Reincarnation: Fact or Fantasy?

Overview
Scientific Evidence Logical Analysis Philosophical Basis Scriptural Explanation

Soul in the Body

The brain is a computerBut it is programmed by something that is outside itself.

Dr. Wilder Penfield Canadian surgeon, Noble Laureate

Past-life memories
Four types of evidences:

Dr. Ian Stevenson

Recollections Recognitions Behaviors Birthmarks

- BG 2.22

The Case of Mushir Ali Shah

Naresh Kumar Unknown Location Unknown People Liking

Answering lifes questions

Multiplicity of forms and circumstances
Differing abilities and talents Differing inclinations, habits, fears etc. Problem of evil

JUST CHANCE?

Famous Quotes
"There is no death. How can there be death if everything is part of the Godhead? The soul never dies and the body is never really alive." (Isaac Bashevis Singer) "I know I am deathless. No doubt I have died myself ten thousand times before. I laugh at what you call dissolution, and I know the amplitude of time." (Walt Whitman)

Famous Quotes
"I did not begin when I was born, nor when I was conceived. I have been growing, developing, through incalculable myriads of millenniums. All my previous selves have their voices, echoes, promptings in me. Oh, incalculable times again shall I be born." (Jack London, The Star Rover) "I look upon death to be as necessary to the constitution as sleep. We shall rise refreshed in the morning."

(Benjamin Franklin)

The process of coming into flesh again

What is reincarnation?

2) Discontinuous Reincarnation
Reincarnation to another chapter of existence Changing bodies like changing clothes

Scientific Evidence Logical Analysis Philosophical Basis Scriptural Explanation

Which body next?

Desires, aspirations and goals in life Our activities - Karma

 Jnana Understanding the self, the world, and God

How to break out

Vijnana Realising such knowledge, and acting by it

Conclusion

Spiritual life means: Transformation of consciousness Dont have to give anything up just aim it correctly

Diwali

Arguments / doubts / questions

Is there any scientific evidence for it or is it just a belief?
If I had a past life why dont I remember it? And if I cant remember it whats the point of reincarnation? If reincarnation is true why is the population increasing? Isnt reincarnation just a comforting idea, so you dont have to worry so much about death?

Why doesnt God just take us out of the situation?

Story & Significance

The Ramayana: historical fact not mythology Bala Khandha

Ayodhya Khandha
Aranya Khandha Kishkindha Khandha

Yuddha Khandha

Story & Significance

Diwali is the story of: - light over darkness - good over bad - knowledge over illusion Enlightenment over blind faith, prosperity over poverty, knowledge over ignorance, good health and well being over disease and ill health, and freedom over bondage. - Nelson Mandela