Reincarnation: Myth or Fact
80Reincarnation is a subject raised for objective discussion. The terms "rebirth", "reborn" and "reincarnated", as well as the varied observations and opinions published here, are for the purpose of academic and philosophical examination.
This article is not in support of any one belief or postulation. It does not assume to be an authoritative point of reference on the given subject. No attempt is made, or implied to support or debunk the topic of reincarnation. Every effort has been made to present an objective overview of the different concepts and theories pertaining to this topic.
The aim of this discussion remains solely to offer a broad perspective to this often misunderstood subject.
1st Documented Case
2nd Documented Case
3rd Documented Case
Reincarnation - Should it Remain a Mystery?
Many people are discouraged and even forbidden to read articles based on reincarnation. Parents, religious leaders and other such persons of authority claim that such knowledge is either unnecessary or untrue. And we are expected to unquestioningly accept these claims on the strength of their seniority and authority.
But how then can a subject be examined and understood if it is never studied or discussed? How can we totally disregard a topic or state an opinion on a topic if we know little or nothing of it? Why is it seen as wrong to research certain topics even from an academic standpoint? Would my quest for knowledge narrow or broaden my perspective on reality?
From what I have read in articles written by historians and researchers, references to reincarnation existed even in the Christian bible. It had been reported that these references were removed from the bible because the Roman Emperor Constantine did not believe in reincarnation. This censorship was reported to have occurred in or around AD 325 at the Council of Nicaea in Constantinople.
But before we go on, please take the time to view these video clips. They are very informative and should serve as an inkling to the subject at hand.
Introduction to the Concept of Reincarnation
This is a controversial subject to many. It cannot be conclusively proven or disproved. And it is for this very reason that this subject cannot be easily discussed or investigated.
The concept of being reborn is widely known to thrive in the East. But my research into this subject has led me to the stark realization it had also existed in the West. Such are the humbling revelations that occur when one uncovers new knowledge.
Whether it is religious doctrine or personal conviction, there are basically three schools of thought with regard to rebirth. This generalization is solely for the purpose of discussion and should not be taken as a rule of thumb.
There are many beliefs and opinions on this subject. For the purpose of clarity and disambiguity, only the major and popular schools of thought are used as examples throughout the course of this discussion.
Explanation by the Dalai Lama
Viewpoint from Meher Baba
Reincarnation as a Rational Consequence
This school of thought maintains that there is a logic that determines what we will be reborn as, as well as determining the circumstances that we will be reborn in. Many have interpreted this to equate to a system of reward and punishment. But nothing can be furthest from the truth.
For example, Buddhist and Hindu texts explain that the physical manifestaions and circumstances that souls are reincarnated into are synonymous with the predominant habits of such souls.
It is believed that both the quality and consistency of our thoughts shall determine who and what we will be reborn as. In other words, our core values shall determine the type of physical and circumstantial manifestation in the next life.
Reincarnation as an Irrational Consequence
This belief is that the soul is reborn to experience every conceivable form and circumstance. From the very basic life forms right up to the highest form of existence, rebirth into each of these forms should be experienced in a full range of circumstances.
Such rebirths would be for the purpose of learning about the entirety of existence through experiencing every facet of life. Many proponents of this belief argue that the principles of good and evil are but two sides of the same coin. Unfortunately, no video clips can be found to represent this concept.
New Age Concept
Reincarnation as a Universal Doctrine
This concept is most evident in New Age teachings where rebirth is considered a fact of life. According to this belief, the soul undergoes rebirth because of its God-like, eternal nature.
New Age proponents state that all religions are but different paths that lead to the same destination. Most New Age proponents believe that heaven and hell both exist on Earth.
Reincarnation - Reward and Punishment
And there is a belief that rebirth is a system of reward and punishment. This means that good people will continue to be reborn as humans in better circumstances while bad people could be reborn as animals or even insects.
This belief is linked to many ancient cultures and religions, most of which have their roots in Asia. This belief also advocates the existence of a heaven and a hell. There is also no video on this belief.
Religious Points of View
The following are video clips of commentaries from the major religions of the world. Once again, I ask for your indulgence and open-mindedness in viewing these video clips. It is always in our best interests to hear all sides of a story before coming to a conclusion.
View from Kabbalah
Jewish View
Christian View
Buddhist View
Hindu View
Cyclic Birth and Death?
From what has been read and heard up to this point, all beliefs and opinions that support the concept of reincarnation concur that the soul is eternal. It has also been observed that the soul is unanimously believed to go through a very lengthy cyclic process of repetitive physical birth and death.
The emphasis on learning from life experiences is also another common denominator. If we were to consider that the only things we could bring with us after death would be our thoughts and our feelings, it would indeed make sense to learn as much as possible. The rationale here is that knowledge would not be wasted in death if there were to be a rebirth.
Some proponents of Rational Reincarnation have stated that the life span of a soul is in excess of 8 million lifetimes. It is claimed that this knowledge comes directly from the Vedas and the Upanishads, the most ancient of Sanskrit texts indigenous to India.
The Positive Implications of Reincarnation
If reincarnation were ever to be accepted as a fact of life, many books would have to be rewritten. Religious organizations across the globe would be compelled to reassess their interpretations and emphases. And even insurance and financial institutions would have to change their policies. Such would be the far-reaching implications.
And what would happen if it were possible to remember all the experiences from our past lives? Would people want to waste their time making the same mistakes all over again? Wouldn't the quest for knowledge merely be a continuation instead of a constant revision? If reincarnation was a fact of life, wouldn't true mastery on any given subject be achievable?
Possible Negative Consequences
Of course, there will always be a downside to even the best philosophies. There could be a rise in the incidence of reckless behavior. The importance and urgency of striving to better oneself could be conveniently pushed forward to a later lifetime. This would especially be so if an irrational concept of reincarnation were to be adopted.
A plethora of problems could arise if ethical deterrents were to suddenly vanish. What would stop people from living recklessly if their thoughts and actions did not determine what and who they would be reborn as? A new age of anarchy and chaos could arise if merit and punishment ceased to be valid considerations.
Recounting Past Life Memories
Research Through Past Life Regression
Past Life Regression is a technique whereby people are induced into a hypnotic trance-like state. They are then guided by a hypnotherapist to search for memories of past lives causing them to remember accurate details of preceding events. Case studies of this branch of research have drawn much public attention and controversy.
What is one to think when seemingly ordinary and trustworthy people can suddenly remember accurate details of events preceding their birth? Are they part of some sort of scam? Could they be spiritually possessed? Is there any truth to all of this?
Highly publicized accounts of people recounting past life memories are but the tip of an enormous iceberg. Numerous case studies across the world have been documented and factually verified. Regardless, the question of authenticity continues to be debated.
Past Life Regression into Future Life
Past Life Regression therapy has also documented cases where people remember having lived past lives in the future. This supports the concept of eternity where the past, present and future are said to exist simultaneously in completeness.
Basically, eternity is postulated to be the state where the nature of any given entity is complete; where past, present and futre properties of its nature are merged and exist at the same time.
Summary
There are babies that are stillborn or born with physical birth defects. There are babies born into undescribable suffering and poverty. And there are babies that shall never live long enough to reach adolescence.
Is it fair that some of us are born to lead healthy lives without physical disabilities? Is it fair that some of us were born to be loved and taken care of? And is it fair that some of us will live to see our golden years?
Regardless of all that has been read, seen and heard thus far, reincarnation can only be experienced and not proven. Inasmuch as there will always be documented evidence to prove its existence, such evidence cannot be conclusively agreed upon.
I therefore leave it to you, the reader to consider the contents of this article and reach your own conclusions. It is hoped that this article will help many to examine this subject from a more informed perspective.
Useful Links to Articles and Video clips on Reincarnation
- Dr. Ian Stevenson's Research
Dr. Ian Stevenson is renowned for his studies with children on the subject of reincarnation. His scientific findings in this area of research can be found in numerous books and articles. Many researchers regard him as the leader in this field. - Other Renowned Researchers and Personal Accounts
In these video clips, people such as Dr. Jim Tucker, Dr. Robert Almeder, Don E. Stevens and many others recount their personal experiences and views on the topic of reincarnation. Some of these people have also authored books on this subject. - Reincarnation - Ego and Soul
Ian Heath presents the subject of Reincarnation from a philosophical point of view. He describes his quest to understand this concept throughout the various stages of his personal development. Many cross-references on this subject can be found here. - Theory of Reincarnation and Paranormal Phenomena
Reincarnation is presented from a point of view that may be regarded as bohemian to many. The website from where this article originates has been known to explore such concepts as sacred geometry,Ha Qabala and the Tarot. - Reincarnation Research Archives
This is Wikipedia's archive on research into the area of reincarnation. This is a list of 14 articles. Research findings, scientific data and personal accounts from various individuals provide a good source of information.
