Are Some People "Old Souls"? (ritual, reincarnate, mission)

[Sunstone]

Several friends of mine believe that some people are born "old souls". That is, they are born wiser than some other people, or perhaps born wiser than the average person. Do you think that notion has any merit to it? Have you ever known a very young person who was very wise?

[Hema]

Yes, there are old souls who reincarnate to continue at the level of spiritual advancement they were at from previous births. If it's a young child, he/she might not know the answer to every question you ask but you can see spirituality in them. I once went to a Satsangh (prayer gathering) and everyone was chanting. I saw a little girl about five years old, she was deeply engrossed in the chanting, she was singing and clapping...the expression on her face moved me. I saw on her face what I didn't see on many of the adults around her.

[doppelgänger]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Several friends of mine believe that some people are born "old souls". That is, they are born wiser than some other people, or perhaps born wiser than the average person.

I think heredity probably plays a role in wisdom. It's no guarantee, of course. Throughout life, one's experiences continually affect one's perspective. And certainly being born into a family and community of wise people helps, as this will be the place where one learns who one is and defines one's values.

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Do you think that notion has any merit to it? Have you ever known a very young person who was very wise?

I've met several people here at RF who are wise way "beyond their years." Not meaning to slight anyone by omission, but GeneCosta, Buttons and BFD_Zayl immediately come to mind.

[Terrywoodenpic]

Some people seem to show signs of wisdom at a young age.
Though I do not see the connection with Souls.

Even if some of us do have "second hand " souls ... there is no functional connection between our souls and our conciousness.

I think is is more to do with aptitude.
Some are practical, some are stupid, some are accident prone .... and some are wise.

[Dream Angel]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Several friends of mine believe that some people are born "old souls". That is, they are born wiser than some other people, or perhaps born wiser than the average person. Do you think that notion has any merit to it? Have you ever known a very young person who was very wise?

I agree with the fact that some people are born wiser than others - may have more intelligence than other, learn things quicker. My cousin makes me smile most of the time. She is 4....goes to nursery!

I asked her the other day "Do you like nursery" - "NO!" she said..... me thinking kids dont like school.. but just for the sake of conversation I asked her why? she said "Its too boring, all they do is play, they dont do any sums or anything!" - she is also teaching herself to read and the other day she asked her mum "Why dont cars go backwards when they go up a hill?", "How do lorries see out the back?" I have never met a 4year old who was so curious!

Do you mean "old souls" literally or as a methaphor for that fact they appear to have the knowledge of someone who has already lived?

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Several friends of mine believe that some people are born "old souls". That is, they are born wiser than some other people, or perhaps born wiser than the average person. Do you think that notion has any merit to it? Have you ever known a very young person who was very wise?

The whole idea of "Unity" would tend to discourage such thinking, I would think.

I don't think of "wisdom" as something we are born with, but a perspective on information. Perspectives can be acquired.

[cardero]

Sunstone writes:Several friends of mine believe that some people are born "old souls". That is, they are born wiser than some other people, or perhaps born wiser than the average person. Do you think that notion has any merit to it?

There is good reason to believe that souls have incarnated many times. I would not actually perscribe wisdom to these entities but they do seem to be experienced. Sometimes one can tell who has been here before and sometimes there is even indication of what time period they had visited by examining their likes and interests. Some who are obsessive about the Civil War may not just be taking a knowledgeable interest in the subject. A person who collects and decorates their house with antique Japanese furniture may have more than just a passing fance for this style.

Sunstone writesHave you ever known a very young person who was very wise?

Druidus, definately Druidus.