Ian Stevenson page
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Titus Rivas
Senior Registered
Ian Stevenson passed away
This evening, Prof. Hans Gerding of the Dutch Parapsychological Institute in Utrecht told me that Dr. Ian Stevenson passed away.
His departure really is a great loss to humanity, although his huge heritage will continue to benefit all of us for generations to come.
I'm certain that he will be experiencing a beautiful afterlife and discovering many things he wanted to know during his earthly life. Perhaps he will even tell us about his new insights in a future life or through after-death communication, though in evaluating this we would have to use the same rigorous standards he always championed in his own research.
Does anyone have more details about his last days in his physical body?
I personally think Ian Stevenson may be regarded as a Charles Darwin of serious psychical research, if we look at his importance for the study of survival after death, reincarnation, personal evolution, telepathy, psychokinesis, poltergeist, apparitions, Near-Death Experiences, Deathbed Visions, possession, xenoglossy, and the mind in general.
I personally met dr. Stevenson in 1987 at Darwin College, Cambridge (UK) with my brother Esteban Rivas, and we maintained some serious correspondence with each other for many years.
I've generally known him as a generous, erudite and very dedicated personality. He may sometimes have been a bit too conservative concerning matters of formal academic status, but in general even this trait seems to have had a positive effect on the reputation of reincarnation as a serious subject.
On the whole, he was nothing short of a genius and many people will miss him.
With sad admiration,
Titus Rivas, Athanasia Foundation
This evening, Prof. Hans Gerding of the Dutch Parapsychological Institute in Utrecht told me that Dr. Ian Stevenson passed away.
His departure really is a great loss to humanity, although his huge heritage will continue to benefit all of us for generations to come.
I'm certain that he will be experiencing a beautiful afterlife and discovering many things he wanted to know during his earthly life. Perhaps he will even tell us about his new insights in a future life or through after-death communication, though in evaluating this we would have to use the same rigorous standards he always championed in his own research.
Does anyone have more details about his last days in his physical body?
I personally think Ian Stevenson may be regarded as a Charles Darwin of serious psychical research, if we look at his importance for the study of survival after death, reincarnation, personal evolution, telepathy, psychokinesis, poltergeist, apparitions, Near-Death Experiences, Deathbed Visions, possession, xenoglossy, and the mind in general.
I personally met dr. Stevenson in 1987 at Darwin College, Cambridge (UK) with my brother Esteban Rivas, and we maintained some serious correspondence with each other for many years.
I've generally known him as a generous, erudite and very dedicated personality. He may sometimes have been a bit too conservative concerning matters of formal academic status, but in general even this trait seems to have had a positive effect on the reputation of reincarnation as a serious subject.
On the whole, he was nothing short of a genius and many people will miss him.
With sad admiration,
Titus Rivas, Athanasia Foundation
Titus Rivas
Senior Registered
Confirmation from Dr. Carlos Alvarado
Thanks Ailish.
I just read message a on a Brasilian Psi List posted by Dr. Carlos Alvarado, who used to be Stevenson's assistant for four years.
Dr. Alvarado confirms that Ian Stevenson passed away on February 8th at the age of 88. He was living in a care center for the aged (lugar de cuido de ancianos).
Titus
Thanks Ailish.
I just read message a on a Brasilian Psi List posted by Dr. Carlos Alvarado, who used to be Stevenson's assistant for four years.
Dr. Alvarado confirms that Ian Stevenson passed away on February 8th at the age of 88. He was living in a care center for the aged (lugar de cuido de ancianos).
Titus
SundayAtDusk
New Member
Actually, Dr. Stevenson did allow the possibility of past lives being discovered in dreams or under hypnotism in one book he wrote: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type. When I saw that in the book, I almost fell out of my chair! Because I had read how strongly he believed dreams and hypnotism produced nothing but fantasies about past lives.
I thought the most interesting case in that book was Henriette Roos. Stevenson believed she was possibly Rosario Weiss, daughter of Leocadia Weiss, mistress of painter Francisco Goya.
I thought the most interesting case in that book was Henriette Roos. Stevenson believed she was possibly Rosario Weiss, daughter of Leocadia Weiss, mistress of painter Francisco Goya.
HerDotness
New Member
I've not read that book, but wouldn't you agree that it's hardly inconsistent to express the opinion that past lives might be discoverable by means of dreams and hypnosis but that both would be unreliable sources of past life recall for the research that Dr. Stevenson was doing?SundayAtDusk said:
Was this book written before Stevenson's opinion cited by Dr. Rawat here? Perhaps when Stevenson was developing his research protocol and before he determined that spontaneous memories were less likely to be contaminated by present-life information?
SundayAtDusk
New Member
The book was published in 2003, and I read it in 2005. I don't know what year Dr. Rawat's information came from...and forgive me for not going back and re-reading his interesing posts. I know we discussed the matter of Dr. Stevenson's disregard of dreams and past life regression in this forum before Carol's second book was published...unless we discussed it in a spin-off group. I can remember going to the UVA website and discovering the information, and then posting it.
