What determines the kind of body we get in our next life? Is it possible to be born as something other than a human?

The teachings in Chapter 8 assert that the form one takes in a future life is determined by one's actions (karma) and accumulated wisdom from the present life. It is not at all guaranteed that one will be reborn as a human. The text explicitly states that as is 'the soul’s store of knowledge, so is its birth,' a principle affirmed by the Vedas. It warns against the foolishness of postponing spiritual efforts to a 'next birth,' as there is 'no certainty that this same form will return.' Depending on their deeds, some may regress significantly. For instance, those with very negative karma might move from the animal kingdom back to the 'stationary (plants/stones) state.' Therefore, the type of body one receives is a direct consequence of one's performance of deeds and earned knowledge.