Reincarnation: The Cycle of Necessity

by Manly P. Hall

Among the subjects discussed are reincarnation in Oriental, Greek, and American Indian systems of thought; the theory as set forth in the Old and New Testaments and interpreted by early Christian Fathers; the rebirth of animals, plants, and minerals; the idea of soul-mates; the memory of past lives; and the fate of the suicide. An extensive bibliography is included.

Genres: Religion, Esoterica, Occult

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1979

About the author

Canadian born, Manly Palmer Hall is the author of over 150 published works, the best known of which are Initiates of the Flame, The Story of Healing, The Divine Art,Aliens Magick and Sorcery The Secret Teachings of All Ages, and An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy.
He was also the author of a masonic curiosity, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry in 1923, more than thirty years before he joined a lodge. The preface of later editions states "At the time I wrote this slender volume, I had just passed my twenty-first birthday, and my only contact with Freemasonry was through a few books commonly available to the public." Later, in 1944, he wrote The Secret Destiny of America which popularized the myth of a masonic purpose for the founding of the USA. In 1950 he weighed in again on the meaning of Freemasonry with his booklet: Masonic Orders of Fraternity.
***
Initiated: June 28, 1954
Passed: September 20, 1954
Raised November 22, 1954
Jewel Lodge No. 374
Source: Grand Lodge of California records ; William R. Denslow, 10,000 Famous Freemasons, vol. ii. Trenton, MO. : Missouri Lodge of Research / Educational Bureau, Royal Arch Mason Magazine, 1958. p. 165.

Reviews

[Michael P Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic overview of the philosophy of reincarnation. Perfect food for thought for those who are deciding.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and expertly organized breakdown of the many types of reincarnation. Thoroughly enjoyable for the clear presentation and scope. I have nothing bad to say about Mr. Hall.

[Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation about the laws of reincarnation and karma. I learnt a lot from Manly P. Hall's writing. He was a great spiritual sage. ✨

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the 1945 edition of this book.

The many beliefs that are held in respect to reincarnation are beautifully dictated by the great lecturer and researcher Manly Palmer Hall.

[AttackGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well put together combining several philosophical ideals around the world right back to the love and search for completion of the self in another. Perhaps it’s not a “surrounding family to regenerate into” but a production of ones own propagation towards a more complete self found in your own produced DNA lineage.

I don’t agree with a writer taking liberties of generalization with comments such as “for the average man or women nirvana is not an imminent concern” or “Most Orientalists have not sensed the true picture of the nirvana” because who is Manly to make such generalizations and it’s the point of education to identify the concepts to present not to suggest unfounded dismissive qualifications. I could say all men are this or that but is that true...all men and what if a woman was also and how am I to know? Was there a study done to inquire of every one on the planet and what about those in waiting... if so annotate it and list in the bibliography if not make sure you are stating they ideas and generalizations are your own not that of the theology discussed.

I also don’t agree with unsupported comments especially what I consider judgmental or derogatory and would request to show me your reference where “the people of Arabia practiced the rites of idolatry and Sabaism” and Manly missed a great opportunity to discuss the Holy Qu’ran numerous examples of the Jinn (genies), Spirits moved into animals and life after the one death but of course you don’t know unless you read it and then show your reference to support your statements. He is more interested in the more derogatory comments about Christians killing to avoid but never escaping paganism.

Suggesting different specific avenues for the reading to meditate upon verses the generalizations would suggest he does not ingest is own writings supporting beliefs in the cycle of the Universal All, but who randomly selected can name the Nobel Truths let alone discuss them and isn’t that part of the cycle and perhaps this is just more support in keeping the caste.

How can we ever expect to move to a more educated existence if we do not prove our understanding. If not I can say anything and if the reader or listener never attracts to the words then the knowledge is as if it is the sands of the tide.

I do look forward to reading more of his work.

[Arminion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't really impressed by this book. While the author does cover a wide range of topics and philosophies pertaining reincarnation, most of them are speculation presented as facts (like for example what happens to our "entity" after we die or commit suicide) or just plain fantastical (like for example that a living being can become reincarnated as a rock or a mineral).
I wish there were more quotations of the original texts instead of just saying "the purpose of our entity is so and so" as it blurs the line between an actual quote and the author's personal opinion.

[Aaron Schuschu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misrepresented Christianity on reincarnation and then carried on with the usual late 19th century pissing contest on which system of belief is more logical or illogical or whateverthefuck, but generally yeah, outside of blatant misrepresentations of what karma is, I generally buy the general spiel.

[Mary-Jean Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent summary of the philosophy of karma and reincarnation that covered many different cultures. The only complaint I have is its brevity, though it covers such a wide scope and it isn't a long book so that's to be expected. Manly Hall's writing is very captivating and inspiring.

[Jason Harrell]

This book changed my view of my life and the world by a whole lot.