What Goes Around...

I stumbled upon a fascinating blog entry by a die-hard atheist about the "problems" that would arise if we were to prove that reincarnation were true. The article is appropriately named "The Evil of Reincarnation".

He asks some compelling questions - and I'd love to complete the mental task of answering them (if only for myself).

But... Herein lies my pickle.

In a way, I actually can't even attempt to answer this because the blogger and I operate with completely different assumptions about the nature and purpose of the 'thing that reincarnates' ie. The spirit or soul or energy, or whatever we "new agers" are calling it these days.

Here's one of his questions:

"If Hitler came back to this world just after his death in the form of a newborn baby, should that baby be persecuted for his past life crimes against humanity?"

Here's my attempt at answering this:

Hitler was no doubt an evil force - a cold, calculated murderer who led an awful life. I have no doubt that he has probably already reincarnated. But as someone who believes in karma, I believe there would be no need to persecute that "baby".

By way of his or her new (karma-influenced) life, that "baby" would likely be persecuted in far worse ways than death, electrocution or any form of corporeal punishment. In fact, that child would be worthy of great compassion, rather than more punishment. That child would have no recollection of their acts from that past life - only the knowledge that their current life was filled with misfortune and heartache.

To reincarnate is not to just transfer your personality into a new body. We are seldom absolute reflections of our true selves.

Most of us, in fact, are so cut off and removed from our pure nature that we retain very little of our true identity. Our personalities are largely shaped by our experiences in the world, and only partly true to our real selves. No doubt, Hitler forgot his divine nature early on. I know this because those of us who remember our divine nature and connection to one another would never be able to take another's life, let alone wipe out millions of our soul mates.

Question 2:

"And what of the rich man? How could he claim his wealth and property in his next life?"

My response:

I laughed out loud at this one. That's like quitting your job or being forced into retirement and then approaching your old boss for a raise. It's not your job anymore! You're not entitled. I don't care how long you were in that job, or how hard you worked to get where you were when you left, it's just not yours anymore.

As much as we might take up an identity for a bit - when we reincarnate we're just not that person anymore. Sure we're made of the same bits, have most of the same ingredients, but it's a whole new flavour. Nothing should pass over to the reincarnated (I guess unless you're the Dalai Lama - then you get all your stuff back when you come back).

The other thing is - wealth just doesn't matter. I mean, maybe it matters to you in this lifetime, but it's just a tool to enable you to experience one aspect of life, to learn specific lessons. The next life you might not desire wealth or need it to accomplish what you're coming to accomplish.

Besides - if we were entitled to our previous life's fortune - I imagine there would be riots of 'imposter Bill Gates incarnates' fighting to the death for what they were 'entitled to'. Might make for some entertaining TV though.