Beyond Our Basic Belief In Reincarnation?

Most, if not all of us, believe in reincarnation to some degree. But beyond that basic belief, I’m sure that we all vary in the details of our individual beliefs. But just how much do we differ? I’m nearing 65, & have believed strongly in reincarnation for close to 60 years, although at first I didn’t know the term reincarnation. I think I have quite conservative views on the workings of reincarnation, but I try to keep an open mind, and will consider most anything.

My beliefs come from my own personal experiences, as well as from what I’ve read in books and on various forums, and from discussions with other people. I nearly always find the discussions here interesting, thought provoking, and sometimes even mind expanding. Sometimes I do find posts I feel are dubious, and at best entertaining, but who knows for sure, maybe those theories are correct as well.

I would think that our different ages might influence what we believe and adopt into our overall picture of what is and isn’t probable about reincarnation. Some posts that I read make me wonder if that person views life almost as if it were a kind of video game. Others make me envision more of a science fiction approach. Again, since we can only speculate, any or all of these ideas could be close to the truth. Muddying the waters, so to speak, could be the fact that we may have members who are skeptics, visionaries, and even non-believers and debunkers. We seem to have members who, like I try to do, always label their comments as mere opinion, while others would have you believe that they have all the answers.

Myself, I judge each member’s comments based partly on what I currently believe, and partly on what that member might have posted in the past. I take my study of reincarnation very seriously, and keep an open but doubtful mind when I read something that seems far-fetched based on my beliefs. And while I haven’t radically changed my thinking, I have expanded, or adjusted my understanding and beliefs, because of things I have read here.

So my questions are 1, how do you decide what and who to believe, 2, do you see our discussions as a way of learning more, or as a form of entertainment, and 3, have, and how much, your beliefs been changed or adjusted reading the discussions here?

tiltjlp: So my questions are 1, how do you decide what and who to believe, 2, do you see our discussions as a way of learning more, or as a form of entertainment, and 3, have, and how much, your beliefs been changed or adjusted reading the discussions here?

Click to expand...

I decide based upon my experiences mainly. While my situation will take me out of the standard 'realm' or discussion on reincarnation, I have found that there is quite a bit that I have in common with my experience with those who feel they are of 'ET' or 'Starseed' origin. I choose not to focus on that aspect, but rather the experience itself. For me 'Starseed'/'ET' stuff is not a part of my reality, but that doesn't mean it isn't a part of someone else's - what I try to do instead is find a common ground so that they can relate to me, and I them...and this is how I try to deal with those who are reincarnated by birth - I try to find a common ground, some things that both I experience and those who are reincarnated by birth experience, so that there will be a sort of mutual understanding between both parties (hopefully).


As far as the second question goes - for me they are a form of understanding (irrespective of whether I am talking about 'spiritual stuff' with someone who is in a situation like mine, or someone who is reincarnated by birth). I have found that it not only helps me understand myself better, but what I have found is that it usually also helps the other person understand themselves better.


Third question - I haven't been here that long and don't participate too much due to my experience which differs from 'the norm', but there has been radical changes throughout the years where it concerns my situation. For me, it wasn't just the breaking down of the Christian belief system that was instilled in the body's psyche, but also many New Age things as well. One of the beliefs that I've caught flak over was my not believing in Karma. I tend to be very pragmatic regarding my beliefs and these are, for the most part, based upon my own personal experience (and what I feel 'connected' with).

1) How do you decide what and who to believe?


Instinct. I've come to trust my insitincts more and more. My soul knows if something is right or wrong, so I let it call the shots in spiritual matters.


2) Do you see our discussions as a way of learning more, or as a form of entertainment?


A little of both. Sometimes it's fun to swap stories, and it gets really fun when you have memories that mesh with another person's memories. I enjoy learning how others view reincarnation even if it doesn't click with me. New eyes are often quite helpful. But sometimes I read the discussions as a form of gathering a bit more insight into what I may be feeling.


3) Have, and how much, your beliefs been changed or adjusted reading the discussions here?


Not really, except to realize that it's a matter of perception that is probably influenced heavily by our current-life backgrounds. You take it very seriously while I choose to play with it. Neither one of us is "wrong" except that our approaches are wrong for each other. Many paths lead to wherever we're going, and we'll each choose our own way.


