Question in regard to Reincarnation - "De-volving"

Hello,

I was wondering if someone could give some input in regard to whether people can reincarnate into lower life forms such as animals etc....

I have been spending some time with I-kwan tao practioners. Buddhists and Taoist do not like them as they say their teaching are not true to Buddhism etc.. But they are not trying to teach Buddhism or study Taoism. They believe we can have a direct connection with "God" ourselves and that religion is only a guideline or starting point.

Anyway I am digressing, but they believe that wrong living can bring you back as an animal or fish etc..(As do some religions.) I do not agree as I believe in the evolution of the soul. I think this is a T.S. teaching as well?

I think of it as sort of a "one way valve" :) If the monad can slip backwards so easily then how is there any hope of reaching a state of perfection?

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Permalink Reply by Janelle Cranston on June 16, 2013 at 5:24am

Thanks Hari,

I will read that few more time and hopefully gain a fuller understanding.

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on June 15, 2013 at 2:13am

One thing you may want to do is look at the differences between the groups w.r.t. reincarnation and god.

Reincarnation

differences are highlighted between:
Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism; Early Greece; Classical Antiquity;The Celts; Judaism;Taoism; Sikhism; Native American (nations); Christianity etc.

The Buddhists would definitely have problems with the I-kwan tao, due to the concept of God (they have none); Taoism basically does not either.

The more I thought about it, why don't you study Zen?? or, are you looking for Zen + God?? that can be found.

(assumption is that the teaching is not right for you? i.e. the spiritual transmigration to lower species).

Though, House Cats are the highest form of life... <G>

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Permalink Reply by Janelle Cranston on June 16, 2013 at 5:41am

Thanks John,

I had a laugh at your laugh comment. Who are we to say when they have humans at their beck and call.

I do appreciate someone guiding me in my reading and studies.

I have looked at Buddhism but not Zen Buddhism specifically. I am quite drawn to it but find beliefs such as walking around a stupa carrying an animal or insect and chanting will ensure that said creature will reincarnate as a human a bit hard to believe. Or chanting to Amitabha Buddha will ensure you are born in Pureland....

I will look into Zen and get back to you. :)

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Permalink Reply by Jessica R. Huffmeyer on June 15, 2013 at 9:00am

Greetings Janelle,

I have been following this discussion since you have posted and I don't think anyone has asked why you feel like you are digressing.

I am curious if you could share your childhood religious background. On a personal level I feel this may have to do with your feelings of digressing. When we grow up learning one thing our whole lives we have a set outlook on a certain belief especially when it comes to religious / spiritual teachings. If you could give a brief background in religious / spiritual matters from the time when you were younger to the now time this may be able to help those who are following this post (myself) know what it is like to walk in your shoes. If you could share that would be fantastic!

Thank you!

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Permalink Reply by Janelle Cranston on June 16, 2013 at 6:31am

Greetings Jessica, :)

My original comment about digressing in regard to my post but on contemplation I have digressed many times in my spiritual path too!

I was brought up Catholic but even in early primary school I could not reconcile a loving God with one who wanted to sent me to hell or understand why there were men reading a newspaper in the back of Church on Sunday. Weren't we in the house of God?? I must have been born searching as during high school I remember reading a book on Wicca.

For about 6 years I was a Rosicrucian. I joined Co-Freemasonary but only obtained 2nd Degree due to a break down of the lodge. I joined the Theosophical Society in Australia about 5 -6 years ago, and still a member. I've been drawn to Buddhism of late as I mentioned to John in the above post.

And I have had a few minor detours but I am not as widely read or educated as most people who post on this forum.

That's the abbreviated version........

I am just trying to find out the truth but the more I learn the more I realize how subjective that truth may be. As they say in the T.S. There is no religion higher than the Truth.,