Past Lives — Spiritual Meaning

Past lives are the belief that the soul has lived before, central to Hinduism and Buddhism and present in many other traditions.

Rebirth in Eastern Faiths

In Hindu and Buddhist teaching the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, samsara, is shaped by karma until liberation.

Modern Interest

Past life regression and the sense of déjà vu or unexplained affinities lead many people to the idea.

A Cautious View

Evidence is anecdotal and memories recovered through suggestion can be unreliable. Many people use the idea as a reflective story.

Key spiritual meanings of Past Lives

Rebirth
The soul's return.
Karma
Actions that carry on.
Affinity
Unexplained pulls.
Regression
A modern practice.
Caution
Memory can mislead.
Meaning
A frame for reflection.

Frequently asked questions

What does Past Lives mean spiritually?

Past lives are the belief that the soul has lived before, central to Hinduism and Buddhism and present in many other traditions.

Rebirth in Eastern Faiths

In Hindu and Buddhist teaching the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, samsara, is shaped by karma until liberation.

Modern Interest

Past life regression and the sense of déjà vu or unexplained affinities lead many people to the idea.

A Cautious View

Evidence is anecdotal and memories recovered through suggestion can be unreliable. Many people use the idea as a reflective story.

What are the 6 spiritual meanings of Past Lives?

1. Rebirth: The soul's return. 2. Karma: Actions that carry on. 3. Affinity: Unexplained pulls. 4. Regression: A modern practice. 5. Caution: Memory can mislead. 6. Meaning: A frame for reflection.

Related spiritual meanings