Returning to Goloka

DNA repair, and, therefore, with the frequency of mutations. It was found
that the frequency of mutations rises with age. One probable reason is that
over time the repair system itself becomes affected by mutations, so less
damage is correctly repaired. Also, as we age, our bodies generate more free
radicals, and, therefore, there are more mutations and other DNA lesions in
the first place. In fact, free radical theory and DNA damage theory of aging
are closely related because DNA is one of the primary victims of free radicals.
Another factor in aging
seems to be related to
telomeres. At the end of the
chromosome is a DNA
sequence of TTAGGG that
repeats up to 3,300 times, and
this is called the telomere.
When a cell ages, it extends its lifespan by replicating and the new cell that
has arisen lives on to continue its role in the body. But each time a cell divides
it uses a bit of its telomere and when the telomere is gone, the cell can no
longer divide and dies. Over time as cells stop dividing and start dying, the
body exhibits signs of aging and eventually entire organ system no longer have
enough vital cells to function and the physical body dies.
While the body will be rejuvenated by kaya kalpa, it achieves a
temporary reprieve on the aging process but will continue to age and
deteriorate due to DNA mutation and telomere shortening. It appears to be
possible to perhaps add another 100 years or so to the life using kaya kalpa -
not much progress on the road to immortality.
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