The Standard of Reincarnation: Chapter 1 - The Weight of a Thousand Lives
The air hung heavy with the scent of incense and old paper, a familiar fragrance that clung to the ancient temple like a second skin. Dust motes danced in the slivers of sunlight that pierced the gloom, illuminating swirling patterns on the intricately carved wooden pillars. I, Elara, knelt before the Standard, a massive, obsidian monolith etched with glyphs that hummed with an almost palpable energy. This was it – the beginning of my judgment.
This wasn't a judgment in the conventional sense; there were no pearly gates or fiery pits. Reincarnation, in the realm of Aethel, was a meticulous process, a careful weighing of karmic debt and future potential. The Standard, a sentient artifact of immense power, was the instrument of this process. It assessed your past lives, your actions, your regrets, and ultimately, determined your next path.
My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the silence of the temple. I had lived a thousand lives, a tapestry woven with threads of joy and sorrow, triumph and failure. Each life, a vibrant hue in the grand design of my existence, yet each one burdened by the weight of its own consequences. The Standard held the record of them all, a comprehensive chronicle etched into its unyielding surface.
What is the Standard of Reincarnation?
The Standard of Reincarnation is not simply an object; it's a living entity, a conduit of cosmic energy, entrusted with the delicate task of guiding souls through the cycle of rebirth. Its origins are shrouded in myth and legend, lost in the mists of Aethel's prehistory. Some believe it was forged by the ancient gods, others that it emerged spontaneously from the very fabric of reality. Regardless of its creation, its power remains undeniable, a force that shapes the destinies of countless souls. It is said that only those who have proven themselves worthy of understanding can even perceive its full extent.
How does the Standard determine my next life?
The Standard doesn't judge in a moralistic sense. It doesn't mete out punishments or rewards based on arbitrary concepts of good and evil. Instead, it assesses the karmic balance of your past lives, identifying patterns of behavior and exploring the potential for spiritual growth. It seeks to place you in a life that will facilitate your evolution, presenting challenges tailored to your specific needs. This might involve overcoming past traumas, learning crucial life lessons, or refining underdeveloped aspects of your soul. The process is far more complex than simple reward and punishment; it's a deeply nuanced evaluation of your overall karmic trajectory.
What if I don't like my next life?
The Standard's judgment is not arbitrary. The next life is a carefully calculated path designed to contribute to your overall spiritual evolution. While the life may present difficulties or challenges, they are chosen specifically to aid your growth. It’s essential to remember that resisting the path laid out by the Standard only delays your progress and potentially prolongs the cycle of reincarnation. Accepting the life presented, however challenging, is a crucial step in furthering your spiritual journey.
What happens after the Standard’s judgment?
Once the Standard completes its assessment, it projects a shimmering image—a glimpse into your next life. This vision offers a fragment of the experience to come, a preview of the challenges and opportunities awaiting you. Then, the soul is gently guided into the cycle of reincarnation, reborn into a new body, a new time, a new opportunity for growth and understanding. The waiting period between judgments varies depending on the soul's karma and progress. Some are reborn swiftly, while others may linger, caught in a karmic loop until the balance is restored.
The weight of a thousand lives pressed down on me as I waited for the Standard to speak. The silence hummed with anticipation, the air thick with the potential of a new beginning, a new journey, a new chapter in the endless story of my soul. And though fear gnawed at my edges, a sliver of hope, bright and tenacious, flickered within my heart. The Standard would decide my fate, but ultimately, my journey was my own.