(And if the video-game comment referred to a post I had made, that's pretty spot-on. The catch is, like I told my brother when he got arrested, "There ain't no cheat codes to this game." If it didn't, well, that's a pretty close hit! )

Shiftkitty said:

1)
(And if the video-game comment referred to a post I had made, that's pretty spot-on. The catch is, like I told my brother when he got arrested, "There ain't no cheat codes to this game." If it didn't, well, that's a pretty close hit! )

Click to expand...

Yes, my video-game reference in part was brought about by one of your posts. And I do agree with you that we're all on the same path, just walking at our on pace. It's more important that we believe, rather than that we are all in complete agreement.

Heh, I had a hunch. I'm from the video-game generation with youth misspent in video arcades (Aladdin's Castle, Land of Oz, Neptune's Kingdom, etc), wasting quarter after quarter trying to blow up the alien mothership before they could enslave the Earth. (Hey, you're free today because of those quarters! LOL!) I don't regret a second of it, either! I wonder what my future incarnations will think?


FUTURE ME IN HYPNOTHERAPY: I keep having these images of having to deal with a gorilla who had climbed some girders and was flinging barrels down on top of me. Does that even make sense? : angel

tiltjlp said:

So my questions are 1, how do you decide what and who to believe, 2, do you see our discussions as a way of learning more, or as a form of entertainment, and 3, have, and how much, your beliefs been changed or adjusted reading the discussions here?

Click to expand...

1. Based on experience in this life which I just entered and of course, instinct. I have lived a lot of my life listening to other religions preaches and all.. And I have to admit it is very confusing. But some of them seem to have a little errors or so.. So, I decided; I'll take some of the preaches that seem right and abandon the wrong ones, because after much consideration, I see that some of the religions such as Christianity and all are quite corrupted. Theirs nothing wrong with their Gods (In fact I love their Gods) but its the people that cause the main problems of Holy Wars and such. So, I decided I will listen to the real God not the people that twist Gods words centuries ago.


2. Discussions... Well, both. It is a learning experience and it satisfies me much better than a lecture.


3. A lot, really. Answer no.1 is one of them. And now teenager life is becoming drab and dull. Who wants to hear what this new celebrity does anymore or which celebrity is paired up with which and how cute/handsome/cool this person is... It really gives life no meaning chatting about this.. They should really be chatting on what they can do to help others later on. Plus, all their jargon and slang makes little sense to me.. (After all, I came from the last century..)


PS. Sorry if this post offends anyone.

Shiftkitty said:

Heh, I had a hunch. I'm from the video-game generation with youth misspent in video arcades (Aladdin's Castle, Land of Oz, Neptune's Kingdom, etc), wasting quarter after quarter trying to blow up the alien mothership before they could enslave the Earth. (Hey, you're free today because of those quarters! LOL!) I don't regret a second of it, either! I wonder what my future incarnations will think?
FUTURE ME IN HYPNOTHERAPY: I keep having these images of having to deal with a gorilla who had climbed some girders and was flinging barrels down on top of me. Does that even make sense? : angel

Click to expand...

Hahahaha!!! That's really funny I can imagine me already.. In the future; 'Who and what is a Sgt. Reznov!!!? (COD)' 'Why is that guy wearing a Pyramid Head and chasing me!! (Silent Hill 2) And in Third-person view!!?' and 'Why on Earth I scream whenever I see a girl in rags crying!!?' (Witch from L4D.)

tiltjlp said:

1, how do you decide what and who to believe, 2, do you see our discussions as a way of learning more, or as a form of entertainment, and 3, have, and how much, your beliefs been changed or adjusted reading the discussions here?

Click to expand...

1. I find a truth resonates warmth from my heart, while a comment that doesn't track, or actually causes a turning feeling in my solar plexus is not a truth for me (oddly, the book "A Course In Miracles" had the latter effect, and ultimately I put it down because it seemed to be forcing me to sleep...strange). These sensations have been my guide (and may actually be my guide!) for a few years now and the more I pay attention to them the clearer they become.


