Part 1

Origins

So far, the evidence says or suggests that the origin of this theory is unknown, some sources say obscure. According to others, there is no single point of origin of reincarnation but many. Some say that India is the original source of the theory, unfortunately, evidence or information does not support this. If reincarnation does have more than one point of origin then it speaks volumes, it might mean that the idea, or theory, of reincarnation has probably come from more than one location and developed without interference or influence from the outside. If that is the case then it's pretty big news. It means that the same idea/theory or belief may or has been thought of independently of others and yet they are very similar or the same to each other. The implication is that if areas or countries, independent of each other, can come up with this idea/theory/belief then it might mean or suggest an almost universal understanding/comprehension. It could mean something or nothing. Something might make itself known to us or not, time will tell. Maybe the human species will develop to a point that will enable us to understand in a different way, it could be spiritual or maybe not, who knows? Evidences of reincarnation can be found in more than one place, in more than one tribe, in more than one culture like North American Indian tribes, Ancient China & The Celtic Druids. Click 'reincarnation tribes|cultures' below for more information. For ancient Greeks, go to the Origen: Cosmology|Eschatology link and Plato: Greek Philosophy link.
I will continue to look for evidence for the origin of reincarnation, so watch this space. Lets begin with number 1!

Reincarnation: Tribes|cultures Origen: Cosmology|Eschatology Plato: Greek Philosophy

THE VEDIC PERIOD: 1500 to 500 BC Hinduism → Samsara → Vedas

The history of reincarnation can be traced back to India(The Vedas - select the image above) and Greece but the evidence of its origin is specifically unclear. If there is no source of origin, and or it can't be found, then lets go somewhere where there are lots of cases of claimed reincarnation...India. Why India? Mostly because they have lots of cases of claimed reincarnation for you to look at, it's a good starting point to gain knowledge about reincarnation. Look into the Vedas for yourself from a range of different sources.

Credit/Source: Wikipedia

THE COUNCIL OF NICEA

Here is my general understanding. If we are going to go into the context of religion then The Second Council Of Constantinople 553AD might be the place to study regarding reincarnation. The council of Nicea/Constantinople were meetings between several bishops of Christian beliefs. In these meetings, the many bishops discussed, if not argued, about the divinity of Jesus and the trinity. There was much debate and it took time, for the majority, to come to an agreement. These meetings also decided who or what should be left out of the Christian doctrines, these were known as anathemas. Anathema is given or charged against someone or something. If someone or something is charged with one or more anathemas, it means to be made an undesirable or unwanted. If someone was charged with an anathema they could be said to be excommunicated.

In my research I have discovered a lot of debate and a lot of confusion, this bit is where it begins to get really murky/confusing, so, I will try to provide clarity on what happened. In these meetings, the works of a man were discussed and or targeted, this man was a theologian called Origen (c184 AD - c253 AD) who argued for the pre-existence of souls (please see the pre-existence-of-the-soul link below). Origen argued, or taught doctrine, that the soul exists before entering the body (that is in the womb) before the birth. One of the main problems I have discovered is the lack of comprehensive understanding. When Origen argued or taught his doctrine of the pre-existence of the soul, was he describing what we consider reincarnation, his version, or was he being specific by saying the soul exists before entering into the flesh in the womb. Was pre-existence of the soul his version or definition of reincarnation? Take into account the fact that the word reincarnation didn't exist until 1829. This is where the problem lies. Is pre-existence of the soul another title, meaning, interpretation or name for reincarnation or not?