Thus, the European book was after Dr. Stevenson's books on the past life memories of children. My impression of the book was that he could not substantiate the stories he was being told, so it was more of an "anything goes" sort of research. There was at least one story in the book I can't believe he even included--something not even your average "layperson" studying reincarnation would have included.
I was truly surprised he wrote such a book.
Thus, the European book was after Dr. Stevenson's books on the past life memories of children. My impression of the book was that he could not substantiate the stories he was being told, so it was more of an "anything goes" sort of research. There was at least one story in the book I can't believe he even included--something not even your average "layperson" studying reincarnation would have included.
I was truly surprised he wrote such a book.
smac2012
New Member
Good link to Dr. Ian Stevenson
For those interestered - here is a good summary of Dr Stevenson:
http://www.near-death.com/experiences/reincarnation01.html
For those interestered - here is a good summary of Dr Stevenson:
http://www.near-death.com/experiences/reincarnation01.html
Hello all,
I've been reading this discussion on Dr. Stevenson and I must say, it's been interesting. I research Past-life Regression Therapy and his work has helped me "keep a straight face" in front of my strictly-scientific psychology professors (if you know what I mean!!).
I have read some of his papers (they're easy to find on google in .pdf format). If you want to know more about his career in his own words, you can read "Half a Career with the Paranormal" (.pdf file, from the University of Virginia website).
Regarding the use of hypnosis to "experience" past lives, Dr. Stevenson was quite adamant against it. In an interview for Omni Magazine in 1988, Stevenson said: "In my experience, nearly all so-called previous personalities evoked through hypnotism are entirely imaginary and a result of the patient's eagerness to obey the hypnotist's suggestion. It is no secret that we are all highly suggestible under hypnosis. This kind of investigation can actually be dangerous. Some people have been terribly frightened by their supposed memories, and in other cases the previous personality evoked has refused to go away for a long time."
He also spoke out against Freud, although I still don't understand why - Freud himself had come to the exact same conclusions. I still have more studying to do
I've been reading this discussion on Dr. Stevenson and I must say, it's been interesting. I research Past-life Regression Therapy and his work has helped me "keep a straight face" in front of my strictly-scientific psychology professors (if you know what I mean!!).
I have read some of his papers (they're easy to find on google in .pdf format). If you want to know more about his career in his own words, you can read "Half a Career with the Paranormal" (.pdf file, from the University of Virginia website).
Regarding the use of hypnosis to "experience" past lives, Dr. Stevenson was quite adamant against it. In an interview for Omni Magazine in 1988, Stevenson said: "In my experience, nearly all so-called previous personalities evoked through hypnotism are entirely imaginary and a result of the patient's eagerness to obey the hypnotist's suggestion. It is no secret that we are all highly suggestible under hypnosis. This kind of investigation can actually be dangerous. Some people have been terribly frightened by their supposed memories, and in other cases the previous personality evoked has refused to go away for a long time."
He also spoke out against Freud, although I still don't understand why - Freud himself had come to the exact same conclusions. I still have more studying to do
Hi xebata, welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing the links :thumbsup:
Although It's quite plausible that all past life memories remembered while under regression could be subtly 'suggested' by the therapist, there are other factors to take into consideration, like personal validation, xenoglossy in some cases, and to a certain degree, the level of emotion experienced while remembering past lives (although I agree that the latter, in some cases, could possibly be 'suggested' by a therapist to a certain extent)
Take my most recent past life as an example. I remember a life which ended violently in a volcanic eruption. I've no doubt that anyone could close their eyes and imagine what it would be like to meet their fate in this kind of scenario, but I don't think they could imagine the intensity of emotion that I experienced with it, unless they could relate to an experience with a similar level of trauma in their present life, and nobody alive today has physically experienced death, which suggests to me that 'experiencing' death while under regression must come from somewhere else other than the imagination.
I've also remembered obscure place names which actually exist, and I've remembered the odd phrase in a language that I've never spoken in my entire life. I find these things also more difficult to put down to mere suggestion by a therapist.
It can be very difficult to explain to others who remember no past life memories at all. The most convincing evidence that reincarnation exists for me personally are my own experiences, and they tower head and shoulders above any literature that I've read on the subject. I guess it's the old question of imagination versus memory, how do you tell the difference? I had soup for lunch today, but I can easily imagine that I had a cheese sandwich instead. One is real and the other is make believe, how can I be sure that I had soup and not the sandwich? Well, try this for yourself and then see if you can explain to me how you know.
Forgive me for rambling on, I hope you enjoy your time here
Chris
Although It's quite plausible that all past life memories remembered while under regression could be subtly 'suggested' by the therapist, there are other factors to take into consideration, like personal validation, xenoglossy in some cases, and to a certain degree, the level of emotion experienced while remembering past lives (although I agree that the latter, in some cases, could possibly be 'suggested' by a therapist to a certain extent)
Take my most recent past life as an example. I remember a life which ended violently in a volcanic eruption. I've no doubt that anyone could close their eyes and imagine what it would be like to meet their fate in this kind of scenario, but I don't think they could imagine the intensity of emotion that I experienced with it, unless they could relate to an experience with a similar level of trauma in their present life, and nobody alive today has physically experienced death, which suggests to me that 'experiencing' death while under regression must come from somewhere else other than the imagination.
