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Do you believe in reincarnation?

Do you believe in reincarnation?

  • Yes

    Votes: 14 42.4%
  • No

    Votes: 11 33.3%
  • What are you talking about?

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Not sure

    Votes: 8 24.2%

  • Total voters
    33

Ana.J

Active Member
Multiple? Try millions upon millions of times...
I do have fragment "memories", but they aren't really memories, per se, as reincarnation is not a linear or straight line event. It's more like hopscotch or perhaps an extremely complex form of 3D chess.
Evidently. :)
Most human animals would be quite surprised what they can incarnate as when they put their mind to it - pun intended... :D
We incarnate because we are incredibly curious creatures and the physical environment lends itself to a virtually unlimited field of exploration.

Note: My version of reincarnation is not like anything you will find in any book. One main difference in my weird view is that all incarnations exist simultaneously. In this respect there is no "past" nor are there "future" lives as all lives exist in their own timeline, independent of the other, here and now. What needs to be understood is that the one who incarnates is not the "you" that you are familiar with. "You" are the autonomous result of your larger identity's wish to express itself in a unique way AS you. The same is true for all "your" incarnations.

Another major difference in my warped view is that the incarnation process is not a process leading to some imagined nirvanic perfection. The only real reason is to learn in a remarkably fluid environment in ways that are quite impossible to the relatively unencumbered "larger identity" to otherwise experience. In a very real way, the larger identity hobbles itself by selecting from a vast array of circumstances traits and features that are of interest to it, for whatever reason, and it then empowers the focus self (you) to explore those circumstances and features in a very practical "what if" experiment. What is known as karma has no bearing, whatsoever, on this process as one aspect of the larger identity is not at the mercy of the actions of any other aspect of the larger identity.

You know, I was thinking about the growth of population in the context of reincarnation. If we reincarnate for millions of years....like since the beginning of the world where there were a few thousand of people...who create the new souls?
 

beenherebeforeagain

Rogue Animist
Premium Member
You know, I was thinking about the growth of population in the context of reincarnation. If we reincarnate for millions of years....like since the beginning of the world where there were a few thousand of people...who create the new souls?
A friend of my once suggested that the reason for life on Earth is to create new souls...

I counter-speculated that the reason for new souls is because they make good food for God...:p

Edit: anyway, if spirits can reincarnate into other species, what exactly is the problem? Humans have killed off entire species, some of which were much more common than humans were or are (Passenger Pigeons, anyone?)--what's to keep their spirits from reincarnating as humans? Or as members of species we raise for food?

Edit Edit: The soul of a passenger pigeon reincarnating as a human could explain a lot...:p:eek::rolleyes:
 
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Ana.J

Active Member
A friend of my once suggested that the reason for life on Earth is to create new souls...

I counter-speculated that the reason for new souls is because they make good food for God...:p

Edit: anyway, if spirits can reincarnate into other species, what exactly is the problem? Humans have killed off entire species, some of which were much more common than humans were or are (Passenger Pigeons, anyone?)--what's to keep their spirits from reincarnating as humans? Or as members of species we raise for food?

And what if we suppose that we cannot reincarnate into other species? (I would agree with this concept)
 

PeteC-UK

Active Member
Hi Folks..

Ymir;
Note: My version of reincarnation is not like anything you will find in any book. One main difference in my weird view is that all incarnations exist simultaneously. In this respect there is no "past" nor are there "future" lives as all lives exist in their own timeline, independent of the other, here and now. What needs to be understood is that the one who incarnates is not the "you" that you are familiar with. "You" are the autonomous result of your larger identity's wish to express itself in a unique way AS you. The same is true for all "your" incarnations.

Your view here is not that strange or unique after all..lol..I see it nearly exactly as You do - except the "incarnating backwards" into a "lesser form" - I dont think happens at all for as said first not all animals even have an eternal nature (Soul) and also, as You say and I agree completely - the purpose is SELF EXPRESSION - we create the Self in order for SELF DISCOVERY and SELF UNDERSTANDING ot be attined - Gnosis....

Therefore, the lower world of plants and animals is not "the world of the Soul" - is not he "thing" that the Soul IS for as said, the Soul is not born in the lower forms at all...It doesnt seek knowledge or wisdom of the lower fleeting temporary world - but of the HIGHER and ETERNAL Self - therefore the push is ALWAYS higher toward the CREATOR it Self.... The only impedimant on this journey is the limited individual MORTAL form - once free even from this prison body - trust me, the Mind that You are immediately reclaims an identity that is magnificent compared to this single paultry life here.. No - the drive is always HiGHER more magnificent, the Soul turns its face toward Home and my Father always - a natural compelling influence to become part of the complete Unity of Being.....

