What bodies will killers get in their next life?

Based on Hindu and Vedic philosophy, which Srila Prabhupada taught as the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the concept of karma and reincarnation suggests that one's actions in this life influence their next birth.

According to these teachings, those who commit violence, especially killing, are believed to face negative consequences in future lives. However, it's important to note that the exact nature of rebirth is considered complex and not always directly predictable.

Some general principles from these teachings include:

1. The law of karma: Actions have consequences that may manifest in future lives.
2. Like attracts like: Those who cause suffering may experience similar suffering.
3. Consciousness at death: One's state of mind at the time of death is believed to influence the next birth.
4. Opportunity for redemption: Vedic philosophy generally teaches that sincere repentance (prayascitta) and spiritual practices (chanting of Holy names and Bhakti) can mitigate negative karma.

Srila Prabhupada and other Vedic teachers often emphasized focusing on spiritual development and devotion to Krishna rather than worrying too much about specific future incarnations. They taught that the ultimate goal is to break the cycle of rebirth altogether through Krishna consciousness. In his lectures and writings, Prabhupada has mentioned that killers may be reborn in various forms, such as:

• Animals that are hunted or killed: Those who have killed animals or humans may be reborn as animals that are hunted or slaughtered, experiencing the same fear and suffering they inflicted on others.
• Insects or worms: Killers may be reborn as insects or worms, which are often trodden upon or killed by others, experiencing a life of constant fear and vulnerability.
• Ghosts or spirits: In some cases, Prabhupada has mentioned that killers may be reborn as ghosts or spirits, unable to attain a physical body and forced to wander the earth, seeking peace and resolution.
• Hellish planets: According to Prabhupada, those who have committed heinous crimes, including murder, may be sent to hellish planets, where they will experience intense suffering and punishment.

Consequences for Killers

Prabhupada taught that those who kill or harm others, especially innocent animals, will face severe karmic consequences in their next lives:

• Animal killers and meat-eaters will be eaten by the same creatures they killed in their previous life
• Those who commit violence against trusting, innocent animals will be eaten by those same creatures in their next life
• Killers may be punished in hellish planets under Yamaraja (the lord of death) where they will experience similar violence done to them
• Envious killers are born the next few lives in lower life forms such as insects, lower animals with limited mobility. Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, Killers of Hare Krishna devotees and Hindus in Bangladesh/Pakistan and in general any soul who is violent will be relegated to lower life forms according to Vaishnava Theology.

Specific Reincarnations

While not always specifying exact bodies, Prabhupada indicated:

• Animal killers may take birth as animals suitable to be killed themselves, experiencing the same fate they inflicted on others
• Those too attached to their spouse may take birth as a woman in the next life if they think of their wife at death
• In general, one's consciousness, thoughts, feelings and desires at the time of death determine the next body

The key principle is that killers and violent people will have to suffer similar violence and killing in their future lives as cosmic justice for their actions. Prabhupada emphasized this as a universal law of nature and karma that no one can escape.

Why the body of a single celled Ameoba?

1. Movement: Amoebae can move a few millimeters a day in their aquatic environment using pseudopods or "false feet". This movement is generally in response to chemical gradients or in search of food, rather than conscious decision. "Amoebas or amoeboid, constitute a diverse group of unicellular organisms, which have the unique ability to dynamically reshape their body through the extension and retraction of pseudopods, also commonly referred to as “false feet.” Despite their wide variety in size, morphology, and habitat, any organism that exhibits amoeboid movement is considered to be an amoeba. This mode of migration allows cells to move through various mediums without the need for external structures of motility such as flagella or cilia (Lämmermann & Sixt, 2009)." [1]
2. Feeding: They can engulf food particles they encounter through phagocytosis. This process is automatic rather than a choice.
3. Reproduction: When conditions are right, amoebae can reproduce through binary fission. This is triggered by environmental factors and internal biological processes, not by choice.
4. Reaction to stimuli: Amoebae can respond to environmental stimuli like light, chemicals, and temperature changes. These responses are automatic and not based on conscious decision-making.
5. Encystment: In unfavorable conditions, amoebae can form protective cysts. This is a survival mechanism rather than a conscious choice.

So while amoebae have some "freedom" of movement and can react to their environment, their actions are primarily driven by instinctive responses to stimuli and biological imperatives rather than conscious choices. Their behavior is largely deterministic, based on their simple cellular machinery responding to environmental cues.

In philosophical terms, amoebae likely don't possess "free will" as we typically conceive of it. Their "freedom" is essentially the freedom to follow their biological programming within the constraints of their environment.

Conclusion:

Prabhupada's teachings emphasize the importance of non-violence, compassion, and self-control. He encourages his followers to adopt a vegetarian diet, avoid harming animals, and cultivate a spirit of love and kindness towards all living beings.

These teachings are meant to guide individuals towards a path of spiritual growth and self-realization, rather than to instill fear or anxiety. By understanding the law of karma and the consequences of our actions, we can strive to lead a more virtuous and compassionate life.

References:

1. https://bioengineering.hyperbook.mcgill.ca/physical-analysis-of-amoeba/