Raymond Moody: Reincarnation
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas・2 minutes read
Various ancient Greek philosophers, including Pythagoras, Empedocles, and Plato, contributed to the concept of reincarnation, with Plato exploring the idea of forgetting past lives. Near-death experiences often involve memories of past lives, influencing individuals' beliefs in reincarnation and the nature of personal identity.
Insights
- Reincarnation has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, with figures like Pythagoras, Empedocles, and Plato exploring the concept. Plato's idea of forgetting past lives is compared to the event boundary in psychology, where memories are compartmentalized.
- Near-death experiences often involve memories of past lives, with examples like Stefan van Jankovic and Dr. Rajiv Parti showcasing transformative encounters. While most cases are from Western traditions, individuals from various backgrounds may have such experiences, influencing beliefs in reincarnation.
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Recent questions
What is the concept of reincarnation?
Reincarnation is the belief that a soul can be reborn into a new body after death, carrying with it memories or experiences from past lives. This idea has been explored by various philosophers throughout history, such as Pythagoras, Empedocles, and Plato, who delved into the notion of forgetting past lives before reincarnation. The concept of reincarnation is often associated with near-death experiences, where individuals recall memories of past lives, even if they had no prior belief in reincarnation.
How do near-death experiences relate to past lives?
Near-death experiences often involve individuals recalling memories or experiences from past lives, even if they had no prior inclination towards reincarnation beliefs. These experiences can be transformative, leading individuals to reevaluate their beliefs and approach to life. Detailed examples, such as the cases of Thy Horton, Stefan van Jankovic, and Dr. Rajiv Parti, showcase how near-death experiences can include vivid portrayals of past lives, impacting individuals on a profound level.
Are past life memories more common in children or adults?
Past life memories are not limited to children; adults can also experience spontaneous recollections of past lives. Instances where adults recall vivid memories of past lives, such as the case of a businessman in Italy who remembered a past life in a town he had never visited, highlight that past life memories can manifest in individuals of all ages. This challenges the notion that past life memories are exclusive to children.
How do past life regressions occur?
Past life regressions can occur through hypnotic induction, where individuals are guided to recall previous existences. This technique aims to access memories or experiences from past lives that may be buried in the subconscious. By undergoing past life regressions, individuals may uncover details about their past lives and gain insights into their current life circumstances or relationships.
What is the significance of life as a stage show in Plato's "Republic"?
In Plato's "Republic," the idea of life as a stage show is presented, suggesting that souls choose lives and experiences akin to a scripted drama. This concept implies that life is a platform for learning and growth, impacting the quality of the soul. By viewing life as a stage show, individuals may consider the role of personal identity, the essence of a person, and what survives after death, reflecting on the philosophical implications of existence and the journey of the soul.
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Summary
00:00
Exploring Reincarnation: Past Lives Remembered
- Reincarnation is the topic of discussion, with the speaker acknowledging their limited expertise compared to other scholars present.
- The concept of reincarnation is traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, notably Pythagoras, who claimed to remember eight past lives.
- Empedocles, another Greek philosopher, discussed reincarnation and the interchangeability of elements, contributing to early evolutionary theories.
- Plato, in works like "Republic" and "Phaedo," extensively explored and articulated the idea of reincarnation, including the concept of forgetting past lives before reincarnation.
- The Platonic notion of forgetting past lives is likened to a psychological concept called the event boundary, where memories are compartmentalized.
- Near-death experiences often involve memories of past lives, even in individuals with no prior inclination towards reincarnation beliefs.
- Detailed examples of near-death experiences with past life memories are shared, such as the case of Thy Horton and Stefan van Jankovic.
- Stefan van Jankovic, a graphic artist, sketched scenes from his past lives during his near-death experience, later finding accuracy in his drawings.
- Dr. Rajiv Parti, a former materialistic individual, underwent a transformative near-death experience that included vivid portrayals of past lives, leading to a significant change in his approach to life and patient care.
- Instances of near-death experiences with past life memories predominantly involve individuals from Western traditions, with a notable exception being Dr. Rajiv Parti, a Hindu individual.
22:30
Revealing past lives through near-death experiences
- Near-death experiences are common, but fewer involve recalling past lives or reincarnation.
- Many individuals return from near-death experiences with a sense of sympathy towards reincarnation.
- Spontaneous past life recollections occur in adults, not just children.
- A businessman on a tour in Italy experienced vivid memories of a past life in the town, despite never visiting before.
- Children often spontaneously talk about past lives, even without parental influence.
- The author's adopted children, Carter and Carolyn, both shared memories of past lives.
- Carter vividly described a past life in China, while Carolyn expressed a desire to stay with God instead of returning to Earth.
- Past life regressions through hypnotic induction can lead individuals to recall previous existences.
- The concept of personal identity and what survives after death has been debated throughout history.
- The essence of a person may be their life story, suggesting life is akin to a scripted drama.
43:35
Evolution of Drama in Ancient Greece
- The history of drama began with Thespis, who was the first actor to speak separate lines, impressing ruler Pisistratos and leading to competitions for the best plays.
- Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides further developed drama, with Euripides introducing a whole cast of characters, making acting a profession within 50 years.
- Theaters initially were temples where plays were enacted, but playwrights observed life's dramatic structure and condensed it for people's amusement.
- Historians are puzzled by how ancient Greeks got audiences to sit still for long plays, a mystery that remains unsolved.
- Plato's "Republic" hints at a screen-like structure where souls choose lives, suggesting life as a stage show for learning and experiencing, impacting the quality of the soul.