Another major difference in my warped view is that the incarnation process is not a process leading to some imagined nirvanic perfection. The only real reason is to learn in a remarkably fluid environment in ways that are quite impossible to the relatively unencumbered "larger identity" to otherwise experience. In a very real way, the larger identity hobbles itself by selecting from a vast array of circumstances traits and features that are of interest to it, for whatever reason, and it then empowers the focus self (you) to explore those circumstances and features in a very practical "what if" experiment. What is known as karma has no bearing, whatsoever, on this process as one aspect of the larger identity is not at the mercy of the actions of any other aspect of the larger identity.

Hmm - sound to me as if you are speaking only of these lower mortal realms that we currently inhabit...There are many such structures in place throughout Creation - the many rooms of my Fathers mansion as my mate says - or known also as Akasha in other traditions - like a predetermined etheric structuring - natural laws and substance that govern the material worlds - all very similar - all based on Higher principles yet... Its nto so much thta we are "here to learn" - but a definate element of Self exploration - and for sure Self expression - literally - NOTHING IS FORBIDDEN HERE - if you can imagine it then you are free to create it as best you can - THROUGH this process we learn that which we prefer to be - learn of morals and ethics for example - love and hate etc etc - we didnt come here TO learn these things - they are a SIDE EFFECT of the thing we conceive our Self to be..

The aim of reincarnation is indeed to lift the Self OUT of these lower physical realms all together - that which we think of as love for example is but a pale insignificant MORTAL emotion when compared to true DIVINE LOVE - the essence of UNITY - and that is essentially what it is all about - coming to know the ENTIRE unity of All-That-Is - becoming directly the Father source of All - to step outside the structures of Time and Space all together - and thereby to truly encounter the Diviine and Source of All directly.....

There is a definate layered heirachy to the Souls progression - with Creation existing as a set of "nested spheres" realms and planes of existance actually existing WITHIN other realms and planes of existance and its all a "mental construction" in truth.. This is why He said it is CRUCIAL - KNOW THY SELF - you are the MIND that causes the creation to occur...

This whole idea of "twin Souls" following each other life after life - VERY VERY GENUINE - we do actually travel in packs, so to speak - choose specifically to incarnate together time and time again -wait for each other when life ends - these interim stages are the religions versions of "heavens and hells" - eventually the mind stirs itself though sees through the illusion once again and so resumes its intended journey - and when the circumstances are chosen, agreed then the next incarnations are begun.. Not all the Souls of our own family are of the same "spiritual awareness" or capability - not at all - always - there are "masters and students" in our lives - always we are either needed or in need our Self - and it is very fluid and ever changing relationship based on literally moment to moment Self awareness...Creation here is indeed very haphazard for us as we are indeed FULLY DEPENDANT on literally EVERYBODY else to get them all to ALLOW us to create that which we intend of our Self...usually it goes entirely backwards here - we end up creating a life that OTHERS have literally dictated and forced upon us by TELLING us who and what we are - thus we become literally trapped by ignorance once again and th elife is a waste spiritually speaking.....

Karma - the creation power of Mind - takes Akasha - the fluid energetic substance of Creation - and literally Mind moulds it shapes it to our Will Desire and Intent - thus we CHOOSE what to Be next.... The trick is always to first KNOW that we do this naturally thus we can begin to know the Self master the Self and gain control over our Karmik Self created experience... LIFT hte Self ENTIRELY ou tof thes elower relams and finally encounter the true Divine directly -become One with it directly....
 
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George-ananda

Advaita Vedanta, Theosophy, Spiritualism
Premium Member
Do you believe that people incarnate on Earth multiple times?
Yes I do. One reason are the children and others with verifiable memories of a past life. The second reason is that it is the unanimous belief of every spiritual adept I have come to respect and the teaching of the wisdom tradition (eastern/Indian) that I have objectively come to believe has delved deepest into the nature of reality (superior on these questions to both western religious and western science wisdom traditions),
Do you remember your past lives?
No.
Do you know anyone who remembers?
No. There is probably wisdom though in a soul starting a new life with a blank slate,
Do you think that human soul can incarnate only into human bodies or to plants and animals as well? Why?
I think in 99% of the cases the progression is upwards. Once human there is no incarnation into less sophisticated lifeforms.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts ;)
Thank you and always a great topic.:) I also want to add that I believe reincarnation occurs after a lengthy afterlife stay on the astral plane enjoying the peace and beauty there and contemplating paths for future even higher development.

The Universe is on our side!
 

GoodbyeDave

Well-Known Member
There are a lot of people in the world who have had the experience of communication with their ancestors, which is rather difficult to explain in the context of reincarnation. I won't say reincarnation never happens, as I have no evidence, but if it does, it seems uncommon.

