.2 Renunciation

 35.2 Renunciation 

Question:

How to be free from reincarnations? 

Answer:

    The final release from births and deaths comes to those who have

    severed all attachments. Others will continue to experience

    more births and deaths.                                                                             (Couplet – 349) 

    பற்றற்ற கண்ணே பிறப்பறுக்கும் மற்று

    நிலையாமை காணப் படும்.                                                                           (குறள் – 349) 

Explanation:

Before one can understand Valluvar's reasoning for the cycle of births and deaths, one should realize Valluvar's stance on desire and attachment. Desire is defined as a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. On the other hand, attachment is not wanting to be separated from someone or something. In other words, attachment is intensified or exaggerated form of desire for something. 

The Vedic religion, Jainism, and Buddhism assert that desires lead to attachments, and attachments result in several reincarnations (or, as Buddhists prefer to call, several rebirths). In order to break the chain of births and deaths and attain salvation (nirvana or eternal bliss), one is supposed to control all desires and eventually vanquish all desires and attachments.