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This is a very well written hub on reincarnation, I am hoping it shows up in the first pages in Google. I personally believe in reincarnation- there is too much evidence to discount the reality of this. We have in the USA, Dr. Brian Weiss who is an expert in reincarnation and wrote "Many Lives, Many Masters", and is a psychiatrist who was introduced to reincarnation, when much to his shock, one of his patients regressed not to a childhood incident, but spontaneously to a past life, and this rocked his world.
Thumbs up!
Wow! This hub sure explains things very well, its a shame we have no real answers to where will all go in our after life and im just as much puzzled as to what or who i was before i was me in relation to the aggression mention! I don't think anyone can be regressed, just as much as not everyone can be hypnotised!,,i may be right in being wrong!
Great hub Terencey)
Reincarnation is part of Indian culture since ages. And from 19th century the scientific element joined to test it out! Questions were raised and till the date rationalists are against this concept!
At the same time there are saints and spiritual personalities, who have mentioned reincarnation as a fact of on going life! I have met persons who have had such experiences and know that this birth has rejoined them with few lost friends from few previous births.
In India, there is a tradition in sainthood and spiritual world that certain kind of souls are get togather during certain time periods when needed to work on this planet for positive changes and so this mystery is little exposed now and so many people are counting this as a fact of life and soul search!
Well, you have really explored the subject with details and put lots of references also. Thanks!
Very intereting Hub. a great read. BTW I have just done a tongue in cheek look at reincarnation if you have the time and want a smile LOL
Wow terenceyap07 a fantastic hub great info here I belive in reincarnation I belive my little girl Amber has been here before and was told by a meduim she was. I have also watched the tv show sightings they have a few stories about this and they were amazing stories as well .
Hiya terence,
I want to come back as ME!:) Im a sucker for punishment! lol
Yes, life is brighter my end! thankyou!:) I hope life and everything is sweet with you!:)
Amber is 3 but she has a mind of her own lol The ones on sightings were a man and a women both had memories of past lifes they new the town the house the people from they past and what they said was all true amazing .
Great hub, Terence. When she was little, one of my daughters announced matter-of-factly that she died of an accidental drug overdose as a teenager in her most previous life. It happened only a year before her birth in this life, meaning she came back quite quickly. Alas, she could never remember the exact date or any other details so we've never been able to verify it, but there's never been any doubt that it was a real memory.
Great Hub, Terence! I believe in reincarnation, too...but not that all information about reincarnation out there is true (i.e. I don't believe that we have been animals and insects), understood or known! I do believe that we are now the accumulation of all of our past and future lives, so that the most important thing for us to do now is to focus on who we are and what we do to serve humanity and make things better and more full of harmony, peace and love.
The Universe is truly a mystery to be sought and unfolded for our own individual understanding. The soul continues to progress and learn. There is an ultimate purpose and plan.
Thanks for propelling us along!
Very insightful hub. Kudos! I also believe in reincarnation. Believe it or not, I do have some recollection of a past life. It's been well over 25 years since that recollection and with the exception of my family and friends, most think I'm crazy when I tell them about it. I know it was not a dream, but an actual glimpse into my past life. It still intrigues me as much today as it did then. The memory is also still as vivid as it was then.
I also believe that those that are closest to us in this life are linked to us in the next as well. I especially believe that soul mates find each other time and time again. They may have different relationships in the next life (i.e., siblings the next time around instead of, let's say, parent/child or husband/wife the last time).
I just wonder if I'll be able to remember a piece of this life in the next one I enter.
I wonder if you will print my comment, so I will leave it. I experience all the time where people on HubPages just delete all comments that they do not agree with, but I am not accusing you of that. I am just floored that every post on here agrees with reincarnation or is ambivalent.
First, I believe that there is no reincarnation. I am a Christian. No Christian can believe in reincarnation. Christians believe in eternal life or the second death. Reincarnation would make a mockery of the Bible. 77% of all Americans claim to be Christians. That is why it seems odd to me that no one has read this and said their faith.
Yes, Buddhists and Hindus do believe in reincarnation. As you point out, we will know in time if my beliefs are correct. If not, maybe the kids were right.
Terenceyap07;
Thank you for the warm reply. Hey thanks for even posting my reply, LOL. You have a wonderful writing style.
I see that you are also a Christian, and I notice that you have not made your opinion of reincarnation known. I am confident that you believe, then, that this is not an acceptable Christian belief. It goes against the core principles of the Bible. To believe in Jesus, who is clear about our after life path, it is not possible to support reincarnation as a possibility at all. That is, of course, why I said that I do not believe in reincarnation.
I hate to appear like the bull in a china closet on this issue, and I suspect that I will be viewed that way. I do not think you will. You are a kind and understanding man, and I appreciate you. I love all people, and I respect everyone's rights to their opinions. I also feel compelled to state the truth of the Bible. So, I am only stating how my faith works in my life through the words of the Bible. I would hate for anyone to hold a false truth, that would lead to another false truth that may have a disastrous outcome.
I appreciate you airing all opinions on this matter. You are right that it is only through friendly dialogue, emphasized by careful listening and study, of great minds that will we have an opportunity to progress through this mess of a world we have today together.
Very interesting hub. I too believe in some sort of "return". In my way of thinking we are all given so many tasks that we have to perform to perfection to understand pure goodness, the better and faster we get them done the less time we spend 'down here'.
I have to cling to this belief as I can't accept that God in his ultimate goodness will let a child be born to suffer or starve etc. Our Souls (for the lack of a better word) learn continually and by our actions we determine how and how often we will be reborn... it gives us all a way to redeem ouselves... all of us will keep on searching for the true meaning of life until we're done and "understand"
Super Hub regards Zsuzsy
Great hub, terenceyap. I finally had the time to read it with the right mindset. Personally I'm still not convinced. Not convinced that reincarnation exists; not convinced that it doesn't. It's an interesting topic and you've been able to present the various views on it in a very clear manner. Compliments!
To be honest, I didn't watch many of the videos, not because of the language being a problem, but my internet connection not being fast enough (I've got a lousy provider, but I forgot to switch provider when I had the chance). However, I found the text, your own work, is very clear and consistent and enjoyed reading that.
You're welcome and please continue too. We're here to learn from eachother
*smiles modestly*
Thanks Terrence for doing all that research. I can now use your hub as a point of reference. I have no doubt reincarnation exists. I've been regressed, not through hypnosis but another form that I won't go into now. It is fascinating to realize there were moments in time that you were different to who you are now, though there is that essence of who you are that exists in all of them. I used to want to convince others about the existence of 'other' spaces, 'other' realms and past lives etc., but it is useless unless it is experienced personally. And even when it is experienced personally there is that level of doubt that exists because of our ordinary minds. It is nice to read your work.
I believe firmly in re-incarnation, as I have experienced past-life memories of my own, most notably life as a barefoot swineherd mediaeval England!
My son, who is now nine, was an early talker and would frequently ask as a toddler when we would be going to our 'real home'. He would be so sad not to be taken there, that he made me sad too. Eventually he told me that the real home was blue, not yellow like the house we live in now, and then he recollected himself, and told me that the blue house had burned down after a big bang. These references to another life gradually petered out as he grew older, and now he doesn't remember them at all.
Your article is certainly comprehensive, and it's good to know that i'm not alone in my beliefs and experiences.
Hi Terrence - this is a very good presentation, setting out the various views as fairly as possible and leaving the reader to mull on them. Nicely done.
great, i too believe in incarnation, there are documented proof all around the proof, so how long we can deny it. great hub really enjoyed it.
Is really interesting reading people's views and in some cases categorizing in terms of beliefs. I have a difficult time in labelling. Not long ago a heated discussion ensued when someone wanted to label me a humanist as opposed to some other ist ending word. Where does one stand when beliefs change according to experience. Is there a term for being and Doer and a Be-er?