Before modern globalisation, belief in reincarnation was largely Indian, and it was not an ancient belief there. In the Ancient World, the belief was the result of philosophical speculation, and I suspect it started that way in India too.
 

wicketkeeper

Living From the Heart.
Do you believe that people incarnate on Earth multiple times? Do you remember your past lives?
Do you know anyone who remembers?

Do you think that human soul can incarnate only into human bodies or to plants and animals as well? Why?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts ;)

We incarnate on different planets and different levels, and there are also other timeline possibilities(such as relationships and employment decisions - should I have stayed with X & should I have gone to Y etc).

Humans incarnate as humans
animals as animals
plant life as plant life

Because if we incarnated as animals etc our soul memory would be damaged.
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
Do you believe that people incarnate on Earth multiple times? Do you remember your past lives?
Do you know anyone who remembers?

Do you think that human soul can incarnate only into human bodies or to plants and animals as well? Why?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts ;)

Don't know how to answer. The close to reincarnation I get is that souls of the deceased or spirits can be part of the objects and environment they inhabit or from. They don't turn anything anything or anyone else, so I'm kind of one unsure and the second don't know what your'e talking about.
 

meghanwaterlillies

Well-Known Member
Do you believe that people incarnate on Earth multiple times? Do you remember your past lives?
Do you know anyone who remembers?

Do you think that human soul can incarnate only into human bodies or to plants and animals as well? Why?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts ;)
no no no no.. even so you cant make something even an artist exactly the same twice. the only things they can do is measure number or computerize even so it loses originality and its a black hole.
But they can be similar. But the uniqueness says that God is inspired. With that said it could even mean He can fix things that were not inspired by Him, and were/with/what couple other w words.. I am I know to be.
 
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YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
And what if we suppose that we cannot reincarnate into other species? (I would agree with this concept)
There is no "cannot" as it is more of a case of why would you want to? It would depend on intent and interest, I suppose. Living a few centuries as a huge oak tree might be quite rewarding. Who knows?
 

YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
Hi Folks..

Ymir;

Your view here is not that strange or unique after all..lol..I see it nearly exactly as You do - except the "incarnating backwards" into a "lesser form" - I dont think happens at all for as said first not all animals even have an eternal nature (Soul) and also, as You say and I agree completely - the purpose is SELF EXPRESSION - we create the Self in order for SELF DISCOVERY and SELF UNDERSTANDING ot be attined - Gnosis....

Therefore, the lower world of plants and animals is not "the world of the Soul" - is not he "thing" that the Soul IS for as said, the Soul is not born in the lower forms at all...It doesnt seek knowledge or wisdom of the lower fleeting temporary world - but of the HIGHER and ETERNAL Self - therefore the push is ALWAYS higher toward the CREATOR it Self.... The only impedimant on this journey is the limited individual MORTAL form - once free even from this prison body - trust me, the Mind that You are immediately reclaims an identity that is magnificent compared to this single paultry life here.. No - the drive is always HiGHER more magnificent, the Soul turns its face toward Home and my Father always - a natural compelling influence to become part of the complete Unity of Being.....



Hmm - sound to me as if you are speaking only of these lower mortal realms that we currently inhabit...There are many such structures in place throughout Creation - the many rooms of my Fathers mansion as my mate says - or known also as Akasha in other traditions - like a predetermined etheric structuring - natural laws and substance that govern the material worlds - all very similar - all based on Higher principles yet... Its nto so much thta we are "here to learn" - but a definate element of Self exploration - and for sure Self expression - literally - NOTHING IS FORBIDDEN HERE - if you can imagine it then you are free to create it as best you can - THROUGH this process we learn that which we prefer to be - learn of morals and ethics for example - love and hate etc etc - we didnt come here TO learn these things - they are a SIDE EFFECT of the thing we conceive our Self to be..

The aim of reincarnation is indeed to lift the Self OUT of these lower physical realms all together - that which we think of as love for example is but a pale insignificant MORTAL emotion when compared to true DIVINE LOVE - the essence of UNITY - and that is essentially what it is all about - coming to know the ENTIRE unity of All-That-Is - becoming directly the Father source of All - to step outside the structures of Time and Space all together - and thereby to truly encounter the Diviine and Source of All directly.....

There is a definate layered heirachy to the Souls progression - with Creation existing as a set of "nested spheres" realms and planes of existance actually existing WITHIN other realms and planes of existance and its all a "mental construction" in truth.. This is why He said it is CRUCIAL - KNOW THY SELF - you are the MIND that causes the creation to occur...

