What does reincarnation mean? This is an age old question often
discussed, and often considered by the world's greatest minds,
and most of the world's religions.
The meaning of Reincarnation
Simply put, reincarnation means the rebirth of the soul in
another (new) body. Reincarnation (from the Latin meaning the
taking on of flesh again) is the occupation by the immortal soul
of a new body after the death of the former body.
Reincarnation & Hinduism
Hinduism has reincarnation as a basic tenet of their belief, and
espouse that the human spirit returns to this life again and
again as it strives for perfection.
The idea that the soul reincarnates is intricately linked to the
principle of karma (see below).Hinduism teaches that individual
souls, known as jivaatmas pass from one plane of existence to
another, and carry with them samskaras (impressions) from former
states of being.
These karmic memories (like data on a hard disc) on the soul are
taken to the next life and result in a causally-determined state
of being.
In Hinduism and other religions, liberation from samsara, or the
cycle of death and rebirth, is considered the ultimate goal of
our earthly existence. This liberation is known as Moksha, and
once reached, the soul ceases to reincarnate.
Karma
Activity that has become destiny is Karma.
This means Karma can be considered the total effect of a
person's actions and conduct during the successive phases of
that person's existence, regarded as determining the person's
destiny.
Actually, there are three types of karma:
Sanchita karma, or the sum total of past karmas yet to be
resolved; then prarabdha karma, that portion of sanchita karma
that is to be experienced in this life; and kriyamana karma, the
karma that humans are currently creating and will bear fruit in
the future.
Other Religions & Reincarnation
The principle of reincarnation is found in almost all religions
of the world. It was a prominent feature of Christianity until
about the 6th century.
An early Church father, Origen was an adherent of reincarnation.
Origen taught the pre-existence of the soul -- the concept that
the human soul existed already before birth. "The soul has
neither beginning nor end... [They] come into this world
strengthened by the victories or weakened by the defeats of
their previous lives" (De Principiis). The Bible also still has
many direct references to reincarnation (Mt 11:14 and 17:12f and
John 9,1 ff, ie.) . Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the
returning prophet Elijah in Matthews 11:14. In the Old
Testament, , David writes in Psalms 51:5 (NIV) 'Surely I was
sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.'
The universal acceptance of reincarnation
Reincarnation is prominent in Judaism and the Kabala (gilgul,
Ibbur). In fact, in all oriental religions such as Buddhism.
Jainism, and Zoroastrianism, reincarnation forms a basic
building block of their sacred texts.
In ancient times, Classical Greek Philosophy (especially with
Pythagoras) and as part of the Elysian Mysteries, reincarnation
was a central theme akin to the Hindu thought.
In fact, reincarnation, when viewed in broad terms, appears a
universally accepted fact of our lives.
But if we lived before, why can't we remember it?
In literature as well as religious thought, the major objection
to the principle of reincarnation is that people cannot recall
having lived before.
A simple answer to that (taken from Swami Vivekananda) is that
we do not recall our infancy; yet it existed. Also, there are
many books and therapists today that can assist one in
remembering a past life.
Taken simply, there is a universal belief that we are all rays
out of the divine, and having ourselves the divine quality of
free will, we have experienced life in its many forms.
When we contravened the natural rules, we created karma, and
until those contraventions are corrected, and realized, we are
obliged to incarnate again and again.
About the author:
For more on reincarnation & other alternative thought, please
visit our website:
Overcoming Difficult People - Alan Tutt Overcoming Difficult People by Alan Tutt http://www.KeysToPower.com Everywhere I turn lately, I find information to help deal with difficult people. My biggest reaction to all of it is this, why just deal with them when you can completely overcome...
Be My Valentine - Hege Crowton February has long been known as the month of romance and the
14th of this month is when people celebrate and confess their
love for that special someone in their life. Unlike other
holidays, Valentines Day is actually celebrated throughout...
The belief system - Lynn Claridge The belief system is there to show the possibility that there is something great out there, whether it is the Great Spirit, Godly forces, Goddess of energy or unconditional love of the highest power.
Your own personal religion or beliefs are...
Who are you? - Mark Claridge I have a question for you. Who are you? This may be a simply enough question but before you attempt to answer this question let us go on a voyage of personal self discovery which will allow you to find an acceptable answer. The difference between...
How To Choose The Right Music For Your Wedding - Mark Freeman The great American wedding has come a long way over the years. In a society that is made up of people from so many different cultures, lifestyles, religions, and backgrounds, it is no surprise that the traditions in the wedding ceremony are as...