I've also remembered obscure place names which actually exist, and I've remembered the odd phrase in a language that I've never spoken in my entire life. I find these things also more difficult to put down to mere suggestion by a therapist.
It can be very difficult to explain to others who remember no past life memories at all. The most convincing evidence that reincarnation exists for me personally are my own experiences, and they tower head and shoulders above any literature that I've read on the subject. I guess it's the old question of imagination versus memory, how do you tell the difference? I had soup for lunch today, but I can easily imagine that I had a cheese sandwich instead. One is real and the other is make believe, how can I be sure that I had soup and not the sandwich? Well, try this for yourself and then see if you can explain to me how you know.
Forgive me for rambling on, I hope you enjoy your time here
Chris
Lawyer Daggett
New Member
I agree Chris.
Also things such as a person who may be intensely visual in this life being very conscious of smells.
I think these are all factors that need to be weighed into the balance in considering if the regression is 'real' or 'imagined'.
Also things such as a person who may be intensely visual in this life being very conscious of smells.
I think these are all factors that need to be weighed into the balance in considering if the regression is 'real' or 'imagined'.
adriana rainbow
New Member
nice...
4d4m
Senior Member
The problem with hypnosis is the subject is put into a state creating excessive vulnerability to suggestion. Influences on thought can be introduced by not only the person conducting the session but external and less easy to determine individuals as well. It is possible to influence the dreams of others not only by talking to a person sleeping but by indirectly influencing their dreams. I believe past life regression is in some cases accurate and in some cases externally influenced. It should be noted that most religions of state seek to discredit the whole idea. Those that do have reincarnation as an accepted part of their religion filter it with dogma. No surprise when modern science does the same thing.
4d4m
Senior Member
That happens to everyone; trying to hit the brain wave state between being awake and being asleep is not easy. Most meditative practices include an uncomfortable sitting posture to help prevent it. One can meditate while standing. There are practices that help one become aware while asleep and a device that monitors brain waves then flashes a red light on your eyelids when it detects REM sleep. The idea is that you will see the lights and become self aware in your dream. This is for exploring awareness in the lower dream state.
None of these things necessarily lead one to remember past lives. Digging up memories of childhood usually requires digging through memories of traumatic experiences or experiences of guilt. That is if you have any of those experiences. Some people feel the need to relive them and cry about them, maybe self forgive -and that does work. Others believe that those feelings are pointless and non productive. Either way if you believe you are forgiven, not only for your trespasses but any shame you may feel for being victimized, you can move on to remember your childhood.
The same is true of past life regression with a couple of caveats. If one died a violent and/or painful death this traumatic experience stands in the way of remembering a past life. If during the time between lives ones experiences are traumatic then one will have more difficulty remembering their past life as well.
None of these things necessarily lead one to remember past lives. Digging up memories of childhood usually requires digging through memories of traumatic experiences or experiences of guilt. That is if you have any of those experiences. Some people feel the need to relive them and cry about them, maybe self forgive -and that does work. Others believe that those feelings are pointless and non productive. Either way if you believe you are forgiven, not only for your trespasses but any shame you may feel for being victimized, you can move on to remember your childhood.
The same is true of past life regression with a couple of caveats. If one died a violent and/or painful death this traumatic experience stands in the way of remembering a past life. If during the time between lives ones experiences are traumatic then one will have more difficulty remembering their past life as well.
KenJ
Moderator Emeritus
Thanks 4d4m, You are new here, so you have probably not read my post where I have addressed those issues. It was once easy for me with setting my intent, seeing myself protected by white or golden (protective) light, and concentrate on my breathing - now that does not seem sufficient.
4d4m
Senior Member
Do you feel / think your meditations are being negatively interfered with by outside influence?
4d4m
Senior Member
That's awesome! I guess I come from at this from a different perspective than most. My personal past life understanding isn't something I pursue that much. I have been involved in trying to figure out the past lives of other people. Sorry if I come off wrong. There are forces out there who do not want people to know about reincarnation at all and have gone to extreme lengths to hide that truth from humanity, even though they themselves know about it and use it to their advantage.
Native Son
Senior Member
Sound more like a conspiracy theory. What forces do not want people to know about reincarnation? And why? What would be an example of going to an extreme length to hide the truth of reincarnation? And also can you please give an example as to how are these forces using reincarnation information to their advantage?
Thanks
All I have heard of this is the theory that it was before in the Bible about reincarnation but then as religion has been used as power, even above the royalty long ago, it was used to frighten people to do right, rather than to give a loving message that you will get a second chance, you will come back and so on. Instead it was to put fear in people by talking of hell.
4d4m
Senior Member
I posted an example above. I didn't see the date on your post so it's a bit delayed. I'm quoting you here to bring it to your attention
KenJ
Moderator Emeritus
As "For the Forum" [4d4m] noted about Native Son's January 6th post (that I also missed), I am beginning to lean away from trying to "convert" anyone. I see that inclination to be directing me in that direction at least. Why?, because it is a source of comfort in knowing that your Soul doesn't die, some people need to experience that much fear and anxiety to advance according to their agreement/need.