title: The mystery of reincarnation.
abstract: One of the mysteries puzzling human mind since the origin of mankind is the concept of "reincarnation" which literally means "to take on the flesh again." As the civilizations evolved, beliefs got discriminated and disseminated into various religions. The major division manifested was "East" and "West." The eastern religions being more philosophical and less analytical, have accepted reincarnation. However, the different eastern religions like Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism have differed in their faith on rebirth. Further, the Islam as well as the most dominant religion of the world, Christianity, having its origin in the west, have largely denied reincarnation, though some sub-sects still show interest in it. Also many mystic and esoteric schools like theosophical society have their unique description on rebirth. This article describes reincarnation as perceived by various religions and new religious movements as well as some research evidence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Anil Kumar Mysore
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Nagaraj
authors.forename: Raveesh Bevinahalli
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Nanjegowda
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Purushothama
keywords: Hinduism and rebirth; reincarnation; religion and reincarnation