What do different spiritual beliefs say about the time the soul remains on Earth after d3ath?

Rather than offering a single answer, humanity has produced a vast tapestry of explanations shaped by theology, philosophy, mysticism, and lived experience. This essay explores how major religions, indigenous traditions, Eastern philosophies, Western esoteric systems, and modern spiritual movements understand the soul’s relationship to Earth after death.

1. Ancient Egyptian Beliefs
The ancient Egyptians held one of the most elaborate and influential views of the afterlife. They believed the human being consisted of several spiritual components, including the Ka (life force), Ba (personality), and Akh (transformed spirit).

Duration on Earth
The soul did not leave immediately. Instead:

The Ka remained close to the body and tomb

The Ba could travel between the physical world and the afterlife

The soul underwent a judgment process in the Duat (underworld)

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