| The belief in reincarnation is one that finds its roots in | | | | Some of the New Age versions of reincarnation |
| many different ancient cultures. Throughout history | | | | simply hold the idea that the spirit is eternal and that, |
| these cultures have borrowed different points from | | | | though the body may die, the spirit will move on and |
| each other to form a variety of hybrid belief systems | | | | find a new home. The soul will live on indefinitely, |
| that focus on reincarnation. Probably more than any | | | | always manifesting itself in some form of the persons |
| other aspect of faith, this point is one where people | | | | true self. There is no higher goal or sense of |
| pick and choose what they want to believe in order to | | | | achievement other than to live each life to the fullest |
| develop a system that fits within their world view and | | | | extent possible. |
| which works well for them. | | | | Even western religions that are based in and around |
| At their core, all systems of reincarnation share a | | | | the Christian tradition teach a form of reincarnation. |
| notion that the life one is currently living on earth may | | | | The spirit is not re-born on earth as a carnal being, but |
| not be the first or last. While they may differ in the | | | | they do teach that the soul is eternal and will exist in a |
| number of lives that one can live, there is generally a | | | | state of eternal harmony with God. In this case the |
| shared presupposition that one will continue to be | | | | reincarnation only happens once, and most Christians |
| reborn until some cosmic or spiritual quest is | | | | would say that, upon death, they are really turning back |
| completed. Some New Age philosophies and even | | | | into the true, unblemished manifestation of themselves. |
| some sects of Hinduism suggest that we may be | | | | Though they would probably never use the word |
| reborn as any number of things that don't necessarily | | | | reincarnation, the phrase "born again" is an intricate part |
| have to be human (I.e. the sacred cows of India). Other | | | | of their vocabulary. This isn't to say that it is the same |
| ancient religions, like Buddhism will teach that humans | | | | belief as the Eastern variations of reincarnation, but it |
| are reincarnated as humans | | | | does give credence to the idea that new life after the |
| The purposes of reincarnation are just as varied as its | | | | one we are living now is essential to nearly every |
| many backgrounds. In some religions, people are | | | | major faith system in the world. |
| re-born in an effort to achieve perfection. Each life | | | | In an effort to better understand the intricacies of each |
| cycle is an opportunity to gain more wisdom and to | | | | faith system's beliefs concerning reincarnation, a full |
| increase your status. The lessons and character that | | | | understanding of the faith system as a whole must be |
| you gain in your present life will then be carried on to | | | | obtained. Without a basic knowledge of what is to be |
| the next. Other religions believe that each life cycle is | | | | achieved in life then it isn't possible to truly appreciate |
| another step in becoming one with the divine forces of | | | | the teachings and devotion of a religions practitioners. |
| the universe. The Buddhist notion of Nirvana is one | | | | We should all take the time to understand why people |
| example of this. As you seek enlightenment in each | | | | believe what they do before we mock what they |
| life, you begin to lose your sense of individuality and to | | | | believe. If we haven't taken the time to look at the |
| see the true connection between your spirit and the | | | | world from their point of view then it isn't likely that |
| universe as a whole. | | | | you'll understand. |