Reincarnation
Your Path of Spiritual Evolution

Go to Explore Spiritism Home

What is reincarnation?

Dictionary Definition (rē-(ˌ)in-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən): 1. a : the action of reincarnating : the state of being reincarnated b : rebirth in new bodies or forms of life; especially : a rebirth of a soul in a new human body 2: a fresh embodiment

Source: (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reincarnation.  01-22-11)

Most people, whether they believe in it, or not, have, at least, a conception of reincarnation similar to the one above.  However, you will find that the details differ widely among various religions and philosophies.

Spiritism teaches us that reincarnation is a process of evolution, by which the individual human spirit, created in a state of simplicity and unawareness, is destined to attain ever greater levels of knowledge and morality.

From one physical life to the next, and in between them, the spirit maintains its individuality. The process of reincarnation adheres to the universal law of cause and effect, whereby each life offers not only a chance to learn through new experiences, but also a chance to make reparations for past transgressions.

Reincarnation is a blessing, for in the justness of natural laws designed by our creator, we will all, one day, achieve perfect happiness, no matter what our current condition. The time that it takes to reach that ultimate goal, is entirely up to the individual, depending on how each being chooses to use its free will.  Nonetheless, a perfect state of harmony and a true & complete understanding of love will be attained by all.

Learn more

What is Spiritism?

Spiritism, is a science, philosophy, and religion (in the most general sense of the word), all in one.   
 
The science of Spiritism studies the existence and nature of spirits, which are nothing more than the immortal souls of men, created by God.  
 
The philosophy of Spiritism, which was derived from a serious study of information received in communications with discarnate spirits, deals with the details of spirit life and the journey of evolution through the process reincarnation.  
 
A natural consequence of that that philosophy is the understanding of the role we play in our own spiritual evolution, which is ultimately achieved through the efforts we make to grow, both morally and intellectually.  
 
Spiritism helps us to understand the natural laws, or, God's laws, that govern that process of evolution. From a moral perspective, we follow the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ, as our model and guide.  
 
The religious aspect of Spiritism, then, stems from the moral ties between ourselves, and others, and the direction that Spiritism leads us ̶  which is toward God, our creator  ̶  by helping us to understand life and by teaching us, ultimately, how to develop the ability to love, in the greatest sense of the word.
 

Reincarnation F.A.Q.
& Answers from Spiritism

Q. Can we reincarnate as animals or other lower life forms?
A. No. Reincarnation is always progressive. One may stagnate, temporarily, but will never regress.

Q.  Why don't I remember my past life, or lives?
A.  Forgetfulness of the past is only at the conscious level, during a particular incarnation. Nonetheless, the spirit is aware of the past and has recorded, in its memory, all the details of every prior thought, action, and experience. This temporary, conscious-level forgetfulness is a blessing; it allows us to experience, for example, situations that facilitate potential reconciliations, with past adversaries, through our efforts to apply moral lessons in this life, without actually remembering the particular circumstances of the past, related to such individuals.  It also allows us to forget details of past failures, so as not discourage our efforts in the present life.

Q.  Where do we go, in between incarnations?
A.  Upon the death of the material body, the spirit lives on and returns to its true home, the spirit realm, where it maintains it's individuality.  The conditions a spirit finds in the spirit realm depend on the spirit's mental, moral, & emotional conditions, thoughts and behaviors, etc., at the time of physical death. They can range from ones of great suffering and darkness, to ones of great happiness & joy - where time is spent reflecting, studying, working to help others, and reuniting with loved ones.  Discarnate spirits (those not incarnated in a body) are automatically drawn, by the law of attraction, to the places with which they have the most affinity (determined by the quality and character of one's thoughts). It is important to note that God never abandons a singe one of his children, and even in the darkest places, we are never alone; spirits in such places, who express sincere remorse for their mistaken ways and a genuine desire to change, will draw to their aid, higher spirits who will come to rescue them and take them to places for treatment and regeneration.

Q.  Do we meet again, in the flesh, with individuals from past lives?
A.  Yes, our ultimate moral objective is to learn to understand and practice love, in the purest sense. We often reincarnate with individuals from our past, in the process of building, repairing, or strengthening bonds of love and affection. As new individuals become part of our lives, we progressively expand our spiritual family.

Question # 167: What is the purpose of reincarnation?

Answer: "Purification, to redress previous mistakes, and to effect human progress. Otherwise, there would be no justice."

Question # 171: What is the basis for the doctrine of reincarnation?

Answer: "The justness of God, and revelation. As we've said already, a loving parent always leaves the door of forgiveness open to straying children. Doesn't reason convince you that it would be unjust to withhold happiness eternally from spirits who haven't had the chance to improve themselves? All of us are God's children. Injustice, unrelenting hatred, everlasting punishments are concepts you will find among self-centered and less advanced humans, but not in God".

(The Spirit's book was first complied and published, in 1857, by Allan Kardec, the codifier of Spiritism.  Translation above, as per 2003 publishing by the Allan Kardec Educational Society.)
 

      
Reincarnation and Spiritism