Understanding the existence of Reincarnation has it's merits yet in some regard is irrelevant. I was once informed that 'enlightenment' could happen in 5 minutes (I'd love to see that btw). The 'Sins of our Fathers' refers to all that has gone before in regard to being out of our truth. If we have sinned in past lives, we will incur a life that will present challenges in rectifying those sins, this is in the present moment, now. This life is where we will rectify any sin incurred by our fathers'
I loved your comment about - if we knew there were future lives, we would not LIVE this one, and not be the best we could be. How true is that! We would be complacent and lazy. Not that we are not that now! Accordingly I like the concept of spiritual evolution. As such there is the urge or pull if you like to attain higher states in this life in order to transform the astral body - to some that is the soul, depends on which model you use. According to some models the state of Nirvana is different to enlightenment. Enlightenment is being that state of consciousness that knows itself, yet has not dissolved back into a pre-manifested state. Nirvana is that which is dissolved back into that premanifested state. No-body has returned to talk about that one!
Reincarnation is a fascinating subject, I often find that not talking about it keeps our consciousness totally earth bound, or in the realms of materialism. (Not to be confused with commercialism!) Is very limiting to think only of our physical existence and not discuss the spaces we experience in states of meditation for example.
I'm getting carried away here, a little off topic as well. Thanks for letting me rant on your hub!! :D
What an extensive and careful look at this subject. You have done a wonderful job and your patience and kindness in responding to people who disagree with you is inspiring and admirable. I am one of those people who becomes impatient with strongly opinionated Christians who attack my words and point of view--It is one thing to disagree, it is another to call someone else wrong or insist another person adopt your own views. At my workplace there are Christians who come at people very aggressively and judgmentally and I get so weary of it. One nice young man I work with CONSTANTLY hammers at me and everyone else that the world in only 2000 years old because the Bible says so. It's very irritating and insulting, even though I like him when he isn't harping on that. He has no idea that he is being offensive, he thinks it is his job to explain to each and every person he meets that they will burn in hell until they accept his ideas. It is the prevalence of such persons in the area where I live that has made me cranky towards them. I'm only human, I get tired of being hammered at.
Maybe I will be reincarnated as a cat or something for my intolerance. Cats don't like anybody much but there's worse things than being a cat. My cat seems happy.
Anyway, my son had these kinds of memories, and I continue to have them but only in the hours just before sleep, or sometimes just as I awake. My son, who is now 22, had two episodes when he was about 13 in which he spontaneously started speaking a foreign language to his friends. He seemed to be in some kind of trance, and when his friends shook him and he snapped out of it he had no memory of doing it. That happened twice.
Once, when I was about 15, I was having recurring waking visions of running out of a thatched roof cottage in a great panick. I didn't look like me but yet I knew it was me. There was a field of grain across from the cottage and the ocean behind it and the bottom of a steep cliff. My Mom had invited a friend of hers who was a psychic over to our house, and this woman came up to me and said (before me or my mother told her about the visions), "Your mother died in childbirth in Ireland in 1890. You have to let her go. That life is over now." After that the visions stopped.
I thought that was amazingly strange.
Thanks for a great hub.
The belief that a person only has *one* lifetime to "get it right" was started by the Romans as a means to control the masses. They rightly assumed the threat of burning in hell was (and unfortunately still is) a powerful incentive to *not* think for one's self or question "God's word" as spelled out in the Bible.
But reincarnation is the only explanation for memories which only a person who experienced them personally would remember. I often wonder which of the traumatic events in my current lifetime will be the source of "nightmares" or waking visions in a future life!
You know, as someone who came from a Protestant family, yet was sent to two consecutive Catholic Convent schools where we had to attend church a couple of times a week, I am still not convinced by much of the Bible at all. There is too much room for error in the translation into English, as many words did not have an exact translation so a "best effort" was made at the time, for example, "Virgin", (which has impressed so many with the inference that Mary was pregnant without ever having had sexual intercourse), actually in Hebrew meant an unmarried woman, and not a Virgin as we perceive it today.
Another example is the part of the Bible that states "Thou shalt not consort with Spirits", frequently quoted by Christians when bereaved people choose to consult with psychic mediums, when the original text read "Thou shalt not consort with evil spirits", so putting a whole different context on the statement, but a certain King, (I believe it was David) changed the wording because he didn't agree with people talking with any spirits.
One of the main things that put me off being a Christian any more and converted me to Paganism was the fact that certain aspects of Christianity simply "felt morally wrong", especially the veiled threats of what would happen to a soul if in life the person failed to "toe the line". What impressed me about Paganism was that morally it "felt right", and true to my conscience. The love of nature, the environment, treating each and every creature as equal without stating an animal couldn't have a soul, the teachings that stated we are only "tenants" on this planet, with a duty to care for it, and for all it's inhabitants both now and in the future and the fact we should love and appreciate every plant, tree, creature and insect we share this world with, and not think of ourselves as the most important species. All of these things simply felt right to me and converted me to Paganism about 10 years ago, (no regrets).
Without getting too much onto my soap box, I get really frustrated by people who treat the Bible as being 100% accurate, as it has been translated so many times, as well as only eventually being written down hundreds of years after Christ alledgedly died, (remember the game "Chinese Whispers" and how the words often change by the time they have been passed along several times?), plus the point I made earlier about certain words often not having an English translation so a "best guess" was used. Also, can anyone explain dinosaur bones if the world is only 2000 years old please, and apparently began with Adam and Eve?
Reincarnation has been proven again and again with people or children who have given detailed information that they couldn't possibly have known about their former birthplaces and parents, and which upon research have proven to be accurate. It makes so much sense that we are here to learn spiritual lessons that we can advance from and return again to learn further and so progress spiritually. This is one of the reasons I warm towards the Bhuddist teachings and their respect for animals and the planet.
My Husband and I have had many arguments over his belief in Christ and the Bible, versus my belief in Paganism and spirituality. I argue that the Bible is essentially a fairy tale created to control the masses, and that isn't it strange that virtually every religious spiritual leader has the same life story and experiences as Christ (ask "bardofely" our fellow Hubber about that and the wonderful book he lent me by David Icke that quoted all the same various experiences all the major religious icons went through and that are easily researchable as being identical).
Also, isn't it well worth pointing out that virtually every Church has been built on a former Pagan site, and that virtually every Christian religious festival has been "stolen" from a previous Pagan event on the same dates! Apparently the reason this was done was to make it easier to convert Pagans to Christianity as the dates of celebrations would be the same, as would the places of worship.
I don't condemn Christians for their beliefs, as indeed I was one once, but I feel I am now far more informed, and would hope that most Christians simply are not aware of these facts or they would question what they have been taught throughout their lives as I have now done.
Thank you terenceyap07 for the depth of response you have gone to here. I appreciate your time that was taken in this reply. I look forward to many more of your hubs.
o.k what if reincarnation is true but slightly different.what if heaven is another earth on the other side of the universe, what if we die here and we are born again or reicarnated on the other earth?
Very interesting and enjoyable hub, Thanks:)
A very interesting hub, I also enjoyed reading other peoples views about reincarnation.
It has yet to come up that I have read, that reincarnation is not an infinite proposition..I mean there does come a time when a soul has no more chances to do good (only the most evil ones, though, as far as I know).
Also, there are accomplishments in cycles that need to be met. To keep the Universal balance, a certain number of souls must attain a certain level of clearance of karma, and Being love, peace and harmony, to help hold the balance for the other souls on the planet. Others suffer if these certain souls do not met their " timetables" for enlightenment.
It is said that is why there are natural diasters...because the elements of the earth cannot run harmoniously if there are not enough of humanity with a high consciousness to "keep things running smoothly" in the environment. Yes, I said that humanities' state of consciousness determines the state of the natural environment...after all it is of our creation as co-creators with God/Source Energy.
Hi this Brian K Kopp and I love you hub. It is a fasinating subject.
Regards
Terence, thank you for presenting this controversial subject in such a thoughtful and complete way. The information about schools of thought on the subject and the views of other religions was particularly enlightening, because it helped clear up my own foggy understandings of the many things I heard throughout my life about reincarnation. Excellent Hub.
