Reincarnation and Christianity?

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krsna!

Dear Swami Gaurangapada and assembled devotees, please accept my humble obiesances.

I am reading a book by Dr. Stanislav Grof (transpersonal psychology). He is pointing out in this particular chapter encounters in therapies (and trance), of clients experiencing previous births and potentials for healing through such encounters, and suggesting that many cultures and religions throughtout history have accepted re-incarnation and transmigration of the soul in their understandings.

I came across this quote which is quite interesting, and may come in useful for dialogue with the broad minded (christian):

"...The most famous Christian thinker speculating about the existence of souls returning to earth was Origen, one of the greatest Church Fathers of all times. His works, written in the third century A.D. (particularly his book entitled On First Principles) , were condemned by the Second Council of Constantinople, convened by Emperor Justinian in 553 A.D. This verdict read: 'If anyone assert the fabulous pre-existence of souls and shall submit to the monstrous doctrine that follows from it, let him be anathema!' Although this edict certainly helped establish reincarnation as heretical, religious scholars find traces of similar ideas in the writings of St. Augustine, St. Gregory, and St. Francis of Assisi.' End Quote."

I have not posted this to enter sectarian polemics and that kind of discussion, but to simply suggest that the soul and transmigration is understood by many great sousl regardless of ecclesiastical authority and edicts. In fact I truly believe if a soul can move beyond certain historical dogmas, she may very well experience realization of previous births and deep self realization.

y.s. Nava.

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