2. My interest in this site and the topics discussed are to me a way of learning more about what I am seeing and feeling, and how others are dealing with the same things...and it is also an outlet through which to share my experiences and thoughts in hopes they may benefit others. While I find it entertaining, I don't so much think of this as entertainment as the topic is one I take very seriously.


3. I have no real measure of how my understanding has been altered by this site...it seems some things I read resonate with me and they are subsumed in my overall picture, while other times the comments or findings are interesting, but not applicable to what I am experiencing. The greatest effect this site has had on me is as a safe place to discuss matters involving not only past lives but eternal life.

Shiftkitty: Heh, I had a hunch. I'm from the video-game generation with youth misspent in video arcades (Aladdin's Castle, Land of Oz, Neptune's Kingdom, etc), wasting quarter after quarter trying to blow up the alien mothership before they could enslave the Earth. (Hey, you're free today because of those quarters! LOL!) I don't regret a second of it, either! I wonder what my future incarnations will think?
FUTURE ME IN HYPNOTHERAPY: I keep having these images of having to deal with a gorilla who had climbed some girders and was flinging barrels down on top of me. Does that even make sense?

Click to expand...

I couldn't resist not laughing at that image! :laugh:

Wuxin: Plus, all their jargon and slang makes little sense to me.. (After all, I came from the last century..)

Click to expand...

It's nice to know I'm not alone in this feeling! I can't tell you how many times I have had to look up internet slang, etc.! :laugh:

1, how do you decide what and who to believe?


I go with my gut feelings, psychic impressions and nagging thoughts. I then seek to validate them as actual facts by doing research.


I also constantly update and modify my theories (of the spirit world) based on what I know about physics and my own experiences and "educated guesses".


2, do you see our discussions as a way of learning more, or as a form of entertainment?


As most people have said, both. You give, you take, you learn, you enjoy yourself.


3, have, and how much, your beliefs been changed or adjusted reading the discussions here?


Not much, only because the bulk of what's been said I already agreed with in whole or in part. If anything, the forum has served to reaffirm many of my thoughts about reincarnation and researching it.

Kapitan said:

It's nice to know I'm not alone in this feeling! I can't tell you how many times I have had to look up internet slang, etc.! :laugh:

Click to expand...

Heh heh... I managed to master most of their slang.. It all first started when my friend texted me... I was all 'What the heck does ttul means!?' But I still get mixed up sometimes... : angel


Its embarrassing sometimes! Today would be the forth or fifth time I heard 'Which century you came from!?' question. I only answer 'Is that a rhetorical question...?' the worst part was it was from my mother (and I thought it was suppose to be vice-versa... T.T)

Re Wuxin: :laugh:


Speaking of texting...


The mother was way ahead of me in texting. It took me quite some time to figure out how to do it. Heck...I'm still figuring out my laptop! :laugh:


I am afraid if someone asked me that question of which century I came from that I would take it a bit too literally and start telling them my life's story... :laugh: So I do try to 'hide' it ...maybe just 'act stupid' or something... : angel

I'm proud to say I never have and never will text. It simply doesn't make sense to me, plus I feel I have better ways of spending my time. And the only time my very basic cell phone is on is when I need to make a call. People can reach me on my regular phone,

Yep, I got sick of hand phones. They ring at the most irregular hours. I actually gave it to my mother. She needed it as hers just broke. If they want to call me, they can reach me on my house phone! Honestly, the only thing I did on the hand phone was listen to the walkman. About my computer, I'm still working out on how to download. My cuz, a tech geek, has explained to me for the millionth time on how does a pc work.


Re: Kapitan


Yes, we might have to 'act dumb' on this... :cool

I rarely ever text - it's easier for me to just use good ol' fashioned voice-mail. It's faster than texting as far as I'm concerned. I don't keep a 'land-line' phone, just financially not worth it in my situation. I have one of those 'tracfone' type phones. There was no way I was going to pay $20-some/mth for a phone I would hardly use.

Wuxin: Re: Kapitan
Yes, we might have to 'act dumb' on this... :cool

Click to expand...

I agree...time to go incognito. :cool


Sometimes people have asked me about putting together a site and I'm there thinking..."It's actually quite easy cause the program does everything for you. You just type the stuff in the editor and hit 'Publish' and ta-da!" But there are things that I had to look up - I had been getting 'hits' to my old blog I removed and it was through a 'torrent' site that I was getting them and I didn't know what 'torrents' were...I always thought it related to rain - torrential rainfall.

