Review Of Literature
(Exam Questions are not drawn from the Review Of Literature section.)
The review of literature included here is merely a selection of the
popular literature and not comprehensive to all sources used in the preparation
of this course. Also not included, but recommended for serious study
are any of the numerous scholarly religious texts and commentaries found—not just in the popular or metaphysics sections but in the religious studies sections. These thinkers are not infallible by any means, but do provide a more thorough and serious examination of various religious texts (The Bible, Torah, Koran, etc…)
with a greater degree of scholarship.
Reincarnation In World Thought (1967) edited by Jos. Head and S.L. Cranston. This is most likely the single most important book for undertaking a comparative analysis of reincarnation. Careful reading helps one to understand the role of culture and politics in world thought regarding reincarnation.
Reincarnation: A Critical Examination (1996) by Paul Edwards.
This is an excellent cover to cover read that probably doesn’t
live up to its title; however, full of very useful information and perspectives,
and is an attempt to be fair and balanced.
Reincarnation Explained (1983) by Jagad Guru, Chris Butler is a nicely structured and easily perused book written by a Westerner who has attained guru status. The book achieves a sense of comprehensiveness within its own scope.
Reincarnation: Claiming Your Past, Creating Your Future (1988) by Lynn Elwell Sparrow is
based on Edgar Cayce’s readings. Sparrow was a student of Cayce. This
book was important in my research for the impact Cayce had and continues
to have upon Western reincarnationist thought.
The World Within (1985) by Gina Cerminara is another perspective from a Cayce student.
Reincarnation In the Twentieth Century (1969) edited by Martin Ebon is a fine collection of personal essays by various people on the topic of reincarnation. Though entirely anecdotal and not scholarly, provides some interesting perspectives and thoughts.
Life Before Life: Origins Of the Soul…Knowing Where You Came From And Who You Really Are (2000) by Richard Eyre is
an example of the "pop” literature out there. This book presents
itself through an authoritative and definitive voice style, yet does
not delve into much of the spiritual substance behind the reincarnationist
beliefs.
The Seth Material (1970) by Jane Roberts is
a companion book to 'Seth Speaks.” A wildly popular account of the Seth phenomenon, a supposedly Atlantean being channeled through Roberts offers insight and explanation of reincarnation and life questions. Important for its 'authoritative” first-person
accounting (from Seth) as well as the contradictory information gleaned
from other teachers and masters.
Old Souls: The Scientific Evidence For Past Lives (1999) by Tom Shroder is
a fascinating look at Dr. Ian Stevenson and his work. Stevenson’s work itself merits attention, but as a journalist of standing, Shroder
asks all the right questions of an outsider and skeptic as he accompanies
Stevenson during some field work, before finally becoming convinced of
the verity of the phenomena as he ponders the possibilities and meaning.
Reincarnation: A New Horizon In Science, Religion And Society (1984) by Sylvia Cranston and Carey Williams is another essential book for those interested in an easy to read overview of reincarnation. It is not particularly in-depth, and not very forthcoming on alternative explanations or varying beliefs, but still valuable nonetheless for its quick overview.
Zen Physics (1996) by David Darling is
a relatively "laymen’s language” book approaching
and explaining certain phenomenon in physics from a spiritual, metaphysical
perspective. It is worthwhile as a primer to reorient thinking of and
about the physical world.
The Tibetan Book of The Dead (2000) compiled by W.Y. Evans-Wentz was
first published in 1927. The most recent edition contains all
the prefaces and interfaces of previous editions. It is still considered
the quintessential document on reincarnation, but requires some skill
and dedicated thought in reading, as it is a translation of teachings
and writings that were meant to be studied and meditated on.
Death & Reincarnation: Eternity’s Voyage (1996) by Sri Chinmoy is
a little book is written in the form of questions and answers, easily
structured and read in small doses, simply written and easily comprehended.
It is a personal viewpoint and wisdom of sorts that is offered. Chinmoy’s press calls him a "fully realized spiritual master,” and a "true
speaker and spiritual visionary..”