The Mystery of Reincarnation Patrick Zukeran Eastern Doctrine of Reincarnation Many cultures throughout the world have long held to the concept of reincarnation. A recent Gallup Poll revealed that one in four Americans believed in reincarnation.
Many sects have variant views of reincarnation.
Here is a general summary of the basic principles. Most hold to a pantheistic view of God. All created beings are an extension of or an emanation from God. Living things possess a physical body and an immaterial entity called the soul, life force, or Jiva. At death, the life force separates from the body and takes a new physical form.