I get hits from torrent sites too. I think they are trying to grab keywords to drive up their site traffic, which means they have adds allover their site. Doesn't do you any harm so no worries

1. "How do you decide what and who to believe?": Like others here, I mostly rely on my own intuition and sense of right and wrong. I always try and keep a open mind, but question and don't believe everything out there.


2. "Do you see our discussion as a way of learning more, or as a form of entertainment?": I enjoy the learning aspect, reading about the discussions, dreams & stories posted here, many of which I can personally relate to.


3. "Have, and how much, have your beliefs been changed or adjusted reading the discussions here?": Hasn't changed my beliefs as I already believed in reincarnation with no further need of proof when I joined - though if you needed it there is plenty here! This forum has brought up new ideas and questions though, and keeps these subjects new, interesting and forever changing.

Wuxin said:

teenager life is becoming drab and dull. Who wants to hear what this new celebrity does anymore or which celebrity is paired up with which and how cute/handsome/cool this person is... It really gives life no meaning chatting about this.. They should really be chatting on what they can do to help others later on. Plus, all their jargon and slang makes little sense to me...(After all, I came from the last century..)

Click to expand...

Wuxin - WOW! Being just now 18 I can TOTALLY relate to everything you say here. I can't stand the endless stream of meaningless nonsense teens can talk about all day. Ufortunatly the average dumb can't-see-one-foot-in-front-of-them teenager give us more deep-thinking ones a bad wrap! I strongly dislike how texting can take over someones life and have never sent a single text in my whole life and don't plan to. My grandmother was over today and kept interupting me when I was talking to her to answer some meaningless text...It's a shame people, not just teens, get hung up on these things. I can relate to coming from another century too, just a little older then the last one!


Great questions tiltjlp!

1. "How do you decide what and who to believe?":

Click to expand...

I echo the others and reply intuition. There isn't really any other way, is there? I am quite different to many people here in my approach to reincarnation. I have a very scientific mind, I'm not religious and I try to stay as much away as I can from New Age litterature. I used to read a lot of it when I was younger, but now I ask too many critical questions and I get irritated when an author puts something forward as a theory in a scientific sense, but clearly has no clue about the scientific method. I prefer to read casestudies rather than theories on what reincarnation is and why it happens. In that way I can make my own judgements.

2. "Do you see our discussion as a way of learning more, or as a form of entertainment?":

Click to expand...

It varies. Entertainment is definitely a big part of it. I've been a member here for more than 5 years, been staff almost as long, and if I didn't find coming here entertaining I would most likely stop. I enjoy reading past life memories, again the case study aspect, and I enjoy when people are able to help each other to validate memories. For me the learning aspect was more prevalent in the beginning. Now I enjoy helping others on their journey

3. "Have, and how much, have your beliefs been changed or adjusted reading the discussions here?":

Click to expand...

Yes, but that may just as well have something to do with me getting older and educated When I first got here I was quite spiritual, during my teen years I practiced Wicca (as one does in one's teen years ) and although I had stopped that, I was still affected by those beliefs. However, during my time at university I feel I've changed. My thinking has become much more critical, however I'm not using it against reincarnation, I'm just trying to think about reincarnation in rational terms as that seems to fit my mindset the most

Lady&theUnicorn-Finally, someone understands!!! Hallelujah:angel:!!! School=living hell to me... Its really lucky I found this forum.. I almost died from isolation.. And that's almost literal. My sister is trying to murder me emotionally.. In every way possible.. She is the normal teenager.. Fortunately or unfortunately.. So.. if you don't want to hear my teenage rampage kindly skip the sentences below, thank you. She thinks that she is the nicest person alive and she is very self-centred. It is driving me insane... I'm trying to understand her language but I can't. I know who she is luckily. I'll post about her PL.


Kapitan- Incognito time..:cool I wish there's a book on how to fit in. I actually understand how Captain America feel like now...

I think I always believed in reincarnation from my first memories, always talked about it with my sister as a child and now as a adult. I guess I never thought otherwise.


