Metempsychosis vs. Reincarnation — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Metempsychosis refers specifically to the transmigration of a soul into a new body after death, while reincarnation broadly includes any concept of rebirth or re-embodiment of a soul.
Difference Between Metempsychosis and Reincarnation
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Key Differences
Metempsychosis is a term often used in philosophy and certain spiritual doctrines to describe the journey of a soul from one body to another across different life forms. Whereas, reincarnation is a more universally recognized concept across various religions and beliefs, indicating the rebirth of a soul in a new body, often human.
The concept of metempsychosis includes the belief that a human soul can be reborn into non-human beings, such as animals or plants. On the other hand, reincarnation often focuses on the soul's journey within human forms, although some beliefs also acknowledge animal rebirths.
Metempsychosis has been associated with the teachings of ancient Greeks like Pythagoras, who believed that the soul is immortal and migrates through various beings. In contrast, reincarnation is a central tenet in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, shaping moral and ethical behaviors by linking actions to future rebirths.
In metempsychosis, the emphasis is often on the literal movement and transformation of the soul from one physical existence to another. Whereas, reincarnation sometimes encompasses broader spiritual evolution concepts, suggesting progression or regression depending on one's actions (karma).
Metempsychosis does not inherently imply a progression or purification process through successive lives, which is a common interpretation of reincarnation, particularly in Eastern religions where the ultimate goal is often to escape the cycle of rebirth.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Transmigration of a soul to different life forms
Rebirth of a soul in new bodies
Origin
Ancient Greek philosophy
Various religions and philosophical systems
Focus on Human Rebirth
Not necessarily, includes all life forms
Often primarily humans, sometimes all beings
Philosophical Roots
Pythagoras, Plato
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
Purpose
Transmigration without inherent progression
Spiritual evolution or moral balancing
Compare with Definitions
Metempsychosis
Part of a continuous cycle of life, and rebirth.
Metempsychosis views life as an endless journey of the soul.
Reincarnation
A widely accepted concept in many world religions.
Reincarnation is fundamental in Buddhism's belief system.
Metempsychosis
Emphasizes rebirth into non-human forms.
A soul in metempsychosis might reincarnate as a tree.
Reincarnation
The belief in the soul's rebirth in new bodies.
Reincarnation in Hinduism involves rebirth based on karma.
Metempsychosis
Rooted in ancient philosophical beliefs about the soul's immortality.
Plato discussed metempsychosis in his dialogues.
Reincarnation
Often emphasizes human rebirths.
In reincarnation, a soul typically progresses through human lives.
Metempsychosis
May influence ethical behavior due to the soul's experiences.
The journey through different beings in metempsychosis could shape a soul’s growth.
Reincarnation
Linked to spiritual or moral evolution.
The goal in reincarnation is often to achieve enlightenment.
Metempsychosis
The passage of a soul into various bodies over lifetimes.
Metempsychosis suggests that a person's soul might next inhabit an animal.
Reincarnation
Actions in one life affect the circumstances of the next.
Good deeds in this life could lead to a better rebirth in reincarnation.
Metempsychosis
Reincarnation.
Reincarnation
Rebirth of the soul in another human or nonhuman body.
Reincarnation
A reappearance or revitalization in another form; a new embodiment
"The brownstone had already endured one reincarnation.
Reincarnation
A rebirth of a soul, in a physical life form, such as a body.
Reincarnation
The philosophy of such a rebirth, a specific belief or doctrine on how such a rebirth occurs.
Reincarnation
A fresh embodiment.
Reincarnation
A new, considerably improved, version.
Reincarnation
Embodiment in a new form (especially the reappearance or a person in another form);
His reincarnation as a lion
Reincarnation
A second or new birth
Reincarnation
The Hindu or Buddhist doctrine that person may be reborn successively into one of five classes of living beings (god or human or animal or hungry ghost or denizen of hell) depending on the person's own actions
Common Curiosities
Can metempsychosis result in rebirth as a plant or animal?
Yes, metempsychosis includes the possibility of the soul being reborn into any life form, including animals and plants.
Do metempsychosis and reincarnation both involve karma?
Reincarnation often involves karma, where actions affect future rebirths, while metempsychosis does not necessarily link to karma.
Is reincarnation specific to any particular religion?
Reincarnation is a concept found in several religions, notably Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, each with its interpretations and beliefs.
How does reincarnation address the soul's progression?
In reincarnation, the soul's progression is often seen as moving towards spiritual enlightenment or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
What role does reincarnation play in moral decision-making?
In beliefs that incorporate karma, reincarnation directly influences moral decision-making by linking actions to rebirth conditions.
How do beliefs in metempsychosis affect ethical behavior?
While not always directly linked to ethical behavior, the experience of various lives in metempsychosis can influence a soul's development and actions.
Are there modern beliefs that incorporate metempsychosis?
Some New Age and spiritual movements incorporate elements of metempsychosis, though it is less common than reincarnation.
What is the main difference between metempsychosis and reincarnation?
Metempsychosis specifically involves the soul's migration across different life forms, while reincarnation is a broader concept of rebirth, often within human lives.
What philosophical figures are associated with metempsychosis?
Figures like Pythagoras and Plato are historically linked to the concept of metempsychosis.
Does belief in metempsychosis affect how one views animal and plant life?
It can lead to a greater respect for all forms of life, considering any could be a vessel for a soul.
Is enlightenment a goal in metempsychosis?
Enlightenment is not typically a stated goal in metempsychosis, unlike in many reincarnation beliefs.
What impact does belief in reincarnation have on cultural practices?
It significantly influences cultural practices, including rituals around moral teachings.
Can metempsychosis be considered a form of reincarnation?
Yes, metempsychosis can be seen as a specific form of reincarnation, with its unique characteristics and beliefs.
Which concept has a broader scope in discussing afterlife beliefs?
Reincarnation has a broader scope, encompassing various religious and philosophical perspectives on the soul's journey after death.
How do the cycles of life in metempsychosis compare to those in reincarnation?
Both concepts view life as cyclical, though reincarnation often includes a goal of escaping this cycle.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