Research indicates that much of Origens work has been lost to time, so we might not be able to fully understand his works or meanings. As I continued my studies, evidence suggests that a woman called Theodora (wife of Justinian I) influenced Justinian to make, or influence, huge fundamental changes to the people's beliefs. One of the changes was to take out pre-existence-of-the-soul from the doctrines. Apparently, Origen's teachings or doctrines threatened the power of the establishment. The aim/intention was Theodora doing what she can to become an all powerful woman with the hope of leaving a legacy behind after her death by being deified. Before pre-existence was taken out of the doctrines, it was considered natural fact and accepted as a matter of fact. So far, there is no solid concrete information that clearly states that pre-existence of the soul is actually reincarnation. It is very unfortunate that much of his work has been lost as it could have added clarity. The definition of pre-existence of the soul might be, subjectively, linked to reincarnation but not definitively. If, and it's a huge if, Origen's pre-existence-of-the-soul is meant to have been reincarnation then yes.......it was anathemitised. But, this can not, yet, be proven. We need to be able to directly connect pre-existence-of-the-soul to reincarnation, only then can we say yes, the Council Of Nicea did anathematise reincarnation. Until then, no we can't. Please refer to number 4 "Banning reincarnation" to understand the political intentions of Theodora and Justinian 1. Please check the links below for further information. And check the books in the sources page for Origen's On First Principles book.

Credit/Source: The Reluctant Messenger | Wikipedia | Definitions.net

The Council's Issues Against Origen's doctrines ORIGEN Pre-existence Of The Soul A definition of pre-existence Definitions Of Pre-existence Of The Soul Who Is Justinian? Origen's On First Principles

REINCARNATION: A Religious Context

During my research I very quickly discovered that the theory of reincarnation pre-exists Christianity. I have come across a lot of debate, sometimes heated, with religious people making claims and using the bible as a source of evidence or fact. When it comes to looking for evidence, facts and proof about reincarnation, I quickly understood one fundamental fact...the bible cannot and does not constitute as fact or proof. The bible has been re-written so many times that any original element has been lost and or, possibly, kept from the public. They, mostly, reject the theory of reincarnation vehemently. The bible is based on faith/belief, neither presents evidence, facts or proof and that's what I'm looking for.

The Evidences of Reincarnation?

I have taken a look at reincarnation within the politics of the Christian religion. After number 5, below, I will focus on the evidence, facts and proofs (if there are any) that may or may not support the theory of reincarnation. I wish to take this opportunity to encourage you to peform your own independent research into the subject.

Banning Reincarnation? 483 - 565 AD

In this video, we learn about Justinian & Theodora and their political intentions and influences. Did Theodora influence Justinian to take out or anathematise Origen's teachings? What purpose does that serve? What are your thoughts? Also, look into Anathema.

Credit/Source: Youtube channel The144000

Evidence of Reincarnation?

This video is interesting but will it provide evidence or facts? Watch and come to your own conclusion. When you've finished watching, consider performing your own independent research.

Credit/Source: Youtube channel Walter Semkiw | David Brady productions | Supernatural Investigator

Mythical beliefs?

People have, and continue to, carry out research into reincarnation. This documentary goes into the mystery to find any form of evidence and or fact. If the video above doesn't work, click the link below. Does this dismiss reincarnation or is there more than meets the eye. Do your own independent research and see what you find.

Credit/Source: 5th Dimension

Press Me

"It is not more surprising to be born twice than once"

Shanti Devi 1926 - 1987

A popular case of reincarnation in India and known to well researched people.

Credit/Source: Paul John | Wikipedia

Wiki: Shanti Devi

The Pollock Twins

Another story, or example, of reincarnation and its cyclical nature can be seen in the case of the Pollock twins. More information in the link below.

Credit/Source: Draw The Life TikTak

The Pollock Twins

REAL STORIES: Children's Past Lives

As previously stated, people are, and continue to, conduct research into cases of apparent reincarnation. In this documentary, a case in America and a case in Sri Lanka are explored. Arguments for and against reincarnation are expressed. If you've watched it, what have you learnt from this? It is interesting to see a general curiosity develop over time. This is just one of many documented cases, there are several more.

Credit/Source: Real Stories

Sterling Documentaries: The Boy Who Lived Before

Here I have a documented case of a young Scottish boy who remembers his previous life. What are your thoughts after watching it? As always, do your own independent research.

Credit/Source: Sterling Documentaries