I have learned a lot of this forum, I really enjoy reading other peoples responses and questions.

q6gifI hit Reply to quicky


No my thoughts havent changed at all I still believe the same as always

Wuxin: Kapitan- Incognito time.. I wish there's a book on how to fit in. I actually understand how Captain America feel like now...

Click to expand...

On the outside - the way I dress, I don't really fit in. Not that I dress in the uber-vintage way (suit, tie, fedora)...but if one were to look at my boots, they would immediately realize that I am different. And yes - I have had people stare at my boots. :laugh:


I think that, rather than try to fit in so much, I just learned to accept the fact that I'm different and go where I feel 'welcomed' - which would be with other walk-in souls of course. I can't be something I'm not and can't relate with something I am not experiencing (not that I can relate with *all* walk-in souls - I don't!) but at least I know where I will be 'safe'.


It's kind of odd though - I'm not overly flamboyant, or even really flamboyant at all with my manner of dress, and certainly not really 'out there' with my experience or beliefs...yet I typically get some pretty extreme reactions...go figure. :laugh: I guess that's the most ironic thing with my situation.

Nice boots ! (I wanna wear!!) I can't wear those as it is deem inappropriate for my gender (unfortunately) one of the cons of changing gender ah well... So, my clothing is actually a polo T-shirt but less patterns (actually two has the emblem of Palatinate (I don't come from there..)) and I buttoned it fully (which is deem weird to the teenagers there) and my uniform has a tie and nobody in my school wears it properly but me... My friend actually ask me how I stand it as its very hot there and it feels like a noose (according to them)


But the weirdest for them about me is my talk and manners. Actually to the adults no complains ('cept for some but they say I'm too 'weird' but if I'm not offending them then I'll proceed with it..) the way I eat, walk and my music style has attracted laughter from my classmates, family members and passer-bys.


Apparently this time is anti-1900s. But luckily my friends like me in my own way.. (They're weird too... But in a good way)


Some even accused me of hating the Asian culture and being more European... The people in my place are very proud of their Asian heritage (But not their current country)..Well, that's is because most of their ancestors entered this country as contract workers.. (Well, according to history) But if I ever told them....


And the most unfortunate part, I'm not really in tune to celebrities so I don't know half of them and I once mistaken Amy Winehouse for Whitney Houston. In fact, I just found out who John Lennon is... (==") so fitting in is a big problem for me. But I refuse to fit, the box is too tight ! I'll just be me.


Actually when I'm older I think I want to order an SS Colonel suit from the internet, I don't want to tailor make it like most people in my country. Heh heh, I want to cosplay (or in this case crossplay) ..I'm gonna get killed....

Wuxin said:

Nice boots! (I wanna wear!!) I can't wear those as it is deem inappropriate for my gender (unfortunately) one of the cons of changing gender ah well... So, my clothing is actually a polo T-shirt but less patterns (actually two has the emblem of Palatinate (I don't come from there..)) and I buttoned it fully (which is deem weird to the teenagers there) and my uniform has a tie and nobody in my school wears it properly but me... My friend actually ask me how I stand it as its very hot there and it feels like a noose (according to them)

Click to expand...

Thanks Ah ok - I don't wear ties anymore, well...at least not right now. I could get back into wearing them if I wanted to, but they're too much trouble for me (not really practical for my life at the moment). I wear button down shirts, that I usually pick up from Salvation Army, a suit coat (or blazer -however you want to call it) and my pants are in the 'khakis' style, but I have most of them cuffed. I am trying to phase out all of my uncuffed ones and find nice pairs at Salvation Army that are not hemmed that I can then take to have cuffs put on them. I also wear sweaters underneath my suit coats and my navy blue knit cap in the cooler weather. I don't wear jeans, I don't wear base-ball caps...or t-shirts and I don't wear shorts. So the way I dress is essentially how I dressed during the 1920's when I would have been serving on the Cape Horn ships...in good weather at least! :laugh:

But the weirdest for them about me is my talk and manners. Actually to the adults no complains ('cept for some but they say I'm too 'weird' but if I'm not offending them then I'll proceed with it..) the way I eat, walk and my music style has attracted laughter from my classmates, family members and passer-bys.

Click to expand...

