"What happens after death?" It's a question that has intrigued people of every race and religion, all over the world. Ancient Greeks, Hindus and Buddhists of Asia, Native Americans of northwest North America, and some early Christians are among the many religions that subscribe to a belief in reincarnation.
For the past 40 years, doctors at the University of Virginia have conducted research into young children's accounts of what could be past life memories.
Dr. Jim B. Tucker M.D., a child psychiatrist, in his book - Life Before Life - presents several accounts of young children who have verifiable accounts of past life experiences, in a scientific way. Dr.Tucker's book is based on more than 2,500 cases that are registered in the files of the Division of Personality Studies at the University of Virginia.
Typical Accounts of Children that Remember Past Lives
In a typical case, a young child, between two and four years of age, describes memories of another life. Sometimes the child is persistent and insists of seeing his relatives from the other life and describes people and places in detail.
When the parents give in to the child's demands, and take the child to the location specified, they find that details supplied by the child are correct.
Birthmarks and Past Life
Many past-life investigation cases of the University of Virginia files, are those born with birthmarks or birth defects, that match the wounds of the deceased person. A third of the cases from India include birthmarks or birth defects. A total of 18% of those cases have medical records that confirm the match.
Predictions About Next Life by the Dying Person
There are two sects of people that have cases, where the dying person make predictions about a future birth.
- Lamas of Tibet - Sometimes the Dalai Lama's predictions can be vague and unclear. But other people use these predictions to identify young children as the lamas reborn.
- Tlingits of Alaska - People of this tribe frequently make predictions about rebirth. Of 46 cases studies, the previous personality made predictions about subsequent rebirth in 10 of them. In eight of the 10, the dying person gave names of future parents.
Experimental Birthmarks that Suggest Reincarnation
In several Asian countries, a family member or friend may mark the body of a deceased person in hopes that a baby in future may have the birthmark. Dr.Tucker mentions that he found 18 such cases when he went to Thailand and Myanmar.
Announcing Dream and Past Life
In most cases, the mom dreams of the person that is going to be born as her baby, in an announcing dream. Cases from all cultures have announcing dreams. In Myanmar, families generally report that the dreams occur before the baby is conceived. Among tribes in north west North America, they occur during the end of pregnancy.
Dr.Tucker emphasizes that the cases presented in his book are not proof of anything, but evidence that could point to reincarnation. He urges the reader to make an informed decision based on the evidence presented, without being judgmental or prejudiced.
Source:
- Life Before Life - A Scientific Investigation of Children's Memories of Previous Lives, Jim B. Tucker, M.D
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