Reincarnation

Reincarnation, as a doctrine, holds the notion that one's personality, spirit, soul, 'true self', 'I' (not to be confused with the Ego as defined by psychology) or critical parts of these returns to the material world after physical death to be reborn in a new body. The natural process is Considered integrative of all experiences from each lifetime. Transmigration is a theory that considers inter-species embodiments. As a mystical doctrine, Reincarnation of a human being is always as a human being. Its occurrence is a central tenet of Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Surat Shabda Yoga, some African religions, as well as various other religions and philosophies. Most modern Pagans also believe in reincarnation.

Origin of the belief

This doctrine has its roots far back in primitive culture. According to some scholars, this idea developed out of three common beliefs: (1) that man has a soul, connected with the breath, which can be separated from his material body, temporarily in sleep, permanently at death; (2) that animals and even plants have souls, and are possessed to a large extent of human powers and passions; (3) that souls can be transferred from one organism to another. (This idea still has adherents in many schools of Hinduism, the oldest of extant modern religions)

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Alternatively, some consider that reincarnation as a phenomenon (not simply a belief) has been occurring through history, and has been discovered and re-discovered by societies both primitive and advanced.

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Reincarnation of human souls into non-human bodies is implied in totemism.

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