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Can remembering be a negative thing?

E

EggWHITES

Eating Machine
I had a premonition about 15 minutes ago. It told me to come to this website (haven't been here in about a year), read some things, and it would be worth while. I came here, read some things, got nothing, went to bed, and this idea came to me.
At a point in my life, I had incredible premonitions, and I am trying to re-develop them. So I listened, and came up with this thought.

Could it be possible that "remembering" past lives could be a negative thing. I think quite a few people here believe that the point of living is to grow spiritually? from life to life, you grow and "transcend" perhaps?

Well, without being aware of reincarnation, and you grow spiritually, isn't that real spiritual growth? raw? true? Real improvement? Now lets say the same person becomes aware of reincarnation. Now, they realize that spiritual growth will benefit them in their next life? Is that really true spiritual growth? Is that growth for the right reasons? I think thats debatable and pretty good cases can be made on both sides. But it is some food for thought.

Alright, these things can be twisted around to fit any way you want them to. So having said that, this is what I have been chewing on. Now, I do believe in God, I have alot of reasons to, I probably wont drop Catholicism from my name, even though I think what branch you believe in is completely irrelevant, thats a whole nother thread. Aright, so back from that side track, not sure where I was going with some of that. The most convincing stories of reincarnation, imo, come from people in which the reincarnation memories went to them, not the other way around. In other words, it was natural, they did not seek help, they did not desire it. So that leaves me thinking that memories are for a select and chosen few, not for everyone who desires them. The select and chosen few, perhaps may be a sign. A sign that you can read anyway you want. Their is a few possibilities there. In other words, reincarnation memory is a pre-determined thing that few are blessed with, and it may be for the benefit of others.

This idea fits in, with the theory I have always had. reincarnation aka purgatory?????

ps- not saying this is the way it is, just something I have been chewing on I thought I would share.
 
I don't think there are right or wrong reasons for growth. What would be wrong with growing because one wanted the rewards of growth? I mean if you genuinely grew--not just faking it for the sake of rewards. If the goal was to become a more kinder, honest person and you achieved that that's a good thing even if you pursued those things for the sake of spiritual rewards.


As for past life memories, I suppose they can be good things or bad things depending on how you use them. If you're obsessed with them in a way that prevents or slows real growth, that seems like a bad thing. But you can surely learn things from them too, to help you grow. Whether such memories are predestined or are blessings, well ... I don't believe in predestination, but I'll say perhaps preplanned--for some things you want to learn or want to achieve in life, such memories might be helpful, even necessary, therefore were preplanned to have them. For others, they're not all that helpful for their goals in this life, therefore were not preplanned to have them. For such people, NOT having past life memories would be a blessing if such would only detract from what they want to accomplish in this life.


Reincarnation as purgatory? I'm not sure what you mean.
 
I don't think remembering past lives can have a negative impact per se, because I don't think we are capable of remembering anything that would be harmful to us. But like with anything, focusing your attention to that and only that can be bad for real growth, imo.


I don't think it's as simple as "now I know reincarnation is real, I get a reward in next life, yay". Usually becoming aware of reincarnation broadens one's perspective and awareness, and teaches one a lot about oneself. You can't fool your soul to think there's been progress when there isn't. And I don't think any of us get a better next life because we remember past lives.


Some people remember past lives spontaneously, others have to work a little to recall. In both cases I believe the memories come when they are needed, and neither way is better or more blessed than the other.


Karoliina
 
Hi EGGwhites,

Premonition is a type of prophecy consisting of an impressionable warning of a future event. The phenomenon is characterized by such sensations as anxiety, uneasiness, a vague feeling of disquiet suggesting impending disaster to actual visual or auditory hallucinations.
Premonition is sometimes referred to as a "gut-level" feeling. The sensation tends to occur prior to disasters, accidents, deaths and other traumatic and emotionally charged events.
Click to expand...
Just so we are clear on what exactly a premonition is. ;)


Regarding your personal theory:

In other words, reincarnation memory is a pre-determined thing that few are blessed with, and it may be for the benefit of others.
This idea fits in, with the theory I have always had. reincarnation aka purgatory?????
Click to expand...
Past life memories are not a curse, nor can they be compared to hell or purgatory. They are an opportunity for those who are ready -- to heal; in other words, the soul/spirit can remember in order to heal the circumstances in the past. Healing relationships, feelings of guilt, fear and wrong action just to name a few. IMO, past life memories allow an individual to evolve spiritually, mentally and emotionally.


