What is the meaning of life? As human beings, we cannot avoidthis most basic question of earthly existence. Is consciousnesssimply an accident of the universe, as modern science wouldclaim? On the other hand, many established religions suggestthat life is a one-time experience, culminating in 'eternal life' inheaven or some kind of purgatory or hell. But how could this beequitable, given people's vastly differing life circumstances?As a response to such questions, the author discusses theconcept of reincarnation - the development of individual soulsover multiple lifetimes. She examines the idea of fate in relationto one's occupation. What is more important: a well-paid careeror finding one's true vocation? Are our 'innate' talents andabilities the result of a gene-lottery at conception, or could theybe related to pre-birth existence - to our own intentions for ourforthcoming life on earth? The notion of reincarnation is aprerequisite for understanding one's personal destiny or karma -a personal life plan created before our incarnation on earth.Through such ideas, the consciousness of one's immortal soulcore- our inner being, that exists both before birth and afterdeath - can be awoken.The transcript of this enlightening talk is a stimulatingintroduction to contemporary perspectives on the ancientteaching of reincarnation and karma.