Well yes - the whole point is to learn the lessons this planet has to offer - I think most put 'Love/compassion' as the number one item to learn.

Then once you've acheived that hurdle, you can always choose to come back and help your fellow souls out or go on to some other level or learning in the universe - I don't think Nirvana = oblivion. I have had a few personal experiences of what might be termed bliss or oneness with the universe or that 'nirvana' consciousness - we're all just a small part of the big whole (but an important small part).

I will admit that studying science can mess with your head when it comes to matters of this nature.

Canie