Metempsychosis is a term that refers to the transmigration of a soul from one body to another. The spelling of this word may be confusing for some, but it can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /mɛtəmˈsaɪkəsɪs/. The word begins with the "m" sound followed by "e" pronounced as "eh". The middle of the word contains the "t" sound, "ə" as "uh", "m" again, "s" as "s", "aɪ" pronounced as "eye", "k" and "ə" as "uh". The ending of the word contains "s" as "s", "ɪ" as "ih" and "s" as "s".
Metempsychosis is a concept derived from Greek philosophy that refers to the belief in the transmigration of souls, often associated with reincarnation. The word is composed of two Greek terms: "meta," meaning "change" or "after," and "empsychos," meaning "to animate" or "to give life to." Metempsychosis suggests a cyclical process where the soul undergoes a series of rebirths in different physical bodies, potentially across species, throughout the course of time.
In this belief system, it is posited that after death, the soul leaves the former body and enters a new one, taking on a different form and acquiring a new identity. The specific form the reincarnation takes may depend on factors such as the soul's actions in previous lives, its moral development, or the laws of spiritual progression. Metempsychosis encapsulates the idea that the soul evolves and learns from each lifetime, potentially leading to eventual enlightenment or escape from the cycle of rebirth.
This concept has been embraced and explored by various religious and philosophical traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Pythagoreanism, and certain schools of ancient Greek thought. Metempsychosis reflects a belief in the continuity and interconnectedness of all living beings, implying that each individual's current existence is influenced by their past lives, and their actions will impact future ones. By contemplating metempsychosis, individuals may find solace in the notion that life and death are part of an eternal process and that the soul's journey encompasses multiple lifetimes in pursuit of spiritual growth and understanding.
The passing of the soul of a man after death into the body of a lower animal, or through a succession of them.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "metempsychosis" is derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning "change" or "beyond" and "empsȳchos" meaning "soul" or "life". The term was coined by the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras and refers to the belief in the transmigration of souls and the reincarnation of the soul after death.