Best regards, Sally
When I was 17 I traveled to visit my sister & brother in law in Vicenza, Italy. My sister was about to give birth to her first child, so I was there to be with her at an important time in her life.
When she could we walked in old Vicenza, and she said they had great gelato in a place she called "The Pigeon Square." I followed her toward an old portal that led from the street to the square, but once I neared the portal I stopped and began to shiver. I was unable to take another step closer.
I saw in my mind German troops firing at people who were screaming as they died. Only later did I discover that an SS squad had killed civilians in the square as they retreated from Italy.
The feeling of cold and death that overcame me is something I could not and still can not explain. Whether I was one of the victims, one of the soldiers, or just aware of such a powerful event by other means is not known to me.
I do not know if reincarnation is real or something we convince ourselves about to make pur passage through life a bit easier. However, I guess one day we will all know for certain.
It is a well written, well arranged, informative, and a great hub covering a complicated subject in a simple way...Good work........
What a wonderful hub! And yet, it's such a controversial subject. The logical mind would say it isn't true - if it were, shouldn't there have been just a fixed number of souls - so how do we explain the population explosion? Or are there souls being 'manufactured' at specific times as well? However, the subconscious would probably tell you that there has to be some kind of truth in it - how else do we explain the incredible sense of deja vu even in totally strange lands? (Lopsang Rhumpa would put it down to astral travelling - could be something there!)
All the old religions and cultures believed in reincarnation - astrology tells us that you need to go through all the twelve signs before your soul is purified enough to enter into its eternal state.
It's a question that has too many answers - or maybe none at all - but your hub sure does raise a lot of soul searching! Thanks!
In response to your response to my last response :D :D
Look up the Hindu concept of the Antakarana, spelling may differ, (the spiritual "web of life"), which is all about how we are all connected at a higher level of consciousness, and affect each other without knowing.
the problem comes to one of people just considering this level of existence. I have found that there are many levels of existence...souls that live at higher more enlightened levels and lower more astral, less enlightened levels on planets that appear and are uninhabital to souls at this level of existence. Like what we would think of as angels and demons, but also souls that have progressed to a more enlightened state or digressed to a more "evil" state, from the human form.
Is that too much to take in? :D
Maybe we're trying to view the vast Infinite through a Finite viewglass. If 'a thousand ages...are like an evening gone'.....maybe souls can cross those light years in a couple of seconds too :)
Do we need to be freed from the shackles of the physical body before we begin to comprehend? Maybe we do!
Maybe, just maybe if we stopped thinking in terms of black and white - or right and wrong - we could open our minds to acceptance - and the myriad shades of not just grey but all the colours in the world.
So maybe we need to shed our shackles of so called 'knowledge' and accept simply as children do. We as adults tend to fear what we can't understand and we pass those fears on to our children. And those fears sadly, very often, lay down the basis for 'facts'.
If only the spirit of enquiry which has been every scientist's guiding light were to operate in what is seen as the 'paranormal' areas of our existence, what worlds await us!
Great Hub - I've studied Mysticism for years and have been blessed with many experiences recalling past lives - there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that it is the truth. The Bible Story of (LOL I forget the name of the chap) who has visions on the top of a hill in a dream of angels and figures ciming and going [to earth] - that story has the hidden (but obvious meaning) of reincarnation. Also the Bible quote - "In my fathers house there are many mansions." Meaning the body is the house of the soul and each soul has many bodies on its journey to enlightenment!
I enjoy your hubs!
Jacob's Ladder? :)
After Brian Weiss shot into the public eye, there have been many who have resorted to past life regression as an answer to certain unexplained phenomena in their lives. The question is: do we have to live with what we've inherited through our own deeds/past lives - or is there enough 'grace' in the universe to set us free?
Gives 'The Force is with you' a new dimension, doesn't it?
Shalini - yes Jacobs ladder - I was thinking about it the shower this morning and logged on to make not - you have beat me to it! Thanks
Thanks....that sounds wonderful...a kind of 'bound yet free' or 'fixed yet fluid'? With choice comes hope, doesn't it?
Wow this hub is commentated. I am a Christian but nowhere do I see how reincarnation would make a mockery of our bible. I remain agnostic about the subject of reincarnation but open to the possibility of it. I just don't think it does us any good to think about it if we have not been gifted with memories from some other life. I believe that to put one's entire faith in it is to cheapen this great gift of life that we have been given and so maybe that is why many Christians spurn the idea. I prefer to live this life as if it were the only one and be in the moment of this life rather spend energy thinking about who I was in the last one or who I may be in the next one. If I had some consciousness from any other life it is not apparent to me, and I'd prefer to keep it that way. This one is enough of a challenge.
Hot Dorkage and Terence - The bible is correct - there is only one life.... but it does not mean that there is only one "lifetime."
Life itself is a continuum. Eternity is found in being completely in tune with and being aware of "the moment."
The eternal NOW =/"IS" ... eternity.
The cosmos is nothing more than a great field of vibrations..... time is our conscious awareness of the changes happening in the field of vibrations around us.
With our physical senses we can experience only the changes that are taking place in our immediate physical surroundings..... but as we achieve greater awareness and become more "in tune" with the ONE..... we achieve enlightened awareness. The Saviour - the Buddha and others talked and written about, achieved a more complete awareness..... meaning their ability to "sense/see ALL within the field of the universe was enhanced.
John 14- vs 10-12 states in my words - [Anyone can achieve the type of awareness the Saviour did. And he clearly says "others will come to do more". I am in the Father and the Father in me - in my words says "I am part of the one field of the universe and a part of the one field of the universe is in me" --- Thus if the father is in me and I'm in the father and the father also is in you - then we are one!]
Reincarnation is our opportunity to have our soul personality grow and in some lifetime we will too reach Nirvana/Enlightenment.
One Life - One Love - One Eternal "NOW."
Oh greater light which dwells in my heart - permit the wee small voice to speak so that I may have light in my life and guidance in my every action!
Love Light and Laughter
Neil
Wow Neil...that bears thinking about - life and lifetime...only one life but many vibrations? Are they linear or are they just nanoseconds apart - on the same plane but in different dimensions? Mind boggling - to think of eternity in a single moment...NOW! Thanks!
Shalini - Time is actually an illusion. When one develops an attunement that overcomes time, all we have is now. When that same attunement overcomes distance all there is is here. In the middle of here and now is the magic of life.
The eternal present!
NOW!
Time is like I said above - it is our conscious awareness of the changes in the vibrations within the field around us.
The Conscious mind can not grasp such a thing - however through practicing deep meditation one can experience glimpses of just what that really is. The deeper ones attunement, the more sense those comments will make!
Funny - science has proven, that all things are in a state of vibration. Atoms and molecules are in constant motion. Sound is a vibration - Light is a vibration.
In the beginning was the word - the ancients had no word for vibration... in the beginning was "vibrations."
Our soul Personality is the aspect of ourselves that lives in the now.... eternally. The purpose of life experiences (reincarnation) is to bring our conscious mind more in tune with our soul personality, which in turn brings our awareness more into "one" with the heavenly father or god or what ever you choose to label it as.
Our soul personality is a part of, and not separate from, the ONE.
God, Cosmic, Universal mind or super conscious mind - what ever you choose to label it as, we are actually talking about the same thing.
Meditation is the key and the common thread that runs through every religious train of thought. It baffles me how so many Christians can read the bible and not see that meditation is more than a word. MANY places in Biblical scripture, the word meditation is used.
Meditation must be practiced in what ever form you choose..... but the results of all variations of meditation is that it calms the mind to bring one more consciously in tune with our inner/higher self.... The soul personality within that is one with God.
Sad that so few Christians actually practice meditation.
It takes lifetimes to develop that attunement. - thank God for reincarnation or we would all fail. LOL
Does any of this connect with a higher understanding for any readers here?
Love Light and Laughter
Neil
I love that - "I am a part of everything, as everything is a part of me". Is that what enlightenment is? It should be!
Terence - you said " I try my very best to avoid biblical references as much as possible because controversy usually arises from its interpretations" LOL - That is the same reason I choose to use references to the bible.
There is no learning for anyone - myself included - if we fail to step out of our comfort zone. Controversy is a means of being shook out of ones comfort zone. I for one enjoy it when I am stretched "outside" my comfort zone.... guess that's why I like to stretch others in a similar fashion.