This means taking responsibility for who you are, why you are...and where you are going. This is IMO -- a Blessing.
 
Could it be possible that "remembering" past lives could be a negative thing.
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As Karoliina already pointed out – it is possible it is a negative thing IF one chooses to be so focused on past lives they forget the importance of living in the present moment. However, the benefits of past life remembrance and/or work surrounding ones past lives, far outweighs the negative “possibilities,” imo.

I think quite a few people here believe that the point of living is to grow spiritually?
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Yes – but on a more profound level is understanding who you truly are – the goal is both to experience and to know thyself. BUT – as with any knowledge, the choice of how you apply it is yours and simply because you have certain knowledge does not necessarily mean you will do the right thing with it. That is part of the learning process…IMO.

Now, I do believe in God, I have alot of reasons to, I probably wont drop Catholicism from my name, even though I think what branch you believe in is completely irrelevant, thats a whole nother thread.
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I know many Catholics who also believe in reincarnation. There is no right and wrong – every person’s belief system should encompass what feels right to them. You may want to read some of the older texts (like the Gnostic Gospels), where reincarnation is actually discussed.

This idea fits in, with the theory I have always had. reincarnation aka purgatory?????
Click to expand...
In my opinion – one cannot equate opportunity with punishment. Reincarnation provides the opportunity for the soul to experience. It is my belief that purgatory was created as a fear-based method of controlling the people – “Be good or you will be punished.” Please note the following:

  • In 553 A.D. the Byzantine emperor Justinian banned the teachings of pre-existence from what had by then become the Roman Catholic Church. During that era, numerous Church writings were destroyed. The doctrine of reincarnation was forced underground, but persistently appeared in sects such as the Cathari, the Paulicians, and the Bogomils.
  • The Cathari (who were also vegetarian) taught that the reason we are on earth in the first place is we are fallen souls forced to be repeatedly incarcerated in bodies, and must seek salvation from transmigrating from one body to another. The Cathari saw Christ as the means of divine redemption from the wheel of death and rebirth.
  • Both Origen and Clement of Alexandria spoke of an intermediate state, considering it one of punishment, training and purification. Ambrose, the teacher of Augustine, taught that departed souls await the end of the world in various "habitations," which vary according to their deeds on earth.
  • Augustine taught that the souls of men are immediately judged upon death, with some going to a place of purification. By the time of Thomas Aquinas, the doctrine of purgatory as a place of punishment for those not yet fit for residence in heaven was well established.


Imagine the fear of death when someone believes they must first go to a place of torment before they get to heaven. How can they be comforted when death approaches? Fear is a huge part of controlling others - and I think it's pretty evident here.


Ailish
 
Deborah said:
Hi EGGwhites,
Just so we are clear on what exactly a premonition is. ;)


Regarding your personal theory:


Past life memories are not a curse, nor can they be compared to hell or purgatory. They are an opportunity for those who are ready -- to heal; in other words, the soul/spirit can remember in order to heal the circumstances in the past. Healing relationships, feelings of guilt, fear and wrong action just to name a few. IMO, past life memories allow an individual to evolve spiritually, mentally and emotionally.


This means taking responsibility for who you are, why you are...and where you are going. This is IMO -- a Blessing.
Click to expand...
premonition........source webster dictionary.


previous notice or warning : forewarning


2 : anticipation of an event without conscious reason : presentiment


"Past life memories are not a curse, nor can they be compared to hell or purgatory."


Past life memories are a blessing. Purgatory. Nobody knows what that is, or if it exists. I dont know anyone who has been there. It is up for speculation and opinion. Near death experience people make a case for an afterlife (which can further make a case of a God), as some individuals with past live memories make a case for reincarnation. My idea is perfectly a rational one, and as I said I like to chew on things.


What I was trying to say before. Maybe certain individuals "are not supposed" to remember anything for a reason. Because improving spiritually on faith, and faith alone of an afterlife, may be what that individual person requires. maybe "certain" individuals, "simply cannot handle" some stronger evidence of after life. Maybe, put in the position, a certain individual would never grow for the right reasons, because they are not prepared/ready for it. Maybe greed and selfishness may play a factor, and they need to rise above that obsticle before moving on to greater and better things.


