After a few weeks of Metaphysical Theology classes, I've noticed how much my beliefs have changed in the past few years. I certainly am a work of Process Theology! I was most interested in the conversation about afterlife, specifically identifying the four main beliefs or destinations that exist. Do you believe in extinction, judgment, reincarnation, or universalism?
It is only in the past few years that I have really embraced the concept of reincarnation...although don't try to start a dinner party conversation around this! People are certainly funny about this concept. They either love it or hate it. I love it, perhaps because it supports the developmental models in transpersonal and integral spirituality. My new teachers....Ken Wilber and Alan Cohen...support the concept of reincarnation, but admittedly don't teach a lot about it. I listened to a talk they gave recently and I did like one idea that supports a belief in reincarnation. How can people be born with advanced stages of knowledge? For instance, I understand Beethoven wrote a complete symphony at the age of four. How can I possibly explain that level of skill without seriously looking at the possibility of reincarnation? I believe that we grow in consciousness at the soul or subtle level and when we die, that consciousness then goes with us. Beethoven must have been a composer in another life and then brought that skill with him into his new life...and for that I am very grateful! That is what I believe for now....but I know that may also change with time.
Surprisingly enough, I am also considering the extinction category. I think it is possible that nothing happens at death...consciousness may end. But if I REALLY believed that, I'd be atheist, wouldn't I? I just can't do that...yet. The energy of God exists...of that I am positive!
Hi Shawn,
ReplyDeleteI to enjoy the idea of reincarnation. I'm very comfortable with it and have no need to prove or disprove it, but a cool thought popped up as I read your post. The very first student of Paramahansa Yogananda (who founded Self-Realization Fellowship in L.A. in 1920 and wrote the spiritual classic: Autobiography of a Yogi)ask Yogananda about his mother. This individual's name was Dr. Lewis. His mother had just died, and he wanted to know if his mother had been reborn. Yogananda said "yes." Dr. Lewis went on to ask him where. Yogananda, with his vast awareness, gave him the name of a town and area in New England. Dr. Lewis went to the town, found the family and somehow managed to meet a little girl who exhibited all the wonderful little traits and idiosyncrasies of his mother. The smile, the mannerisms, all the same spirit he had known his whole life, all in this new garb of a little girl.
Whether you believe it or not, it's a great story. I believe Yogananda was aware enough to do such a thing, and in fact, he did it on other occassions as well. There is a lot of love and comfort in that story.
I also enjoyed your comments about Beethoven...being a previous music major. I definately feel that I have played music many times before. Peace Shawn
Shawn,
ReplyDeleteTo have an understanding of knowledge and capabilities is an interesting area. We know scientifically that only a portion of the "brain" is actually used. The other regions of the brain could provide much insight into the functioning of knowledge.
Are some born with these traits and abiliites, or does some exposure or other early influence explain advanced knowledge? Contemplation of Process Theology opens areas of Individuality, Self, and the Consciousness of groups of people. Through our expression and participation in life, "co-creation" and one syncing in a certain gifting allows fun and further discovery of Spirit.
Ber