You said "As is evident, there exists no bridge between the laws of physics and metaphysics." ..... I tend to think that the bridge between physics and metaphysics can not be learned or academically understood.... however I believe it can be "experienced!"
As science expands study into the mystery of vibrations..... developing machines that may some day map all the vibratory patterns found in ALL the material world..... then the bridge between metaphysics and physics may be understandable, yet never known unless one experiences it.
With the passing of each life time through reincarnation, more and more soul personalities are lifted to greater heights of awareness. This increases mans collective vibratory patterns making the second coming of Christ's awareness, something that WILL happen. Just how many "enlightened" souls on planet earth will it take to achieve the "tipping point" to this collective mass shift of awareness, is unknown. But one day, in the twinkle of an eye it will happen!
Love Light and Laughter
Neil
this is just a "What if?"type of question.what if our soul/energy is the source life for the universe?the creator created a universe that is constantly expanding,getting larger by the second.what if there are millions of planets like earth in this reality?WHAT IF when we die our soul/energy is reborn on another planet similar to earth.what if our souls are going from planet to planet in a never ending cycle of death/rebirth/death/rebirth?what if we are being physically reborn at the moment of death on another planet over and over again?
Terence - Experiences of past life memories is not unlike recalling anything from the past in the life you are now living. The key to developing ones ability to achieve ones own experience is three steps.
1- Concentrate - Study and research and focus with intent to "grab" the details and also the concept.
2- Contemplate - Let go of the detail focus and simply ponder the concepts
3- Meditate - To add a comment here you need to know actually what happens when one actually meditates. Hooked up to an EEG machine you will find when one truly meditates the brain waves slow down and approach "sleep state patterns."
Thus once you have concentrated and obtained some facts and details, then also pondered your relationship to the facts and concepts - then you clear your mind... enter the state of meditation with a conscious mind command that the inner mind will reveal the hidden truth to what you have studied/pondered.
All religions speak of meditation but few people actually "practice" it.
It is the practicing of meditation that will bring ones conscious mind in tune with the inner soul personality. That aspect of the one "over soul" as Emmerson spoke of, "is hidden inside mankind."
God can not be found through study.... God can only truly be "experienced."
That sounds a bit off topic for "reincarnation." --- but without the inner development, personal experiences of past life recall, will be less apt to happen.
That being said - some people have already developed that connection to the divine within through past life development, thus they will tell you it just happens in this life.... and it does for many.
The rest of us have to "desire" to connect with that higher self.... and meditation (in any form) is the key!
Now- Personal recall of past lives for me takes place through dreams mostly - but I've experienced memory flashes many times through my life. Interesting to note - my Aunt who is also very much "in tune" with her higher self - one day while I was sitting almost in a meditative state, I had a flash (recall) of a past life.... she was looking at me and laughed as she said she had just had a vision of me as a person I was in a past life - her vision was the SAME person as my flash!
I hope this helps.
All matter is made up of energy...
Energy is neither created or destroyed...
You could postulate that energy just flows...
Our bodies are made of matter thus consequently of energy...
What happens when and after we die lies in the realm of philosophical speculation and stuff that life-philosophies or belief systems explain...
My question...Will we be better off with endless speculation? Hmmm...
What happens between our birth and death matters most...What we do from this day forward...How will we be remembered by those close to us...and what have we done for our fellow man...
I really appreciate the effort with this Hub...
Great post and many more fellow traveler on this road called Life c",
Excellent hub dear friend. Very informative and a real true topic whic many fail to believe.
regards
Dr. Anjesh
I suppose we should take Christ' words seriously when he said: " My house has many mansions." and this one to be sure_ "_No one knows the last days when Jesus shall walk among men."..I do appreciate your scholarship on the subject. Einstein, you know, was in search of "The Unifying theory" which of course would finally explain everything, By this he meant God. We would be co-creators through this theory, and for him and his followers, peeling the layers of enegma away from this mystery would not bring down a lightning strike against mankind but liberate him forever. I am joining your fanclub. You seem to reach back somewhere in your mind and comeup with some very provocative and evocative notions. Thank you for your good work.
very interesting subject matter but personally I totally dissagree. I am not a religious person however i am a spirit filled christian, yes there's a difference. If reincarnation waqs what everyone had to look forward to then this would be a kill or be killed world with nothing to worry about there would be no consequenses for anything cause you could always just start over as somebody new. And it doesn't seem to many people think like that.
I am a spirit filled Christian I have also taken the time to read and understand other beliefs as well and I will not say that reincarnation does not exist as some much as been added and removed from the Holy Bible , what I can say is that many of us Christians or Non-Christians should have open minds , I have found this article very enlightening and quite interesting.
Terence,
Gr8 work in compiling such a informative hub. I have saved your link in my favorites to read whenever I have time since it will take me a while to go through all the videos. Since I am a born Hindu I always believed in reincarnation and find it perfectly logical in explaining: why some people are born in certain under privilleged family or why bad things happen to good people. All these in my belief is due to the particular Karma(both past/present) one gets reincarnation in different bodies until one reaches liberation.
Terence,
I usually like to keep such views to myself since each person is born/raised in different environment. But since you have such a vast knowledge and can answer all the questions about all religions can you elaborate on Liberation and Moksha for others. I tend to keep quiet when my non hindu friends mock me about Karma & Reincarnation. Thanx for your efforts(I am sure educating others will lead to good karma for you) hehe
What I don't understand about people who don't believe in reincarnation, is why they keep coming back.
What people don't realize about reincarnation, is that it means you have to actually give a damn about what happens to this planet, because you're coming back here to live again. It's not as someone commented here, that you dont have to care because you can just come back and start over as someone new.
Whether you reincarnate or not, right action should not be based on consequences
WOW!! This discussion is right on the topic of Karma (As you sow so shall you reap). I also feel GOD gives liberation to a selected few (with their rightful conduct/actions.. good karma)and the rest have to reincarnate until they reach perfection. Just mere acceptance or belief of a certain tenet will not lead to liberation.
Terence I was lured back to your hub again for the third time and came across the comment by Shalini
Do we need to be freed from the shackles of the physical body before we begin to comprehend? Maybe we do!
From my experience there is truth to this statement. When delving into deep states of consciousness so many things become unfathomable. Our cognition of reality comes from our physical perspective. Our ordinary mind is what tries to make sense of states that don't make sense!
What makes reincarnation fathomable is the 'knowing' state. It's an irrefutable experience, which by all accounts the ordinary mind attempts to make bogus. Doubt is such a pain! When a person can state beyond reasonable doubt that a metaphysical experience has an essence of your own self in it and you can feel a sense of self in the experience, it is likely to be a past life experience. there is an Indian saying "If it looks like a duck, if it flies like a duck, and if it quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck."
Yet so many people say they are Cleopatra in a past life - there needs to be a level of discernment in the experience. Many people were incarnated around the period Cleopatra walked the planet. Does not mean everyone was Cleopatra but have recollected imprints from the past. Perhaps they washed her feet. So vision becomes important. Belief comes from experience so it pays to learn how to have the experience.
Our physical standpoint is very limiting. In higher states of consciousness there is no physicalness. The body is a vehicle in which our consciousness resides and this is not difficult to experience. Every night when we sleep most of our consciousness leaves the physical body. Dreams are experienced outside the physical. Astral travelling is outside the physical body. And most of us have no experience of how to recollect our nightly experiences beyond the dreams. Dreams are not all that happen during our nightly journeys. And so if we are unable to do this, how can we expect to have a conscious understanding of levels beyond our physicalness.
The ability to have these experiences is not easy, yet it's very possible and requires a methodical and disciplined approach. Our relaying of these experiences back into a physical environment is not an easy one. Try to explain your journeys within your own space to someone who has not had the same experience - they think you're nuts. Or commonly, just don't get it.
Like the term Enlightenment and Liberation. (This may appeal, or not, to countrywomen) These states can be beyond the understanding of the majority. Liberation so much so because you have to be entirely out of this world(or out of your mind definitely) to experience it. Liberation is a pre-manifested state. Absolutely no physicalness to it. It takes a very very disciplined disciple or initiate to retain cognition of that state.