I can't say I've experienced too much of that where I am at - although some folks do give me the notorious 'second glance' at the way I dress...only because I'm in a rural area. If I were living along the coast or in the city, I wouldn't get that. When you mention the way you eat - do you eat with your knife in your right hand and fork turned over (prong side down) in your left like I do? I recall one incident where someone was aware as to how I was eating and said something about it. I can't quite remember the whole thing, but there was one time.


Kind of a bummer there that those folks are laughing at you - I mean, you're not doing anything wrong...and certainly not doing anything illegal for chrissake! :laugh:

Apparently this time is anti-1900s. But luckily my friends like me in my own way.. (They're weird too... But in a good way)

Click to expand...

I don't know what to make of the 21st century...I've seen comebacks of the 80's, 70's, 60's and just about every other time down the line to about the 1900s. One sees it with shows - now there is that Pan Am show that takes place during the 60's and I recently found out that HBO has a series that takes place during the Prohibition Era (1920s). So, it's like a mix of everything to me...there doesn't seem to be any actual 'time' now since all these various eras are being ...well...recycled for lack of a better word.

Some even accused me of hating the Asian culture and being more European... The people in my place are very proud of their Asian heritage (But not their current country)..Well, that's is because most of their ancestors entered this country as contract workers.. (Well, according to history) But if I ever told them....

Click to expand...

Oh that's a bummer - there were many Asian influences during the Art Deco period and the clothes I had seen either in antique shops or at events were really nice (repro. or not is irrelevant). There was even an Asian actress Anna May Wong who had become the first Asian American to become and international star. And it is nice to see the influence of Asian art during the Art Deco period.

And the most unfortunate part, I'm not really in tune to celebrities so I don't know half of them and I once mistaken Amy Winehouse for Whitney Houston. In fact, I just found out who John Lennon is... so fitting in is a big problem for me. But I refuse to fit, the box is too tight! I'll just be me.

Click to expand...

Hey...you're not alone I don't follow any of that either. Don't try to fit... just be yourself. The world could stand to use more characters like us. :laugh:

Actually when I'm older I think I want to order an SS Colonel suit from the internet, I don't want to tailor make it like most people in my country. Heh heh, I want to cosplay (or in this case crossplay) ..I'm gonna get killed....

Click to expand...

Oh wow - do you plan to have it with the insignia and any awards you had back then?

do you eat with your knife in your right hand and fork turned over (prong side down) in your left like I do?

Click to expand...

I do, but it came from being taught by an English tutor.

And it is nice to see the influence of Asian art during the Art Deco period.

Click to expand...

It's called Chinois and it was also very popular in Great Britain during the second half of the 1800's.


Just for my own edification though and I totally admit I have more than my share of past life baggage and I fully understand what it's like to be ripped from one life and stuck in another.. but the thing i want to ask is there a limit for you, in terms of of trying to integrate a past life with this one?


If it's rather high, saying that you'd forcibly arrange yourself into this life, that is, taking on criticism and possible job loss etc, what internally would drive you to do that?


That's a bit of a facet I don't understand and i'm not implying or judging, just wanting to learn. But I can understand how it'd be normal to want to surround yourself with things are that normal to you from one place and time, but to another extent, I also see it like one of those movies where someone wakes up out of a coma and has to re-adapt to modern society. I think there would be an intersect in there where reality would have to meet fantasy, in a manner of speaking.

Re Totoro: That's interesting - I understand it's not the 'American' way to eat food, but as far as English Commonwealth - I do not know.


Regarding that era - I wouldn't doubt a part of it was due to the Clipper ships and the importation of tea. I'm trying to find out, if at all possible, information on the Clipper Ships that the European countries had - not the US and not England...because I may have spent time aboard them during my lifetime in that century.

Lol I meant I ate that way now as the result of etiquette training in my past life..

That's interesting - I understand it's not the 'American' way to eat food, but as far as English Commonwealth - I do not know.

Click to expand...

Ummm, being American and only having been out of the country once (to New Brunswick), but being in plenty of restaurants and diners, it's pretty much the only way I've seen right-handed people use a fork and knife. Fork in left, prongs down, knife in right, I can't recall seeing anyone use it differently except for small children who haven't mastered the manual dexterity needed. (And yes, I pay attention to that sort of thing.)