Reincarnation: An Exploration of Belief and Notable Proponents
- Natural Healing
- June 21, 2024
- 1 Comment
- 8 minutes read
Reincarnation, the concept that the soul or spirit can begin a new life in a new body after biological death, is a belief found in various forms across multiple cultures and religions. This belief asserts that life does not end with death but continues through a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Over the centuries, many prominent figures have supported or believed in reincarnation, influencing both popular and academic discourse on the topic.
Historical Roots of Reincarnation
The concept of reincarnation is ancient, with roots in various spiritual and religious traditions. In Hinduism, it is a fundamental belief intertwined with the ideas of karma (the sum of a person’s actions) and dharma (cosmic law and order). Buddhism also embraces reincarnation, particularly the notion of rebirth, where one’s actions in previous lives influence their future existences. Jainism, another ancient Indian religion, similarly upholds the cycle of rebirth and emphasizes liberation from this cycle as a key spiritual goal.
In Western thought, reincarnation appears in the philosophies of the ancient Greeks. Pythagoras, an early Greek philosopher and mathematician, believed in the transmigration of souls. Plato, another key figure, described reincarnation in his dialogues, suggesting that the soul is immortal and experiences multiple lifetimes.
Prominent Figures Supporting Reincarnation
- Plato (c 428/427-348/347 BCE) In his dialogue “Phaedrus,” Plato discusses the soul’s immortality and its journey through multiple lives. He believed that knowledge is a form of recollection from past lives, indicating his acceptance of reincarnation.
- Socrates (469-399 BCE) Plato’s mentor, stated “I am confident that there truly is such a thing as living again, that the living spring from the dead, and that the souls of the dead are in existence.” (1)
- Pythagoras (c 570-490 BCE) The ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras, is often associated with the concept of metempsychosis, which is the belief in the transmigration of souls. According to this doctrine, the soul is immortal and, upon the death of the body, it moves into a new body.
- Ian Stevenson M.D. (1918-2007) was a psychiatrist at the University of Virginia who spent decades investigating reports of children who claimed to remember past lives. He documented thousands of cases in his extensive research, focusing on the verifiable details of these children’s past life memories. His work is compiled in several books, such as “Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation.” Stevenson stated: “Reincarnation, at least as I conceive it, does not nullify what we know about evolution and genetics. It suggests, however, that there may be two streams of evolution – the biological one and a personal one – and that during terrestrial lives these streams may interact.” (2)
- Jim Tucker M.D. (1960-present) A colleague of Ian Stevenson, Tucker is a child psychiatrist who continues Stevenson’s work at the University of Virginia. He has authored books like “Life Before Life” and “Return to Life,” where he discusses cases of children who remember past lives and presents evidence he believes supports reincarnation.
- Satwant Pasricha Ph.D. (1952-present) An Indian psychologist who has collaborated with Ian Stevenson and conducted extensive research on past life memories in children in India. Her studies contribute to the cross-cultural understanding of these phenomena.
- Brian Weiss M.D. (1944-present) is a psychiatrist and hypnotherapist who became widely known for his work with past life regression therapy. His book “Many Lives, Many Masters” recounts his experiences with a patient whose recollections of past lives led him to believe in reincarnation.
- Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) often referred to as the “Sleeping Prophet,” was an American clairvoyant who provided thousands of psychic readings while in a trance state. Many of his readings dealt with reincarnation, emphasizing past lives and karmic influences on present circumstances. Cayce’s readings suggested that understanding one’s past lives could help address current life challenges and foster spiritual growth. For more information on Edgar Cayce, read the article “Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet.”
- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, expressed a belief in reincarnation in his quote “Finding myself to exist in the world, I believe I shall, in some shape or other, always exist.” (3) Franklin also stated, “I look upon death to be as necessary to the constitution as sleep. We shall rise refreshed in the morning.” (4)
- Voltaire (1694-1778) the French Enlightenment writer and philosopher, also showed interest in the concept of reincarnation. He is often quoted as saying, “It is not more surprising to be born twice than once; everything in nature is resurrection.” (5)
- Henry Ford (1863-1947), The founder of Ford Motor Company, was a strong believer in reincarnation. He was quoted in the San Francisco Examiner in 1928 saying: “I adopted the theory of reincarnation when I was twenty-six. Genius is experience. Some think to seem that it is a gift or talent, but it is the fruit of long experience in many lives.” (6)
- George Harrison (1943-2001) the lead guitarist of The Beatles, believed in reincarnation; he once said, “Friends are all souls that we’ve known in other lives. We’re drawn to each other. Even if I have only known them a day, it doesn’t matter. I’m not going to wait till I have known them for two years, because anyway, we must have met somewhere before, you know.” (7)
- General George S. Patton (1885-1945), The famous American General during World War II, George S. Patton, believed he had lived past lives as various military figures throughout history. His convictions influenced his decisions and leadership style. The following is an excerpt from his poem “Through a Glass Darkly.” “So as through a glass and darkly, the age-long strife I see, where I fought in many guises, many names, but always me.” (8)
Reincarnation in Contemporary Culture
Reincarnation continues to be a topic of fascination and debate in contemporary culture. It features in literature, film, and popular media, often explored as a means of understanding personal identity and spiritual growth. Many modern spiritual movements and New Age philosophies incorporate reincarnation as a key element, promoting the idea that individuals can learn from past lives to improve their current and future existences.
In summary, reincarnation is a belief that transcends cultural and historical boundaries, captivating the minds of philosophers, scientists, and artists alike. The enduring fascination with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth reflects a universal human desire to understand the mysteries of existence and the continuity of the soul. Whether viewed through the lens of ancient traditions or modern interpretations, reincarnation remains a profound and influential concept in the quest for spiritual enlightenment.
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[…] Reincarnation Research: Researchers like Dr. Ian Stevenson (1) and Dr. Jim Tucker from the University of Virginia have collected cases of children who claim to remember previous lives. Following the analysis of over 2,500 cases, the university’s Division of Perceptual Studies published the case specifications and kept them on file. In numerous cases, the children’s disclosures have been confirmed and linked to a specific, deceased person. While there is no indisputable proof of reincarnation in these cases, there is evidence to support its reality. (2) Read “Life Before Life.” by Jim Tucker, M.D., to learn more about the university’s investigation into these cases. For more information on reincarnation, read my article, “Reincarnation: An Exploration of Belief and Notable Proponents.” […]