Thinking Out Loud

I had a revelation about reincarnation in the shower yesterday. I do not find it difficult to believe in reincarnation after this life because I have experienced reincarnation in this life several times. Two of which I'm particularly aware. First, in an effort to not mince words, perhaps what I'm about to describe isn't technically the meaning of reincarnation, but more along the lines of reinvention, however, since both instances encapsulate the death of a world, accompanied by the rebirth and remaking of a new life, I'm rolling comfortably with reincarnation. The day my world died is how I've often verbalized the shattering of my first marriage. I'll spare you the details because frankly, it's not important nor unique to me. We all suffer disappointment, betrayal, and loss at some point in life, and since none of us are what we once were, it really feels unfair, and small, to recount and belabor past perceived offenses. What I describe below shall, I ...

I know I've written about this before, but I really do like the idea of reincarnation. Here's something striking I just discovered: Reincarnation was once an accepted belief of the Christian church. The only reason they got rid of the doctrine is that the leaders feared it would weaken their ability to command obedience in their members. If Christians believed that they had multiple lifetimes to work out their salvation, then perhaps they'd be less motivated to strive for perfection in this one? Here is the section that blew my mind from the "Autobiography of a Yogi:" The early Christina church accepted the doctrine of reincarnation, which was expounded by the Gnostics and by numerous church fathers, including Clement of Alexandria, the celebrated Origen (both 3rd centurty), and St. Jerome (5th century). The doctrine was first declared a heresy in A.D. 553 by the Second Council of Constantinople. At that time many Christians thought the doctrine of reincarnat...

I'm really enjoying learning about the great yogis and yoginis of India. I had no idea that yoga was a spiritual practice. That helps me understand better my affinity for it. I'm trying to figure out what to believe about Jesus. I'm pretty sure he existed as a historical figure, but what I'm no longer sure of is his divinity. I mean, yes, of course, he was divine, we all are, but was he really the literal son of God, born of a virgin mother, offered as a sacrifice to redeem the world? It's such a stereotypical story. As I study world religions, I'm intrigued by their similarity. They all seem to feature an all-powerful creator, an evil antagonist, and a divine intermediary. The "Savior" possesses special powers, performs various miracles, protects the obedient (aka righteous), and destroys the wicked. Jesus isn't the only being who has performed miracles. Saints, yogis, and other great men and women have been performing miracles since the daw...