Roger:
I don't believe it's that simple. When people believe in reincarnation in a conventional and linear way, the following can happen.
-They become depressed because not only do they have to deal with the difficulties of this life, they have to deal with the difficulties of numerous lives. On the other hand, a person who doesn't believe in reincarnation might be more likely to maintain a positive attitude because he (or she) believes that only one physical life needs to be dealt with.
-Some people end up following gurus because they believe a guru will empower them to become enlightened and avoid having to reincarnate. I believe it is a mistake to hand another person the key to our spiritual welfare.
-Some people believe that bad things happen to people because of karma. For example, a child gets beaten by his parents because past life actions make it so he deserves to beaten.
If one believes that a parent abuses a child for reasons that have nothing to do with what a child deserves, one can view such a child as perhaps a very brave soul who took on the burden of incarnating into a lifetime where he will undeservingly get abused by his parents.
Some people become lackadaisical because they believe that past life karma prevents them from changing their life situation.
-People who believe in reincarnation will consider past life issues when trying to figure out their psychological issues. Because hypnosis can lead to false memories, they might consider issues that dont apply.
rondele wrote on Oct 26th, 2009 at 3:05pm:Let's remember something very basic about this whole reincarnation thing.
When we are born, do we say to ourselves "oh boy, here I am again, great to be alive again!"
No. We have no recollection of having a prior life (except for what is recalled under hypnosis or the deja vu experience, neither of which proves anything).
So, as we go about our daily lives, what difference does it make if we lived before or if we didn't? If we don't remember, the net effect is zero.
The whole "debate" is basically pointless and somewhat silly.
If I lived before and have no memory of it, that's the same thing as not having lived before. Simple as that.
R