CHAPTER I.

THE EARLY RACES.

By "Reincarnation," we mean the repeated original: "repanted"; likely a typographical error for "repeated." incarnation, or embodiment in flesh, of the soul or the non-physical part of human nature. The term "Metempsychosis" original: "Metempsychosis"; a Greek term meaning the passage of the soul from one body to another. is frequently used in the same sense, with its definition being: "The passage of the soul, as an immortal essence, into another living body upon the death of the previous physical body." The term "Transmigration of Souls" is also sometimes used to mean "passing from one body into another." However, "Transmigration" is often associated with the beliefs of certain primitive original: "undeveloped"; here referring to early or tribal cultures. races who held that human souls sometimes passed into the bodies of lower animals as a punishment for sins committed during their human life. This specific belief is rejected by the followers of Reincarnation or Metempsychosis and has no connection to their philosophy or beliefs; these ideas sprang from an entirely different source and have nothing in common.

As we proceed, we shall see that there are many forms of belief—and many degrees of doctrine—regarding Reincarnation. However, a fundamental and basic principle underlies all the various shades of opinion and different schools of thought. This fundamental belief may be expressed as the doctrine that there is a non-physical "Something" in humans (called the soul, spirit, inner self, or many other names) which does not perish when the body dies or decays. Instead, it persists as an independent entity, and after a shorter or longer interval of rest, it reincarnates—or is reborn—into a new body (that of an unborn infant). From there, it proceeds to live a new life in that body, more or less unaware of its past existences, but containing within itself the "essence" or results of its past lives, which goes to make up its new? "character" or "personality."

It is usually held that rebirth is governed by the "law of attraction" (under one name or another). This law operates in accordance with strict justice, attracting the reincarnating soul to a specific body and set of conditions that align with the tendencies of its past life. Similarly, the parents attract a soul that is bound to them by ties from the past. This law is seen as universal, uniform, and fair to everyone involved in the process.