Walking around on the planet among the uninitiated is close to impossible. (It can be likened to keeping your white shirt white while eating a hamburger with tomato sauce). The thing is if you are in a state of liberation you are not here - paradoxical isn't it. You have gone into a pre-manifested state. (In Christian terms, this a state prior to the separation of the sexes, the Adam & Eve disaster!)Some teachers would say that it's not possible because to be in a premanifested state - you're not coming back here to tell anyone anything!
Enlightenment means different things to different people. It's one of those words that's been spewed out all over the place with little understanding of it's meaning People say it is the same as Liberation. Others say it is consciousness knowing consciousness. This later state is very feasible from the physical standpoint. Even so, you still have to rise way above the ordinary mind to understand it. And it is way beyond having beliefs, it's void of them.
Terence this is a little off your topic, but your topic has taken some into the non-physical realms. I hope you don't mind my rantings.
Belief is what we are born/raised into over a period of time. I have met atheists who don't believe in soul itself(they call consciousness as conscience). I have met others who believe in karma but not reincarnation, and still others who believe in reincarnation but no liberation. Hence each to his own.
Hence I believe in leading a life with least negative karma(don't hurt others by actions or words) makes me feel I would get a better birth(reincarnation) if not liberation(at least not in this life time).
P.S: I have not included Bhagvad Gita quotes as it maybe too much of imposing my beliefs on this audience.
I can't see anything wrong with your belief at all. Anyone who leads a virtuous life will no doubt reap benefits in the physical and non-physical. When I talk about non-belief, what I am saying is have the experience of vision. Using the Third eye (for example) going inward and seeing from there. This is what the gurus of the past have done, hence the esoteric texts including the Bhagvad Gita. I was born and raised into the Catholic tradition. I no longer follow it and have deconstructed those impressions. I have been taught how to use vision via the 10th gate and can combine the knowledge of many traditions in order to navigate through non-physical realms. It is a continuous process of discernment.
Terence - great to see this hub is going great guns!
Jewels - out of the body, going inward - what wonderful lives we lead indeed - if only we were more conscious about outselves. Time was when I read a lot of Lopsang Rhumpa and somehow, the astral travelling made so much sense of the 'deja vu' experiences we have!
Shalini\Jewels,
Astral travelling, third eye and 10th gate .... You guys are really advanced souls. I learnt reiki and also learnt pranayam (not practising any of it though) but still I never had any out of body experiences or any extra ordinary 'deja vu' experiences. I was discussing with my childhood friend on chat and she told me only a true guru can help us learn all that. I have some basic understanding of soul\life's purpose from Bhagvad Gita (taught by parents) but beyond that got caught up in studies, career and all.... Hope to learn. Great hub terence. Good comments by so many advanced souls.
You guys are very kind. I have to tell you I'm not good at the Astral Travelling at all. This part of my initiation is not going well, LOL. It is a discipline and my teacher is very patient! Space travelling though, that is my forte. I can go inward very well, the 'purple space' is normal for me and from there I can go into many realms. But this is without leaving my body.
Shalini, we are indeed fascinating creatures with many talents we have forgotten. I'm being taught how to remember these talents. It certainly makes life more interesting than toast in the morning, 8 hours of work, dinner in the evening, television and sleep!
Reiki & Pranic Healing is basically removing the negative energies and directing positive energy for healing. They are alternative therapies where the seven chakras in the physical/astral body are meant to be in balance&harmony. The astral body is the energy/aura around the physical body which can be photographed using kirlian photography.
Regarding pranayam according to vedas the death of each individual is predetermined by the number of breaths he/she takes in a lifetime. Hence by practise if a single breath can last longer(take a deep breath and hold it for long time, and then slowly release it) then this practice can expand the life to a certain extent. It's better to learn such yogic breathing/meditation techniques through a certified instructor.
Coming to me being a GURU Iam way too lazy, ignorant and unenlightened person to even come anywhere close to being one. Atleast not in this lifetime maybe when I am reincarnated who knows... hehe
I can see inspite of accumulating so much knowledge you are humble or rather since you have knowledge you are humble. In india they say a mighty mountain like himalyas is feeding the great rivers because they are at a lower platform hence recieve the blessings. I agree we can learn from anything and everything around us including trees, birds, animals, and nature (oceans\sun\sky.....) they all are GURU's. You really are a wise man to be so unassuming. I would surely read all your hubs.
Ordinary people think from others this is what I deserve but great people think to others how can I serve. Your humility qualifies you as deserving.
As they say in India: To know that you don't know is the first sign of wisdom. I am glad that I met such a wise person on hubpages.
When I was graduating one of my prof's in Univ said that your real learning is just beginning i., First learning then earning then keep on learning throughout life. I agree each moment in life is a learning experience.
Reincarnation is believable because of the documentary of a boy, I believe in India, who was a reincarnation of a soldier who died. His knowledge of the soldiers life and physical recognition of the soldiers' parents who he never met before, is proof of reincarnation.
I am going to have to spend some time on this hub. After watching video # 1 I am checking my scars for similarities to long deceased powerful kings. I have not found any similarities, but I think I did realize a resemblence to a 14th century cattle brander. You are still my master.
Hi Terence, my apologies for taking 5 days to respond - I've been caught in other duties and just got back to this thread. Let me clarify my viewpoint of Astral Travelling. It is where consciousness leaves the physical body. Two states need to be understood. Being alive and astral travelling. This state is experienced every night when we sleep. Our consciousness leaves the physical world and turns toward astral worlds. The reason I don't use Lucid Dreaming is because dreaming is a phase of our nightly journey. Dreaming is not a constant experience during sleep.
Astral body is the vehicle of the mind (manas in Sanskrit). Our consciousness moves away from the physical arena so as to rest the body. The experience is one of being asleep yet being conscious. Commonly documented are states where you raise out and above or beside the bed. You can see your physical body slumbering and yet you are moving. Some people perceive an outline of a body to travel in. But it is not the physical body travelling - it is still on the bed. Your mind is what is conscious and is what experiences other realms or states. (others will decide that this is lucid dreaming, I choose not to use that term).
When it is time to awaken for another day, our consciousness descends back into our body and up we get for breakfast.
At death the ascent of the astral body is permanent.
Astral Travelling is a term used by Anthroposophists and Rudolph Steiner and I believe the Munroe Institute who have done allot of mapping/study in this field. This was where I first heard about the phenomena and tried to practice it. I recall a few times when I was younger being able to fly around my yard. I know without doubt now that I was astral travelling.
Dreams - they are a whole different layer of consciousness and it is not clear whether are a clear nightly experience or a prophetic teaching, or none of the above. Astral Travelling is explicit in it's clarity of movement through space and being conscious of the ability to go from one to the other and retain consciousness when back in the physical body.
Part of spiritual teachings is to perfect this art of consciousness because the journey of death requires the same discernment of astral spaces.
The 10th gate is what I use to 'see'. It is the device I use to meditate and centre myself and go inward toward these same spaces while being fully conscious.
Migration of the Soul, I assume this is referring to the soul's journey after death? I have the privelege of helping my own father in this journey as we speak. I was able to feel his presence just after his death. For several days it was very strong. I am now reading from the Book of the Dead and getting a sense of where he is. This is a fascinating process. Understanding that not all astral spaces are filled with angelic presence, the more one can be guided toward higher realms of light the better.
iksnorwoks says:
"very interesting subject matter but personally I totally dissagree. I am not a religious person however i am a spirit filled christian, yes there's a difference. If reincarnation waqs what everyone had to look forward to then this would be a kill or be killed world with nothing to worry about there would be no consequenses for anything cause you could always just start over as somebody new. And it doesn't seem to many people think like that."
This doesn't really stack up if you take the cycle of spiritual evolution as a model. As in life, like attracts like and so in death like attracts like. Play in the mud you get covered in dirt. Consciousness is the transient part of our being.
You don't necessarily start over as new - you pick up where you left off and that makes the cycle a whole different ball game.
Reincarnation is not what we have to look forward to, it is a process. The cycle of life and death exists as a result of the Fall (as so written) so we can experience ourselves as separate from the divine and then reunite with it when we have stopped being upset about it! (That's my simple understanding) :D
I think I have mentioned this in previous hubs and discussions, that an initiate, (one who spends his/her life practicing meditation and self awareness), learns to navigate in astral spaces in readiness for the afterlife journey. Because consciousness is transient, it pays to be able to see where to navigate so as to not get stuck in low level states. The ability to go into pure spaces is paramount.