"They are an opportunity for those who are ready -- to heal; in other words, the soul/spirit can remember in order to heal the circumstances in the past. Healing relationships, feelings of guilt, fear and wrong action just to name a few. IMO, past life memories allow an individual to evolve spiritually, mentally and emotionally."


I understand what you are saying here, and I can agree with this. Again, maybe that individual that you are talking about, has "grown" to a much higher extent than the individual I was talking about, and is therefor "spiritually" mature enough to handle them.


I believe in mediums. I believe majority of those people did not have to be taught, they did not choose it, (at least conciously "in their present life"). And I am sure some people can be taught some things. And I am sure that some people, no matter how good the teacher, will never develop. Why? why would that be?


To me, other things can be applied to that example.
 
Ailish said:
I know many Catholics who also believe in reincarnation. There is no right and wrong – every person’s belief system should encompass what feels right to them. You may want to read some of the older texts (like the Gnostic Gospels), where reincarnation is actually discussed.
In my opinion – one cannot equate opportunity with punishment. Reincarnation provides the opportunity for the soul to experience. It is my belief that purgatory was created as a fear-based method of controlling the people – “Be good or you will be punished.” Please note the following:

  • In 553 A.D. the Byzantine emperor Justinian banned the teachings of pre-existence from what had by then become the Roman Catholic Church. During that era, numerous Church writings were destroyed. The doctrine of reincarnation was forced underground, but persistently appeared in sects such as the Cathari, the Paulicians, and the Bogomils.
  • The Cathari (who were also vegetarian) taught that the reason we are on earth in the first place is we are fallen souls forced to be repeatedly incarcerated in bodies, and must seek salvation from transmigrating from one body to another. The Cathari saw Christ as the means of divine redemption from the wheel of death and rebirth.
  • Both Origen and Clement of Alexandria spoke of an intermediate state, considering it one of punishment, training and purification. Ambrose, the teacher of Augustine, taught that departed souls await the end of the world in various "habitations," which vary according to their deeds on earth.
  • Augustine taught that the souls of men are immediately judged upon death, with some going to a place of purification. By the time of Thomas Aquinas, the doctrine of purgatory as a place of punishment for those not yet fit for residence in heaven was well established.


Imagine the fear of death when someone believes they must first go to a place of torment before they get to heaven. How can they be comforted when death approaches? Fear is a huge part of controlling others - and I think it's pretty evident here.
Click to expand...
I will have to check out those gospils, they sound interesting.


I was never taught that pergatory was punishment. I was taught, it was nothing more than a place to go to in preperation for heaven if one were not quite ready.
 
someone very spiritually advanced once told me that attempting to remember a past life is wrong. God does not naturally give us those memories for a reason and we should carry on life as it is without any attempts towards the past, but only towards the future with a desire to know God with all our being. I think about that every now and then when I get super curious about reincarnation...:rolleyes:
 
Hello Teacup,


I'm sure there are different views of this, and mine definitely is very different from this "very spiritually advanced someone". ;) I'd just like to say that don't worry, being curious and working on remembering your past experiences won't harm you. hug2.gif


Karoliina
 
Good morning Teacup,

someone very spiritually advanced once told me that attempting to remember a past life is wrong. God does not naturally give us those memories for a reason and we should carry on life as it is without any attempts toward the past, but only toward the future with a desire to know God with all our being. I think about that every now and then when I get super curious about reincarnation
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Interesting thought. I can see this plausibly. It reminds me of what a holy-man told me a few years ago "God will give you the gifts he knows you can understand." I see my memories as that type of gift. And perhaps the lesson for me is to live toward the future, not that past.


Like Karoliina I see the search for past lives as a positive thing if it is earnest and self fulfilling. I'm not sure I like or agree to Past Life searching as a recreational endeavor. To me it is a journey into a deeper awareness of ones soul as it progresses deeper and deeper into the mystery of God.


I like the air of caution your sacred friend advised. There is wisdom there. But to say "it is wrong" is too definitive. Such ultimatums always make me cringe when it comes to matters of faith, doctrine and spiritual matters. Truths come to each of us in wonderful ways. It is up to each of us to discern our own truths... and speak of them not as gospel, or as in this case a declaration, but as our own understanding.


