Reborn in 7th centaury India with many talents

I slowly open my eyes. My vision is blurred from the bright light, but I can make out the face of a smiling man. He stands about 5.5 feet tall, his skin glowing with a radiant shine. There's a peaceful aura around him, a sense of tranquility and calm. He wears a kasaya robe, its orange color standing out in the serene environment.

"Hello, my friend. Welcome to Heaven," he says warmly.

I squint, still trying to comprehend my surroundings. "Are you God?" I ask.

He smiles softly. "No, my friend. I am just a simple human."

Confused, I look around. "Then where is this place?"

"This is Heaven if you're a Christian, Swarg if you're a Hindu, or the Elysian Fields if you're Greek. It all depends on your religion and beliefs," he explains gently.

"Oh..." I murmur, trying to make sense of everything.

The man looks at me with a kind expression. "What is your name, my friend?"

"My name is Harsh Vardhan. And who are you, Mister?" I ask.

The man smiles again. "I have many names, but most people call me Buddha."

I stare at him in awe, amazed by his presence. His peaceful energy radiates.

"What have I done in my life to deserve being here?" I ask, feeling both curious and humbled.

"Tell me your story," Buddha responds.

I recount my life to him—the struggles, the triumphs, my contributions to humanity's progress. He listens intently, never interrupting.

After I finish, Buddha gazes at me, clearly impressed. "Harsh, you have achieved so much, and at such a young age. You defeated humanity's worst diseases and contributed to the advancement of many fields. You have left a mark in history."

I look at him, still processing his words. "But... what does that mean? What is this place?"

Buddha gestures around us. "In this place, only those who have left a significant mark in history can dwell. Whether across the multiverse or through your understanding of different mythologies, people who have achieved greatness—whether in peace or war—live here in harmony."

As Buddha speaks, my eyes wander across the surrounding landscape. The environment is stunning—lush greenery, towering trees in shades of yellow, green, red, and even blue. Fruit trees line the paths, and a peaceful river flows beneath a wooden bridge.

"This is a place of peace," Buddha continues, "where individuals who have achieved greatness live in harmony. Here, time is irrelevant. There is no limit."

I pause, a troubling thought crossing my mind. "But... what about those who did harm in the world? Dictators, rapists, murderers? Do they live here too?"

Buddha's gaze softens. "Yes, Harsh. Anyone who has left a mark in history can live here, whether good or bad. It's important to understand that in this place, all souls find peace. Even those who committed terrible acts can learn and find harmony in the end."

I try to process his words, unsure of how to feel about the idea that even the most ruthless people could be here.

Buddha then turns to me with a knowing smile. "This is the starting point, where everyone appears. From here, you will be shown your path."

We continue walking, and I take in the beauty of the surroundings—a world unlike any I've ever seen. We pass houses, some clustered together, others isolated in peaceful solitude. Fields stretch out beyond, and I notice groups of people gathered in different areas. Some seem to be in discussion, others practicing arts or crafts.

"Some people like to live together with like-minded individuals," Buddha explains. "Others prefer solitude. Some come here to teach, while others are focused on personal growth."

I look at him, a question burning in my mind. "Are there any gods living among us?"

Buddha looks at me, his eyes twinkling with understanding. "Harsh, I am Buddha. You know me and my philosophy. But if you are asking about gods, those who are revered in religions—no, there are no gods living here."

I nod, remembering the teachings I've learned. "Yes, I understand. All sentient beings have the potential to become Buddhas through faith, determination, and continuous effort. Enlightenment is the state of being free from suffering and the cycle of birth and death. It's achieved by eliminating greed, hatred, and ignorance."

Buddha smiles. "That's right, Harsh. But here, the people you see are those who were once revered as gods in their life stories. They have achieved greatness in their own way, like Gandhi, Einstein, Newton, Curie, Galileo, Darwin—and even figures from darker histories, like Hassan-i-Sabbah or the Vishkanyas."

I look around, now understanding that the inhabitants of this place are not just gods or saints, but humans who left lasting impacts on the world, regardless of the nature of their legacies.

I have so many questions, but one stands out. "How long can we live here?"

"There is no time limit," Buddha replies simply.

As we walk further, I can feel the weight of time slipping away. I glance up at Buddha, a thought crossing my mind. "Can I leave this place?"

Buddha turns to me with a knowing look. "You can, Harsh. It depends on your good karma. But know this—many choose to stay because they find peace here. It is a place of learning, growth, and understanding."

After walking a bit more, we come to a platform, and Buddha steps onto a stage.

"Who are you?" someone shouts from the crowd.

Buddha raises a hand, calming the crowd. "Silence. Let him speak."

I step forward, a little nervous, but I introduce myself. "Hello, everyone. My name is Harsh Vardhan."

I begin telling my story, and the crowd reacts with awe and admiration. Some are amazed by my achievements, while others are moved by the depth of my journey. Their reactions are full of respect and curiosity.

"Harsh, you are such a good man. How can your journey end so quickly?" one person asks.

Over time, I begin to meet and learn from the inhabitants of this place. I spend years absorbing knowledge and training in different disciplines.

100 Years Later

A century passes. I have learned so much during my time here. I study meditation with great rishis, learning to calm my mind. I take on the arts—painting, music, and sculpture—from renowned artists. I train in bodybuilding, swordsmanship, archery, and martial arts with the best generals and warriors.

I immerse myself in the teachings of war strategy, logistics, and the art of command. I understand what it means to rule with benevolence, and I learn the ways of leadership.

I study medicine, Ayurveda, and enhance my body's poison immunity. I work with brilliant scientists in mechanics, chemistry, biology, and biotechnology, constantly learning and growing.

In the peaceful setting of a waterfall, I sit quietly, playing my flute. Buddha approaches.

"Harsh, I think it's time for you to reincarnate," Buddha says softly.

I pause, the weight of his words sinking in. I've lived so much in this place, but there's more to do.

"You didn't live your full life in your last incarnation," Buddha continues. "Go now, enjoy your life. And when you're ready, return."

I think deeply, considering all I've learned here. After a long pause, I finally agree.

"Okay."

Together, we begin the journey back to where it all began—the starting point.

As we reach the edge of the place, Buddha stops and turns to me. "Go on," he says.

I close my eyes, and my vision fades. In the stillness of my mind, a voice asks, "Where would you like to go? You have earned much good karma."

I think for a moment. "I want to be born in ancient India. I want to rebuild a great empire and set it back on the right path."

"Very well," the voice responds. "You may also ask for another boon."

I think carefully and speak. "Can my teachings help someone achieve enlightenment? Can I boost their learning speed?"

The voice is silent for a moment, and then replies, "Yes, this can be arranged."

A bright light envelops me, and I feel myself being reborn.

End of chapter two

To be continued...