Terence,
You really are a positive person. You even disagree agreebly. It would take me miles to reach your ability to say "smiles" always.
I noted the crystal and took it as a compliment :D
And your comments are noted wholeheartedly in relation to sharing opinions and experiences. One of the main principles my teacher passes is not to have belief, have experience. So open mindedness is paramount. Also knowledge is drawn from many traditions both East and West, inclusive of Christianity of course.
I was addressing mainly the statement about not trying in this life if there was reincarnation, cause you could start afresh. If you could start afresh then why so many hangups caused by past lives? These 'issues' or traumas if not dealt with will go with you until they are resolved. Hence the evolution of the soul.
What is a constant experience and is portrayed in film and literature, is those souls that are stuck. Purgatory is like that stuck place where you are neither in hell or in heaven - I use those terms to differentiate between a lesser and greater space of divinity or enlightenment or awareness. I use these terms loosely because not all is uniform between religious traditions.
People with non-physical vision are able to see/feel/perceive this level quite easily. And seeing the distress of some of these souls certainly encourages living a more virtuous life.
In regard to transformation from a Christian perspective, I read a book this year called Putting on the Mind of Christ. I read it because of its reference to the Dark Night of the Soul which is a period that many go through when on an inner quest. I found it refreshing to here a person from a Christian background experiencing similar to what I had.
Terence -- Double wow on what a great hub! It was the first one I read this morning coming back to hubpages and one that I'll return to as I continue to think upon the subject of reincarnation.
Most profound (I thought) were your questions: "But how then can a subject be examined and understood if it is never studied or discussed? How can we totally disregard a topic or state an opinion on a topic if we know little or nothing of it? Why is it seen as wrong to research certain topics even from an academic standpoint? Would my quest for knowledge narrow or broaden my perspective on reality?"
It always amazes me that so many people have very strong beliefs that they have not examined and not explored as to the alternatives. It also amazes me that many others do not have open and questioning minds.
I won't touch on my own reincarnation beliefs or premises, as they are embedded into some of my own hubs -- however I will be giving this hub a good bit of thought for some time to come. This is the kind of hub that inspires!
Hi Terrence,
I just had to comment here when reading something you wrote. You say you read somewhere that experience is the closest one can ever get to knowing the truth.
The wording of that statement intrigues me. While it's almost true as it is, it implies that absolute truth is unknowable. The fact of the matter is that absolute truth is knowable only by experience.
Hermes, or Thoth as he was known in Egypt, states in one of his books that the like is only understood by the like. To understand God, you must become God.
This experience of God is the only truth, and everything else is a created reality.
Whether one talks about astral projection, reincarnation, karma and so on as "the truth" or not, they remain created realities. Perhaps it's because they are outside of our physical senses that people regard them as something to be believed or not. It's also a bit sad to see some of us judging others on the basis of a belief.
I do however think that reincarnation is making a comeback (Pardon the pun) as a result of many new spiritual movements and therapies. Obviously this is mostly in the western world. If only we could move more speedily away from the dogma of the past and into a new world where the true bliss of our infinite nature becomes an accepted everyday reality
Terence you said "I agree with your point about starting afresh wherever possible. To some, purgatory is a place of isolation and torment. To others, purgatory is a place of deep reflection and meditation on past mistakes. And to yet others, purgatory is a waiting area for the "rapture"
Starting afresh - this is the thing. It's not like you can have this life, do everything within it as if there were no consequences, then die and have another life as if the previous one didn't matter. This what I was addressing, it's not like you can be flippant/non caring about your actions because it does matter. So having the attitude "Oh well I can just fix it up in the next life." Because with this attitude the sins of the past ('sins of our fathers') becomes overbearing and much more difficult to overcome in future lives. And even though it's possible to start afresh, like making the next moment in time count and be virtuous, one usually has to take the anchor from our leg in order to walk more freely. The scars from the past (the anchor) can keep us repeating the same actions. So transformation is paramount and it can take lifetimes to get rid of the anchor.
In order to see the rapture one needs to be conscious of it's existence and if weighed down with an anchor it can be difficult to recognize.
I really enjoyed this hub and the discussion it spawned. There are some very wise and inspiring people in this community!
Thank you, Terence, for collecting all this information and presenting it in such a compelling format. Countrywomen left a comment on one of my hubs suggesting that I should read this because it's a topic of great interest and importance to me.
I see that you plan on conducting more research in this area, and if you haven't already, I highly recommend reading Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls by Michael Newton. Dr. Newton is a hypnotherapist who didn't believe in reincarnation until he accidentally regressed a patient into a past life while trying to identify the root cause of a chronic pain in his abdomen (he had been stabbed to death).
When Dr. Newton started to bring the patient out of hypnosis, the patient asked to remain there a little longer, so he could be with his wife until his spirit guide came to lead him away. Based on this experience, Newton began regressing his patients to the point of death, and then chronicled their experiences between death and rebirth.
The journey is truly fascinating and the stories are told with such clarity and detail that I never questioned their authenticity, and I consider myself to be a fairly discerning person who doesn't blindly accept things as true (I was raised as a Catholic and attending Catholic school, but the teachings about heaven and hell never "stuck"). Both books discuss many of the concepts presented here, including soul groups, spirit guides, and the factors that influence the life experiences we choose. The second book goes into more detail about different levels of advancement and life reviews. Both books are entirely fascinating and have fundamentally changed my views on life and death. I no longer fear death because I realize it's an essential part of our soul's journey, yet I live each day to the fullest because I recognize that each lifetime is a gift that we chose for ourselves to support our soul's evolution.
Thank you again for writing this! I look forward to more great hubs. :)
Terence, thank you for this wonderful discussion.
One thing I find interesting are those from a Christian perspective that are quick to deny reincarnation is compatible with their religion -- and yet most of them would admit that, in the Jewish scriptures, Elijah never died and it was prophesied he would come here again; as Heaven is not a physical location inside the universe, Elijah is not sitting around with his physical, 3 dimensional body; which means that when he comes here again, he will have to take on a new body - i.e. re-incarnate, which is what the word means, to take on a new body.
Add to this that Jesus, in the Christian scriptures, told some of his apostles that John the Baptist *was* Elijah, come the second time. That is, he said John the Baptist was a reincarnation of Elijah.
And technically, for orthodox Christians, when Jesus died and was resurrected from the grave, he took on a new body -- was re-incarnated (unlike Lazarus, for example, who was raised from the dead in his own original body). It is not a wholly foreign concept in Christian theology, just one that is conveniently overlooked because complex.
Until about 14 years ago, I had no real belief that reincarnation was possible, in spite of more than one coincidental occurence growing up in which I met people who were not "strangers" to me, though I'd never encountered them before.
14 years ago, late one night, I was out walking alone and wondering about why I am here -- I do odd things like this, in all seriousness; I am a philosopher. I was in the midst of a sort of crisis. As I said, this was very late at night -- I was in grad school working on a PhD at the time, I knew no one in this town, I was isolated. Out of nowhere came this woman -- she frightened me; no one walked around in this area of town at night, especially not women. She walked right up to me (which really worried me) and said, for no reason whatsoever: "You have a very old soul. You have been here many times, and you chose to come back this time because there is something you must do. You must find out what it is -- it's why you're here." Then she said goodnight and left -- and I was shocked and amazed. I didn't believe her, I thought she was some disturbed person.
But as the years have gone by, I think about that night very often -- it led me to start asking the question, seriously, "What is it are you supposed to accomplish?" And every time I am presented with something that seems as if it needs to be done and I can do it, I wonder, "Is this it?" And usually I try to do something to contribute to helping or making right whatever bothers me -- and if I don't, it weighs on me.
The idea has made me a better person than I'd have been otherwise. It hasn't made me perfect (hardly) and I wouldn't even say good (I don't see myself as a good person), just *better* and more aware of responsibilities and abilities than I would have been without that stranger asking me to consider: What if I have been here before and I chose to return to DO something?
Even if it isn't literally true, even if I cannot prove it scientifically, even if I don't talk about it often -- it has been beneficial both to me and others whom I encounter to play a game of "what if": What if this were true? It certainly has not been harmful to do this, nor has it decreased my beliefs about God -- perhaps it has strengthened them.
