The exploration of life after death and the nature of the human soul has intrigued humans for centuries. Psychical research, led by scholars like Professor Gary Schwartz and Professor Archie Roy, provides compelling evidence suggesting that upon physical death, a non-material component, often referred to as the soul, survives and transitions into a realm reminiscent of Heaven. It is in this ethereal domain that individuals undergo a profound life review, as described by figures like PMH Atwater. During this review, souls are confronted by benevolent beings of light who pose significant questions: “What have you learned?”, “Who have you helped?”, and “Have you fulfilled your life’s purpose?”
Insights into Spiritual Awareness Before Incarnation
One of the more profound implications of such research is the suggestion that before earthly incarnation, souls possess a certain awareness of spiritual values. It appears that we come into this world with a clear understanding of our goals and purposes. Pre-incarnate knowledge of spiritual ideals points towards an inherent wisdom that often becomes obscured during our earthly journey. Many spiritual traditions, such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and the teachings of Radha Soami, echo this sentiment, advocating that the ultimate aim of existence is to awaken to our true spiritual nature. This awakening is viewed as essential for liberation from the material world and its myriad distractions.
The Phenomenon of Forgetting
However, a glaring contradiction arises: why do we seemingly forget our original spiritual plans once we have incarnated? Many individuals become engrossed in worldly affairs, distancing themselves from higher spiritual ideals. This phenomenon of forgetting can be attributed to various factors. The density of physical existence often engulfs the psyche, leading individuals to prioritise survival, success, and social acceptance over spiritual awareness. The noise of daily life can drown out the still, small voice of inner truth, making it challenging to connect with our higher self and the spiritual insights we once possessed.
Furthermore, the purpose of incarnation itself may play a role in this amnesia. Life on Earth, with its myriad challenges and distractions, can serve as a learning ground for souls. The trials and tribulations faced here can foster growth, resilience, and deeper understanding, although they may also contribute to spiritual forgetfulness. The veil of forgetfulness may serve a necessary purpose, allowing souls to immerse themselves fully in experiential learning without bias from prior knowledge.
The Call for Awakening
As outlined by various spiritual traditions, the pursuit of awakening and liberation in such a context becomes an inner journey. It calls for a conscious re-connection to those pre-incarnate intentions and knowledge. The process of awakening invites individuals to look beyond material concerns and reclaim their spiritual heritage. This path often involves practices like meditation, self-reflection, and community engagement—tools that facilitate a return to the essence of who we are.
Framing the Contradiction
The question remains: why would souls undertake the journey of incarnation, knowing that they might forget their spiritual goals? One interpretation is that the process of living and forgetting is intricately woven into the fabric of spiritual evolution. Leaving behind the innate knowledge of our spiritual values allows for the crucible of human experience, which includes challenges that foster empathy, compassion, and understanding of others’ journeys. Just as a diamond forms under pressure, so too can the soul be polished and refined through earthly experiences.
The findings of psychical research invite us to reflect deeply on our existence, suggesting that our life on Earth is not just a random occurrence but a purposeful part of a broader spiritual narrative. While the contrast between our pre-incarnate wisdom and post-incarnate forgetfulness poses complex questions, it ultimately serves to underscore the significance of personal awakening. By reconnecting with our spiritual essence and striving to fulfil our inherent potential, we may navigate the challenges of earthly existence with clarity and purpose, fulfilling the very goals we once held in our pre-incarnate state.
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