Reincarnation is a subject about which most people have an opinion. There has been a lot of material written in recent years that is unconventional and unbelievable, often alienating the intelligent reader.

These works may say more about the authors themselves than about reincarnation. Fortunately, this is not so with this present work.

Hans TenDam presents a full survey of everything significant that has been researched in the area of past-life experiences. He is a pioneer in regression therapy and has many decades of independent research in occult and paranormal areas.

This is no lightweight treatment of reincarnation and related subjects. The author takes a considered and balanced view, and allows us to move through the material with him. That a rational writer such as Colin Wilson praises this work in his fulsome foreword may be a high recommendation for many readers.

The material is arranged in a logical way. It discusses the research from historical, religious and past-life regression sources.

In early chapters there are a lot of percentages, statistics and catalogues of types of past-life experiences. Mr TenDam admits to looking at some research with a jaundiced eye when it is not carefully accounted or reliable.

His chapter headings on the contents pages are useful, briefly outlining the contents. Also handy is the list of further reading at the end of each chapter with a brief commentary. This is welcome in a volume absolutely packed with information.

The reader will find it easy to engage with the material and will be able to refer to areas of high interest quickly and conveniently.

There is no doubt that author TenDam is a firm believer in reincarnation, past life recall and far memories. However, he does not tolerate fuzzy logic or inexact science. This gathering of what is known about past life experiences takes in the sound and the unsound, but differentiates very clearly between them.

The first chapter delineates the various ideas and hypotheses, giving provisional conclusions.

Subsequent chapters look at past life belief in ancient and classical cultures East and West, mainstream religions, gnostic and mystic movements both historical and contemporary.

Esoteric schools are surveyed here, the most significant being Theosophy and Anthroposophy. The provisional overview summarises.

Much of what we know or deduce about reincarnation comes from information gained from psychic impressions of past life experiences, whether from dreams, visions or through channelling. Among the most famous mentioned are Jane Robert’s ‘Seth’ transmissions and Edgar Cayce.

Information on what happens between incarnations is contradictory. There are detailed chapters on the research done into past life recall of children and adults. The work of Ian Stevenson is examined and evaluated. Joan Grant and Denys Kelsey are early references on sound research. Volumes of research are made available at the end of chapters.

This is not simply a compendium of past-life research. This comprehensive work explains how memories can be induced through various methods. These may include hypnosis, guided visualisation, do-it-yourself trance induction, drugs, and magnetism. Not all are recommended, of course.

As the book delves into modern investigations of reincarnation and past-life recall, the material expands. Experiences immediately before and after death are examined along with even more ancient memories, although the author displays admirable scepticism over some of this material.

An interesting chapter for this reviewer was on the karmic and dharmic connections between lives. Into this area comes judgmental opinion of why we might incarnate into certain places and times. Do we choose our parents? Is it a consequence that cannot be avoided? Is it for self-development or desire for varying experiences? Is it to help humanity evolve? The huge question of human free will enters the equation.

Whether or not all incarnations are by original human souls is also discussed. This is quite interesting in its religio-spiritual aspects. Are there ‘old souls’ or ‘new souls?’ All of this is very thought provoking.

In the latter chapters, Mr TenDam explains Past-Life Regression therapy. He outlines indications and counter-indications and why it might help many people.

The current thought is that some behaviours and physical/psychological conditions may cross over to future incarnations, causing some problems. Regression therapy may help. What immediately comes to mind is debilitating phobias, prejudices, obsessions and the like. When these interfere with everyday life, they may have their roots in experiences from previous lifetimes.

Some people may even exhibit physical signs such as birthmarks and small deformities that have no origin in the present life.

In the last chapter Mr TenDam reviews the many areas of reincarnation research and implications for living life now.

He displays a sensible philosophical attitude to the information that might be gained from past-life recall. His main point seems to be, live your life – steady as you go – accept what life deals you and make the best of it.

This book is a mine of information on every aspect of reincarnation. It contains the historical and religious aspects including documented research over the last two centuries.

It is not a sensational work, yet there is some amazing information within. It brings the reader up-to-date on the latest research and therapies in a pragmatic and sensible manner.

I recommend this work for believers and non-believers in reincarnation. You will be informed, amazed, and entertained.

– Reviewed by Jennifer Hoskins in New Dawn No. 89