Belief in reincarnation plays an important role in the lives of millions in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and other religions originating in India. Many in Western lands also have a fascination with the doctrine of reincarnation. American actress Shirley MacLaine professes to believe in it. Writer Laurel Phelan of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, claims to have memories of 50 past lives. Belief in reincarnation is also a part of the New Age movement.
Skepticism abounds, however.
And other explanations of memories attributed to previous lives are possible. Several dictionaries of Indian languages use the words interchangeably. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.