Igbo Theory Of Reincarnation In Nigeria

Reincarnation is a belief that has been around for a very long time, the concept itself existing for thousands of years and still persisting to this day. This belief shows up in many cultures around world, everywhere from the Americas to Western Africa to throughout Asia. Every culture has a slightly different take on the specifics of reincarnation, molding it to fit into societies of different religious and historical backgrounds. Many different cultures believe in reincarnation. Ancient Greek philosophers wrote quite a lot on the subject of reincarnation, all the way back to Plato and Aristotle. Many tribes of Native Americans believed in some form of reincarnation, believing mainly those who died young or in battle are reborn because they …show more content…
They believe that “death is an end to one life only and a gateway to another; man must be reborn, for reincarnation is a spiritual necessity” (Rooke). Essentially, they view each rebirth as an opportunity to start over, with no end goal, no overlying purpose. In addition, in their culture, being reincarnated is “desirable and that life on Earth is preferable to that of the discarnate, limbo state” (Reincarnation) and that souls are “eager to return to terrestrial life” (Stevenson 1). This way of looking at it makes one much more aware of the present moment, trying to better one’s life for its own sake without the pressure of future incarnations resting on one’s …show more content…
Reincarnation is an integral part of the traditional religion in the area, and many people have rectified this aspect of traditional beliefs with Christian beliefs to some extent (Origin of the Igbo). The religion of the area has become a bit of a hybrid between the two belief systems, still retaining many of the beliefs and values of traditional Igbo religion while also being heavily influenced by Christianity (Religion). The integration of these two religions has allowed the belief in reincarnation to persist. The Igbo view reincarnation in a similar way to Hinduism in that the actions of previous lives affect future lives, but less stock is put into the social class someone is born into. Instead, working to improve one’s standing is very important (Stevenson 15). It is thought that status follows one into the next life, so one can pick up essentially where they left off. This is an interesting belief because it essentially comforts the dying in the fact that nothing they did was in vain and they can continue on in the next