In many cultures, the concept of the afterlife is linked to what?

The concept of the afterlife being linked to the soul's journey is a prevalent theme across various cultures. Many belief systems view death not as an end, but as a transition into another state of existence where the soul continues its journey. This perspective often encompasses ideas about the soul’s progression, its experiences, and the moral or spiritual lessons it has learned during its physical life.

For instance, in many indigenous cultures, the afterlife is seen as a continuation of the soul’s adventures, with a journey towards a final resting place or reunion with ancestors. In some religious traditions, the afterlife is framed by the journey to a heaven or another form of existence that reflects the soul’s karma accumulated during life.

Social relationships, physical existence, and psychological healing may be tied to cultural perceptions of death but are not as universally linked to the fundamental concept of the afterlife across diverse traditions as the soul's journey is. These aspects may influence how individuals and societies navigate mourning or understand the significance of life and death, but they do not encapsulate the broader, more universal notion that the soul is engaged in a journey beyond physical existence.