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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The philosophy of reincarnation is not just a New Age Philosophy. In fact, in ancient times, among the Jews, there were sects, namely the Essenes, who believed in the science of reincarnation. Although it seems strange that we call it a “science,” there are some who believe that reincarnation can be proved through noticing in certain individuals certain traits that have occurred. In fact, the Buddhist philosophy, namely the lineage of the Dalai Lama, speaks of Lamas and Tulkus who are reborn and carry certain traits that enable the wise seers who seek them in successive incarnations, to recognize them as the true teachers of their lineage. Reincarnation literally means to be made flesh again. So it is about somebody surviving death to be reborn in a new body while retaining certain characteristics of the past incarnation. Although a new personality might be developed in each life in the physical world, some part of the self is said to remain constant through reincarnation in successive lives.
The doctrine of reincarnation is a central dogma within the majority of Indian religious traditions, most spectacularly Hinduism. In the New Age movement, there is a strong belief amongst the followers of reincarnation. Some have said that this was the main reason the New Age Movement is so popular, because it lends and offers hope to those who feel dispossessed from ordinary religion. The Buddhists concept of reincarnation actually diverges from the Hindu-based traditions in that there is no unchanging soul or eternal self to reincarnate.
Elizabeth Clare Prophet is a New Age phenomenon and while she has been known to set forth some controversial theories, in Reincarnation: The Missing Link in Christianity, she speaks of how Christianity as it evolved missed its moment when it refused to avow reincarnation. In fact, her claim is that, according to evidence from Dead Sea Scrolls and Gnostic texts, Christ truly believed that the soul reincarnated again. In fact, she felt that resurrection was one of the proofs of this claim. While fundamentalists would argue that Christ was the “true” way and the light, she felt that Christ as a true mystic truly taught that the way to know God was to unite with the God within. Her concept of reincarnation is thought provoking at the very least and at the most, provides a modicum of credibility through her historical research. Karma can be very closely linked to reincarnation. The belief that a person through his or her actions can create a possible effect through not only their lifetime but in lifetimes thereafter has caught hold. Nowadays people speak of reincarnation and karma almost as if they were accepted doctrines. This belief of reincarnation has truly proliferated in our time.
Similar to Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Jeffrey Armstrong also believes that enlightened masters have taught that karma and reincarnation are brought about by the actions of certain devas who surround us and are constantly deciding and delivering to us the effects of our actions. Karma: The Ancient Science of Cause and Effect says karma and reincarnation unearthed from Vedic laws will broaden our spiritual vision and inform our decisions so that we may have some form of choice when we reincarnated. Basically, karma and reincarnation are proof of the interconnectedness of life.If one were to speak of a great influence in these times by a spiritual leader one would have to place at the top the name of Paramahansa Yogananda. His Autobiography of a Yogi has to be one of the top best selling spiritual books of this century. It is one of the first books anyone first traveling the spiritual path will choose.
What comes through that book and this book is Yogananda’s deep encouragement to all spiritual seekers, giving us reassurance of the existence and love of God as we live this life now and hereafter. In his book Karma and Reincarnation, Yogananda with his wit and confidence, answers with authority those questions of why there is suffering in the world; is there a life after death;is there reincarnation; and is there heaven, amongst many other subjects. As he speaks of the truths of karma, death and reincarnation, Yogananda also speaks of the deeper purpose of each soul and he exhorts all of us, with unbelievable compassion and guidance, to bring these truths into our lives and utilize them towards bringing our souls in closer alignment with God. Again, he is one of our most revered teachers of the 20th century and when he speaks of reincarnation, we are hard pressed not to believe him.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Paramahansa Yogananda was an Indian born Yogi and Yoga guru. Born in 1893, Yogananda traveled to the United States and taught many westerners about meditation and Kriya Yoga through his influential writings. As a young child Yogananda was seen to have a quest for experiencing spirituality far beyond the norm. At the age of 17 Yogananda met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri. To Yogananda, this meeting was a, “rekindling of a relationship that lasted many lifetimes.” After many years of schooling, Yogananda traveled to the United States and founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920. Through this fellowship and his teachings, Yogananda taught his students the direct need for truth, as opposed to blind belief. He used Kriya Yoga to express many of his views.
To understand Yogananda, it is best to start at the source. The Autobiography of a Yogi , by Paramahansa Yogananda is a wonderful autobiography. In this book Yogananda chronicles his exciting life teachings and experiences. You will read about Yogananga’s time with many saints, his remarkable childhood and the ancient science of Yoga. Yogananda uses his life as an example to show others about spiritual paths, journeys and realization. Also included in this autobiography is extensive material from Yogananda from his final years. This material cannot be found in the first edition of the book. 
For many years Yogananda traveled throughout the United States giving speeches and speaking to others about Yoga, and many other topics. Yogananda often spoke without the use of notes, which showed tremendous character of the man. In the book Man’s Eternal Quest by Paramahansa Yoganangda, you will find many of his talks and speeches that were later brought together in a book form. Among the topics covered in this book are, how seekers first found God, the universality of Yoga among many others. Available at a great low price, this book will bring inspiration and understanding to any reader.
Throughout time people have talked about karma and reincarnation. People have strived to truly understand these experiences. In his book, Karma and Reincarnation , Yogananda offers his insight on how these experiences can help us achieve the highest fulfillment of life. This book offers fascinating responses from Yogananda to some of life’s toughest questions. As Yogananda explains karma, death and reincarnation, he also talks about the deeper meaning of every soul. This fascinating collection will surely have you reading cover to cover.
There are many different individuals associated with Yoga that truly bring out their unique views and wonderful thoughts of meditation. Yogananda is surely one of the most influential Yogi’s in the world to this day. We have many other books associated with Yogananda available, along with many different Yoga products. You can view them all today at
Mas-India.com. 
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