This whole idea of "twin Souls" following each other life after life - VERY VERY GENUINE - we do actually travel in packs, so to speak - choose specifically to incarnate together time and time again -wait for each other when life ends - these interim stages are the religions versions of "heavens and hells" - eventually the mind stirs itself though sees through the illusion once again and so resumes its intended journey - and when the circumstances are chosen, agreed then the next incarnations are begun.. Not all the Souls of our own family are of the same "spiritual awareness" or capability - not at all - always - there are "masters and students" in our lives - always we are either needed or in need our Self - and it is very fluid and ever changing relationship based on literally moment to moment Self awareness...Creation here is indeed very haphazard for us as we are indeed FULLY DEPENDANT on literally EVERYBODY else to get them all to ALLOW us to create that which we intend of our Self...usually it goes entirely backwards here - we end up creating a life that OTHERS have literally dictated and forced upon us by TELLING us who and what we are - thus we become literally trapped by ignorance once again and th elife is a waste spiritually speaking.....

Karma - the creation power of Mind - takes Akasha - the fluid energetic substance of Creation - and literally Mind moulds it shapes it to our Will Desire and Intent - thus we CHOOSE what to Be next.... The trick is always to first KNOW that we do this naturally thus we can begin to know the Self master the Self and gain control over our Karmik Self created experience... LIFT hte Self ENTIRELY ou tof thes elower relams and finally encounter the true Divine directly -become One with it directly....
Thank you for reading through my driveling account. I do see traces of similarities but also vast gulfs between our visions of this process. I'm simply not an adherent to the divinity aspect of things nor do I recognize arbitrary distinctions like "higher" and "lower". I simply don't look at reality through that type of lens.
 

Ana.J

Active Member
There is no "cannot" as it is more of a case of why would you want to? It would depend on intent and interest, I suppose. Living a few centuries as a huge oak tree might be quite rewarding. Who knows?

Indeed, it is now about the ability, but the reason I would want this....However, there are some teachings that claim you will have no choice if you misbehave....you will just reincarnate as a bug or something....
 

YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
Indeed, it is now about the ability, but the reason I would want this....However, there are some teachings that claim you will have no choice if you misbehave....you will just reincarnate as a bug or something....
It's not like those sources actually know what they are talking about. :D

(This is a huge problem in discussions on this topic. The massive amount of misinformation that abounds. But.... what would I know? :rolleyes:)
 

VioletVortex

Well-Known Member
Not in the traditional sense, no.

I do believe that an unconscious part of one's soul is passed down through heritage, though.
 

buddhist

Well-Known Member
Do you believe that people incarnate on Earth multiple times? Do you remember your past lives?
Do you know anyone who remembers?

Do you think that human soul can incarnate only into human bodies or to plants and animals as well? Why?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts ;)
I believe in rebirth, not in reincarnation.

It is my understanding that the knowledge and memories of past lives are only "unlocked" for someone when they've attained a certain level of spiritual development. I'm not yet at that level, unfortunately.
 

Ana.J

Active Member
I believe in rebirth, not in reincarnation.

It is my understanding that the knowledge and memories of past lives are only "unlocked" for someone when they've attained a certain level of spiritual development. I'm not yet at that level, unfortunately.

So what is the difference between rebirth and reincarnation?
 

buddhist

Well-Known Member
So what is the difference between rebirth and reincarnation?
Reincarnation, as I understand it, implies a permanent soul which transmigrates from body to body after physical death. I have no knowledge of this.

Rebirth, on the other hand, is the ongoing process of birth-life-death that we can observe at every moment of our lives and beyond. E.g. My 7-year old self lived, and died, in order to produce my 30-year old self, for example. Both my physical/mental/spiritual "self" at 30-years and at 7-years are neither different nor are they the same. One was reborn from the other as a continuous flux. And so cycle continues through our physical lives, and onwards.
 

The_Fisher_King

Trying to bring myself ever closer to Allah
Premium Member
Do you believe that people incarnate on Earth multiple times?

Certainly. And not just on Earth. All over the shop!

Do you remember your past lives?

Never complete lives. Fragments of different lives. I don't even remember all of my current life!

Do you know anyone who remembers?

I have met people who do, or who know or are related to people who do. A few of these have very detailed memories.

Do you think that human soul can incarnate only into human bodies or to plants and animals as well?

I don't believe there is such a thing as a 'human' soul. I believe there are just Souls, which incarnate over and over again in countless forms, which could be human animal, non-human animal, plant, microbe, soil, boulder, asteroid, planet etc. And I don't believe in such a thing as a necessary progression 'upward' - the Soul incarnates as it can (in accordance with its knowledge acquired thus far), in accordance with its learning needs.


As I have hinted at above, to learn.
 
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