Reincarnation

Reincarnation, as clear from the name itself, is the process by which the soul of any individual leaves one body at the time of death and enters or assumes another form to be born again. There are many bases for this theory among different cultures and civilizations of the world, and the belief of reincarnation can be found almost everywhere! The basic principle behind the idea of reincarnation is that there is life after death, and that there is a rebirth, though the body is changed but the soul remains same.

To know various thoughts from across the globe, we will discuss the ideas of various cultures and civilizations about the concept of reincarnation, which will give us ample knowledge about various aspects of this belief.

Concept of Reincarnation in various cultures and civilizations

1. Hinduism

Hinduism is believed to be the religion of India, and India has a strong doctrine about the idea of reincarnation. The idea of reincarnation roots from the ancient Vedic Times, and there is no denial in the present times also. Almost all scriptures deal with the idea of reincarnation wherever suitable, and they expound about it in various capacities to the people.

Hinduism relates the idea of reincarnation to Karma, which actually is the basis of reincarnation-if any action is done without the desire of fruit therefore, it will not lead to reincarnation, and the soul will be free from the cycle of birth and death.

2. Buddhism

There is no belief about the permanent soul in Buddhism, and therefore, the idea of reincarnation of Hinduism does not fit with Buddhism. However, they always believe in impressions, and believe in reincarnation-the debate is about the substance, which is transmitted between two lives. However, Tibetan Buddhists do believe in the idea of reincarnation and soul of somebody entering the world through a new body of a new-born child.

3. Jainism

In Jainism, reincarnation is believed to be even for gods also.

4. Classical Greek Civilization

Some ancient Greek philosophers believed in reincarnation, though it is hard to say how they developed this idea. The idea of reincarnation for Greek expounds the idea of birth-death cycle, which resembles with Hinduism. Pythagoras is believed to be the first and firm philosopher supporter of reincarnation in Greece; though the adoption of Plato led to much importance of reincarnation in various Western cultures and civilizations.

5. Judaism and Kabbalah

The classic works of the Kabbalah, Shaar ha Gilgulim of Arizal or Isaac Luria, has some references of reincarnation in the Hebrew Bible, and it explains a somewhat complex idea of reincarnation. Though Hebrew Bible do not support the idea of reincarnation very openly; however, the idea of reincarnation, called gilgul, became popular among the folks, and can be found in the Yiddish literature among Ashkenazi Jews. There was not a common belief among the Rabbis, and also among the Jews about the idea of reincarnation, and how it can solve many spiritual riddles of their beliefs.

6. Christianity

The idea of reincarnation is almost thoroughly rejected over major Christian denominations, though the Liberal Catholic Church and the Rosicrucian Fellowship do believe in it.

7. Islam

There is a denial of the idea of reincarnation in the mainstream of Islam. Though, some Sufi groups believe in the idea of reincarnation. The belief of Sufi groups is based on some mystical and poets of Islam, who have composed many verses where the idea of reincarnation is clearly depicted.

8. Native American Nations

The idea of reincarnation is a part of Native American culture, and though there are different views within the different groups, the idea has moved with the Native American thought to the present date!

Remarks

We can see that the idea of reincarnation is at least considered among all the cultures and beliefs: either rejected or accepted, which again brings us to the point of individuality! There can, perhaps, never be a single universal idea or conception about reincarnation, and it solely depends upon the individual thinking of the person.

© 2006, Davis Virtual Assistance. This article may not be reprinted or copied on any type of media either in part or in whole.

Vivek Kumar is an experienced writer of non-fiction and poetry who especially enjoys writing about spirituality topics.