Thank you for opening up this topic. I hope others read it and consider it seriosuly from all angles and meditate on it a bit before simply making up their minds.
I read this the other day but didn't leave a comment. only today I found out that I could leave comments. hahaha. I believe that I was born before, but I can't prove it. people think it's strange that I know stuff when I shouldn't. but I know stuff. no doubt about that.
Terence- Fascinating subject! I wasn't able to read the whole piece, it's very long, but I liked what I read and watched the the first video.
I do not know whether I believe in reincarnation or not, but my mother does and is convinced I am reincarnated from Medeival Times. Her reason for believing this, I must admit, is valid... and I can offer no other explination. When ever I see a castle, or even a building which is castle-like (even university buildings set it off), whether inside or out, I get an overwhelming feeling of "home," and if I'm IN such a building, feelings of tranquility, familiarity and comfort are so strong I do not want to leave.
I AM fascinated with the era and with castles, swords, the history, etc. I don't know if these feelings are a residual affect of that fascination... or if the fascination is a residual affect of reincarnation!
Either way, it's fun to think about and marvel over...
A theory I've heard regarding reincarnation says that we experience karma this life for the doings, good and/or bad, of a past life, and the same regarding future lives. Some would call it an eventual "heaven." This would certainly be something to keep in mind... especially for those looking to exploit reincarnation.
Topic, presentation and interest evoked among the readers are good evidences to prove that justice has been done as a good writer with this article. great work. Congrats.
Prem
I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus, and a believer in the Bible. It's my belief that there is no reincarnation. The Bible says that to be absent from the body (dead) is to be present with the Lord (a believer's spirit is now in heaven). I like the concept of recycling our trash to keep reusing our resources rather than burying our trash in a landfill. I don't think God, who created us in His image, would recycle our souls in another body.
Have you ever had a dream during your sleep that seemed very real? I have. When I woke up I thought it had really happened. Is it possible that someone could experience something without it really happening?
When I visited my college for the first time ever before enrolling I sensed that I felt at home. I recognized parts of the campus I had never seen before. I decided to attend there partly based on those feelings. I do not think I have been reincarnated. I think that was a way that God was speaking to me to guide me.
I believe we will all know much more about this after we die. People come from different points of view. We see the same 'evidence' but interpret it differently. Much progress has been made in the human race because people think differently.
Imagine three pools of water, one very cold, one very hot, and one in the middle. If you and I get into the hot and cold pools for a while then together go into the third pool we will experience very different feelings in the same place. If we had been cold we will now feel hot. If we had been hot we will now feel cold. Who is right and who is wrong? Our perception of reality is limited. Whatever you believe about God, incarnation, etc., is based on faith and your perception of your experiences. You cannot prove anything. If you could prove it, it would be fact, not faith.
I have been through past life regression when I was in my 20's , it was very interesting as sometimes things cannot be explained and what is amazing these regressions are not from movie scenes, they are deep in your conscious. :)
I do not believe in reincarnation. I did not however read all comments just few. I believe one God not multiple gods. I do not recognize any religion including Christians. I am biblical believer. The religion is man’s opinion about everything. They are all wrong. Multitude of them, confirm my statement. Not all religion are right.
Our God Elohim is Awesome God. I also have plenty of experience with Him and His reality.
There is fact that more we know we are not better. After Adam sin, he descended from level of revelation to level of self-knowledge and reasoning. He diminished himself from God’s glory. New Age did not freed people from wrong and sin. New age is only modification of eastern religion to the condition of modern America.
God gave us RNA and DNA for specific reason. The same there is spiritual DNA. It is registered in His kingdom. Because we always change, there is record DNA who really we are. We are unique and loved.
Another point is that people never learn from bad experiences, or maybe few. If we learn even from the history, history would not repeat itself.
I do not need reincarnation to learn. God's Word is sufficient to know what is needed to know.
Information from past is from demonic activity. They are spirits with communications ability. It is not special gift of course. It is because they live in spirit realm, not in space and time. Those spirits listen to command if they are approached with authority of believer.
Otherwise I thank you for your work.
All religions except "True" Hindus are not aware of Reincarnation. Belief and non belief is a rather absurd term used to expose the ignorance. So when somebody says I don't believe or Believe have no idea about the subject. The subject in question here is Reincarnation.
The Verse from Bhagavadgita states "The soul can never be destroyed burnt smashed or caught. It Exists, will exist, has no beginning and has NO end either.
Visit my Blog to read more about Proof of Reincarnation. Click the link on my name.
I have read the book by Trutz Hardo where he has followed the works of the popular Ian Stevenson.
For the past few months, I have been wondering whether or not reincarnation is Truth. Weeks ago, Jesus visited me, and I now know the answer. Reincarnation is a false path, and I'm now at peace. God bless.
Thank you for a very informative hub on reincarnation. I am always looking for answers, and when I look at religions, none of them answer my questions in any kind of fulfilling way. I have always believed in reincarnation, and now my husband & I are taking courses in Metaphysics. I feel like I have come home when I am with those people. We are all spiritual beings having a human experience. I am learning so much, and it just makes sense to me that anyone who is important in my life now, was probably in my life in some other role in a different life. Plus I believe that we are living in different timelines as well. I was hoping to write a hub about reincarnation too, and more of the topics that come up in my Metaphysics group. I am meditating, and reading on how to get past life readings. I have some control issues, and am afraid to be hypnotized, but read that certain people can read without doing that. I read tarot and have psychic visions when I am awake, usually about upsetting things that will happen soon, so am doing lots of inner work and journaling. Great hub and so much info! Jean
Hi Terence,
A great Hub.I am a believer in the theory of Re-Incarnation or may be it interests me.
If I am allowed to share something 'papranormal' even thoug not strictly on Re-Incarnation i would feel greatly honoured- I seek your permission.
regards
Thanks Terence.
I am sharing something that happened to me.
This goes back to the late 1980's. at a place called Sitapur (A city in Uttar Pradesh - India)
I was sitting in a government office when an 'Aunghur' (A person who ostensibly works with the spirits of the dead)walked in the office. The 'Aunghur' was clad in just a black cloth wrapped around his waist and a garland of bones around the neck.He was carrying a cloth bag on his shoulders.
He was going to each desk (in the government office) asking for donations for a temple. He reached the desk of the officer where I was seated.
The 'Aunghur' looked at me and asked me to open my palm.He pulled out a white flower from the sack around his shoulder and tore out a small petal from it and placed it in my palm.He did not touch my palm. He asked me to close my palm - take it to my forehead and open it.
To my utmost surprise the white flower petal had turned into a clove ('Laung' - in hindi)- the clove was slightly rubbery and dark brown in colour.(Not the kind we get from the grocer- (Black and dry). I was later on told by people that a freshly picked clove would be Dark Brown and Rubbery.
This was not all- The Aunghur then chipped a small piece of bone from the garland using his teeth and placed it in my palm and asked me to close my palm - take it to my forehead and open it- the piece of bone had turned itself into a small white sea shell.
I do not know how this happened and it is certainly not normal.This incident makes me believe that there are organisms existing in the environement which we cannot see or feel. (Scientists could research and the Mystic could probably explain)
Thanks! Terence your hub and has given me a chance to share this.
Rahul
Reincarnation is real, and I have lived many lives. To avoid further prosecution, I must wait till the time is right to reveal myself.
in this article I can only find one sided support u r only supporting reincartion is true I cant find ur research fot the myth in reincarnation many scientist gave only theories as we know theories r not facts...
in this age crime is rising nd population is too rising so is that possiblle cause u say if we do crime on next life we will not become humans but unhuman creature
...
Truehuman
This is not to offend you, but yes let me take the liberty of apprising you that researches have been and are still being conducted in the Western World on 'Re-incarnation'.
The subject is still grey and a lot of questions need to be answered before one comes out with a definitive YES or NO to this.
I personally do believe that Re-incarnation is not a myth.
Rahul


















































mistyhorizon2003 Level 7 Commenter 3 years ago
Great Hub, Personally I do believe in reincarnation as a means for us to spiritually advance by learning from the experiences we go through in each lifetime.