Reincarnation

Definition

Reincarnation is the belief that after death, a soul is reborn into a new body, which can be human, animal, or other forms of life. This concept is often tied to the idea of karma, where the actions of an individual in their past life influence their current life circumstances and future rebirths. Reincarnation plays a crucial role in various new religious movements, particularly those that incorporate elements from Eastern philosophies and spirituality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reincarnation is a core belief in several new religious movements that draw from Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizing personal spiritual growth across lifetimes.
2. Many new religious movements interpret reincarnation as a means for individuals to learn lessons and evolve spiritually over multiple lives.
3. The idea of reincarnation challenges Western religious views that focus on a single life followed by judgment and an eternal afterlife.
4. Some groups believe that the circumstances of one’s current life can be traced back to actions in previous lives, promoting accountability and ethical living.
5. Different new religious movements may have varying interpretations of what constitutes a 'soul' and its journey through reincarnation, reflecting diverse philosophical beliefs.

Review Questions

• How does the belief in reincarnation influence ethical behavior among followers of new religious movements?
  • Belief in reincarnation instills a sense of accountability in individuals, as their actions are thought to directly affect their future lives. This encourages followers to live ethically, knowing that negative actions can lead to suffering in subsequent incarnations. Consequently, this perspective fosters a commitment to spiritual growth and moral responsibility, as individuals strive to improve themselves across different lifetimes.
• Compare the concepts of reincarnation in new religious movements with traditional views of the afterlife found in Western religions.
  • Reincarnation offers a contrasting view to traditional Western beliefs about the afterlife, which typically involve judgment followed by eternal heaven or hell. In new religious movements that embrace reincarnation, the focus is on continuous personal growth through multiple lifetimes. This approach emphasizes learning from past mistakes and evolving spiritually, whereas Western traditions often view life as a singular opportunity for redemption leading to a definitive afterlife state.
• Evaluate the impact of reincarnation on personal identity within new religious movements and its implications for societal norms.
  • Reincarnation profoundly shapes personal identity within new religious movements by encouraging individuals to view themselves as part of a broader spiritual journey that spans multiple lives. This perspective fosters a sense of interconnectedness with others and the universe, leading to more compassionate societal norms. As people recognize their shared experiences through reincarnation, it may promote values such as empathy, tolerance, and communal support, thereby influencing cultural attitudes toward life and death.

Related terms

Karma: The principle of cause and effect in moral actions, where good actions lead to positive outcomes in this life or the next, while bad actions result in negative consequences.

Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that souls undergo until they achieve liberation or enlightenment.

Nirvana: A state of spiritual liberation and freedom from suffering and the cycle of samsara, often sought after in various Eastern religious traditions.