As long as the unconscious mind remains, the impressions will ripen, come forward and manifest in the form of birth, span of life and experience. Just like a plant that emerges out of its winter sleep, even though it may have completely dried up, so also a disembodied being is reborn due to the impressions in the jiva that must be lived out. Thus, death is like winter sleep.

Karma means “action;” these are deeds you perform. Samskaras are “impressions,” created in the mind by actions. These samskaras in turn lead to more karma; repeated action strengthens the samskaras. There are four kinds of karma.