Thanks for sharing your friends words. They'll make me think about it all day.


Tinkerman
 
Hi Eggwhites,


Regarding your premonition, I would say: Read some more! ;)


I know that in my own personal case, the burden of the knowledge of two of my past lives was not easy to handle. As Tinkerman said, I also don't think this is an issue to be taken lightly, and as you said (or your friend), I also believe that God enables us to forget for a purpose, namely so as not to be overburdened by what may have happened in our past existences. Every new life is a gift. An opportunity to start afresh... :)
 
teacup......I do not understand what the roll eye icon means honestly. I dont know how to interpret that. however, more than one person has taken that post seriously, and more or less, that is similar to what I said in my original post. Take away the "Its wrong" part, and it has some ideas in common.


When you narrow it down, there is three things I believe in.


1. I believe in God and after life.


2. I believe anything is possible no matter how defiant to logic it is. (and I absolutely believe that reincarnation happens)


3. I believe that God at times will clue us in on why he does things, but for the most, and for the bigger picture, he can not be comprehended by human beings.


And so many unanswered questions go with that. Why starvation, why torture, why are innocent children born into abuse????? Why and how am I living this perfect life that I am, when their are others less fortunate. why me? I dont understand these things, but I still believe.


I think I have been atheist without really realizing it for the last 3-4 years. However, because of a really really long, bizarre and freaky list of things, I have had a change in mind.
 
Charles Stuart said:
Hi Eggwhites,
Regarding your premonition, I would say: Read some more! ;)


I know that in my own personal case, the burden of the knowledge of two of my past lives was not easy to handle. As Tinkerman said, I also don't think this is an issue to be taken lightly, and as you said (or your friend), I also believe that God enables us to forget for a purpose, namely so as not to be overburdened by what may have happened in our past existences. Every new life is a gift. An opportunity to start afresh... :)
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I dont really think, that is what I was trying to get at. Now, looks like you believe in God. I know not everyone around here does, but you did mention God. It was more along the lines of faith. lets say one remembers their past life. They dont really need faith anymore, things are pretty clear. Knowing that, I hypothesize that it "could potentially" interfere with spiritual growth for some individuals. "however", anyone who has been blessed to remember, is meant to.
 
sorry to triple post, but new thought:


ABC PRIMETIME Discussion


read the very first 2 posts. a skeptic, now a believer in the metaphysical perhaps. That is also where I was going this. Could be why some may be chosen to remember. For the benefit of others.
 
EggWHITES said:
Why starvation, why torture, why are innocent children born into abuse????? Why and how am I living this perfect life that I am, when their are others less fortunate. why me? I dont understand these things, but I still believe.
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Hi EggWHITES, (I fixed the link for you)


I'm not saying that I have the answer to your question, but I believe that one day, either in the past or in the future, YOU will be one of those unfortunate children, while THEY will be enjoying THEIR perfect life.


We all have to experience the full spectrum of existence in order to grow and become complete. Your 'perfect life' here and now is just a very small chapter in a very large book.


Just my 2 penny's worth - : angel
 
I see no problem with pursuing past life interests for recreation... How many times have you taken a walk in the park for recreation, a trip somewhere.>?


. Recreation helps us appreciate our great world and universe..


I did alot of regression when I was bed ridden with little that I could do .. It was a great way of occupying my time... Just try and do nothing that is interesting for months, years and see how much you appreciate something to take your mind off of pain..


Our life is meant to filled with both work and play..


Nanciwell
 
ChrisR said:
Hi EggWHITES, (I fixed the link for you)
I'm not saying that I have the answer to your question, but I believe that one day, either in the past or in the future, YOU will be one of those unfortunate children, while THEY will be enjoying THEIR perfect life.


We all have to experience the full spectrum of existence in order to grow and become complete. Your 'perfect life' here and now is just a very small chapter in a very large book.


Just my 2 penny's worth - : angel
Click to expand...
its not just me.....Everyone here has a pretty good life. They can afford a computer, and they do not really have to worry about for instance, "are they going to attack our village and rape and torture us to death tonight, if we dont starve first"? and for others, I dont know what their childhood or current events are like?
 
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