past lives

[Yo'mumma]

I have to say that the idea of reincarnation doesn't really appeal to me. I mean, it would be cool to live another life, I guess, but I'd really rather not forget everything (or most things) from the last one every time... And I'd rather not go through childhood again. Childhood sucked for me and sucks much worse for the vast majority of people on this planet.

So yeah, if there actually some process by which whatever makes a person *that person* is transferred to some other body after death, I hope I can opt out.

For these reasons, I would predict that, assuming reincarnation happens, there would be some sort of "universal hub". To me, much of the point of life is to learn, and so if all memories were completely lost it wouldn't make a great deal of sense. However, assuming life is a learning experience; it would seem quite possible that we would live multiple lives. So, I would assume that, as a general rule, you wouldn't be going through too much of the same thing each time - I don't see much point to living trans* more than once. But this idea sorta falls down with bigendered/agendered people...

I would assume opting out is possible though.

[BeckyBoiGrrl]

BeckyBoiGrrl...you sure you ain't more Jewish? 'Cause yer beliefs sound closer ta' Jew than Christian.

No, definitely not jewish

Maybe in a past life.... LOL

Peace.

[Cassandra]

Never know for sure.

Who knows if ya' can 'opt out' or not...but it might be kinda cool, fer some people.

I still think you learn something new, even if ya' forget....

[Gwydion]

Re: opting Out.

From a Buddhist perspective, yes. There's the traditional path (achieve enlightenment). There's also Pure Land (which i personally disaprove of0 where you can call upon Amida (the Buddha of the future) to take you from the wheel into the Western paradise. It's not something i personally want to do, but it is an option.

Personally, I think that beliefs effect where you go next. Christians likely do have the option for their after life, that there are any number of options, including true Oblivion and that choice determines the system that applies to the individual.

[Cassandra]

Okay...if people are getting into some cushy reward - no matter what they did in life - just 'cause they're runnin' behind someone's robes...

...I'll wreck the place, when I die. <.<

Sorry...rant over, 'n' sorry if I offended anyone. Not apologizin' for my view, tho'.

[Gwydion]

I'm no fan of Pure Land, trust me. it creeps me the fuck out, honestly. i plan to stay on the Wheel and keep working on perfecting myself.

[rina]

I believe in reincarnation because I have always remembered. So what I have to say is based on a very deeply held belief however I am fine with people having different views or simply not believing me - I'm not fragile

When I was a young child (6 or 7) my father tried to 'teach me' the current biblican Christian version of Heaven/Hell and Adam and Eve. I found it utterly ridiculous and that's when I realised that not everyone remembered and I should keep my mouth shut. I am not a Christian nor do I belong to any other religious group, however there is plenty of evidence that reincarnation was part of Christian theology before those in power decided to cut up the bible to fit their political ends.

Also, 'past-lives' isn't entirely accurate since past, present and future don't actually exist on a soul level, it's just the material world that conforms to linear time. But that's getting a bit esoteric.

I went through a period in my early 20's when lots of 'information' about my previous lives came to me, but I then realised that remembering isn't as important as it may seem. Following your inner truth and having faith in that Truth or the Universe or God or whatever word you choose to use, is what is really important. Also, with knowledge comes responsibility, and believe me, you may not want to remember some of the shit you've done!

In terms of gender, yes I believe that you can be attached to the gender you were in your previous life and therefore feel you were born in 'the wrong body' if your sex/gender don't 'match'. However, that in itself is a learning experience. We all have free will and can live how we choose. Karma is not 'punishment', I think this idea is from the western view of an angry god, Karma is just 'what comes around goes around'. Also, we have forever to work things out (since there's no 'time' anyway) so there's no need to stress.

Also, Garconne, I have also recently read books about children remembering past lives and find it fascinating. When I was 20 my housemate had a young child and I remember once asking her if she could remember where she was before she went in her mummy's tummy. She did! She told me how she died in her last life. It was very matter of fact and she had that 'calm wise' look about her as she was telling me. I didn't take it any further since she wasn't my child.

[dkas2929]

Garçonne,
I do believe that when the body dies we go on to something else. although i hope its not to be born again here, Its been hard enough this
time around.