[ProphetofGanja]

Originally Posted by MsMarvelDuckie

(*sigh* Surrounded by amateurs....)

Read my earlier posts guys. Reincarnation is NOT just about coming back for a "do over". It is a chance for the soul to learn and perfect itself in different ways through each lifetime. To grow in wisdom, understanding of the universe, and to gain enlightenment, before finally moving on to join the "Collective Consciousness" or Great Spirit or whatever other name you want to give the universal oversoul.

Also we do not literally come back as animals. They have their own form of rebirth cycle, which is different from ours. We CAN, however, take on an animalistic form in the afterlife depending on our own personality and character. This is where the expressions like "he's such a rat/pig/snake/etc" come in. The spirit's inner nature is recognizable as a symbolic animal by seers and sensitives. But we come back as humans again. It is only in the brief period of transition between life and death that an animal/beast form is shown. Then the spirit goes to the place of rest and reflection to assess what it has experienced and choose new life experiences for the next incarnation.

Perhaps this is why people misunderstand what reincarnation means. It IS a lot like "Heaven" or nirvana in some ways in that it is a place of peace and contemplation and contentment. The Sumnerland is often referred to as a place of forests and hills, warmth and light. It is also described as beautiful and serene. Sounds like heaven? But it is not a final destination, more like a rest stop on the road of rebirth.

As for Hell, one has to believe in heaven for it to exist, and vice versa. Those who believe in heaven and hell (and Purgatory, but that's pretty strictly a Catholic thing) generally do not believe in reincarnation. And MOST who believe in reincarnation (myself included) do not believe in a literal heaven or hell. Because the two are not part of the same system of beliefs and do not mix well. To believe in heaven as a final place for the soul, means you probably believe you only get ONE chance and that's it. But reincarnation is not about ONE chance or lesson, but MANY. What we do not learn in this life may be experienced again in the next until we understand what we were meant to know.