Reincarnation Research

Past Life Behavior, Past Life Geographic Memory & Past Life Phobia in Turkish Reincarnation Case of Ahmet Delibalta | Erkan Kilic

Ahmet Delibalta observed the recovery of his body after a plane crash. A reincarnation case study which details how the relationships are renewed through reincarnation. Erkan as a child to played with his own past life son.

How Derived: Memories in Childhood

Researched by: Ian Stevenson, MD

From: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, by Ian Stevenson

Article by Walter Semkiw, MD

Ahmet Delibalta’s Nightclub, Bakery & Muslim Wife

Ahmet Delibalta was born in Adana, Turkey, in 1936. He married a woman named Mihriban and had three children with her. Ahmet also took a second wife, Fehime, a Turk who was an orthodox Muslim.

Ahmet owned a nightclub in Adana called “Havuz” and running this club was his passion. Havuz provided Ahmet with a very good income and he was able to afford a large and well-appointed house. Ahmet also owned a bakery in Adana.

Ahmet Freezes to Death after a Plane Crash

In 1962 he went to Istanbul to find a female singer for his nightclub. His second wife, Fehime, was pregnant when he left for this two week business trip. In Istanbul, Ahmet chose a woman named Rengin Arda as his singer. On March 8, 1962, he was bringing Rengin back to Adana by airplane. Unfortunately, the Turkish Airlines airplane they were on crashed in the snow-covered Toros Mountains. It was thought the passengers died on impact.

The investigation that followed, though, revealed that the plane had landed in soft snow, but in a very remote area, which meant that rescuers could not reach the downed plane for several days. Passengers who survived the crash, including Ahmet, froze to death. Ahmet was about 35 years old when he died.

In Error, A Jewish Man’s Body is Received by Ahmet’s Family

In recovering bodies from the crash, a mistake was made in identifying Ahmet’s body. Initially, the body of another passenger, who was Jewish, was identified as Ahmet. This occurred when Ahmet’s younger brother declined to view the body itself, as it was too emotionally distressing for him. Instead, he asked to be shown clothing from the body. Mistakenly, he identified the clothing from the Jewish man as the clothing that belonged to Ahmet. The body of the Jewish man was then buried in a cemetery under the name of Ahmet Delibalta.

The error was subsequently discovered when the rest of the bodies were brought down from the mountain. One of the bodies had the Ahmet’s identify card on it. The body of the Jewish man who was mistakenly buried as Ahmet had to be exhumed and buried elsewhere.

Soul Plan: An Announcing Dream

Latife Kilic lived in Adana, Turkey, with her husband Yusuf. A week before Ahmet Delibalta’s plane crashed, she had a dream. In this dream, Ahmet Delibalta appeared, who Latife only knew by sight, not by acquaintance. In the dream, Ahmet gave her a gift and then laid down on the bed between Latife and Yusef. When she woke, Latife asked her husband:

“What does that nightclub man want at our place?” (1)

Latife was pregnant and near term. Yusuf interpreted the dream to mean that they would have a boy. Approximately two weeks later, Latife did have a boy, which we will see appears to have indeed been the reincarnation of Ahmet Delibalta.

Past Life Phobia: Erkan Kilic is Born with an Intense Fear of Airplanes

Erkan Kilic was born in Adana, Turky, around the day of March 13, 1962, just a few days after the airplane crash that killed Ahmet Delibalta. As noted, his parents were Yusuf Kilic and his wife, Latife, who were Arabs. Erkan was one of 15 children born to Latife and Yusuf. Yusuf worked for his nephew, Zekeriya Kilic, who owned a business selling electrical equipment. Yusef and Latife were relatively poor.

Before Erkan could even speak, he demonstrated a great fear of airplanes, which was triggered by seeing an airplane or by hearing their engines. Upon these occasions, Erkan would run to his mother or hide under his bed. This phobia lasted until he was three years of age.

Phobias from past life traumas are common in reincarnation cases. In the case of Rashid Khaddege | Daniel Jurdi, Daniel had a phobia of fast moving cars, which resulted from his death as Rashid Kaddege in an automobile accident. In the case of Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen, Barbro had a fear of men in uniform, stemming from Anne Frank’s persecution by Nazi’s. Both the Kaddege | Jurdi and Frank | Karlen cases show that facial features can remain the same from lifetime to lifetime. The Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen case demonstrates that one can change religion and nationality from one incarnation to another.

Past Life Memories: Erkan Tells Latife that He is Ahmet Delibalta & She is Not his Real Mother

Erkan began to talk when he was between two and three years of age,. As soon as he could speak, he told Latife that she was not his mother. He asked to be taken to his real mother and to his wife. Erkan also said that his real name was Ahmet Delibalta and that he had a nightclub called “Havuz,” as well as a bakery. As noted, Erkan’s parents knew who Ahmet Delibalta was and of his death in a plane crash, but they denied having any personal acquaintance with Ahmet.

The phenomenon of a child telling the biologic mother that she is not the child’s real mother, along with the demand by the child to be taken to their real mother, is common in reincarnation cases studied by Ian Stevenson. As another example, in the case of Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen, little Barbro also told her parents that they were not her real parents and that their home was not her real home. Barbro informed her biologic parents that her real parents would soon come to get her and take her back to her real home.

Past Life Memories: Erkan Describes his Death as Ahmet Delibalta

When Erkan was two to three years old, he reported details of his death in a past lifetime. He told his mother, Latife, that he had gone to Istanbul to find a singer for his nightclub. On the way back from Istanbul, their plane crashed in the Toros mountains.

Little Erkan also knew that he, as Ahmet, did not die in the crash of the plane. Rather, Erkan said that he died later by freezing to death. Ian Stevenson was particularly impressed by this statement made by Erkan, as everyone associated with this reincarnation case thought that all the victims had died on impact. Only those very familiar with the investigation of the crash knew that some passengers, including Ahmet Delibalta, did survive the crash and later froze to death.

Spirit Being in Reincarnation Case: Ahmet, from the Spirit World, Observes Recovery of his Body

Erkan also knew that his body was confused with that of a Jewish man who was also on the plane. Ahmet’s brothers reported that the Delibalta family was very embarrassed about this incident and tried to keep it secret. As such, the confusion regarding the bodies was not well-known outside the immediate family. As such, how could Erkan, as a child, know this detail?

Erkan’s knowledge of the confusion about the identity of the bodies also implies that after his death, Ahmet was able to observe the recovery of bodies and the chain of events that led to the wrong body being buried in Ahmet’s grave. As such, this represents an example of spirit being involvement in a reincarnation case.

Past Life Memories: Erkan Identifies Past Life Family Members

When Erkan was two to three years old, he made accurate statements regarding the names of his past life family. He said that in his lifetime as Ahmet, his father was named Yunus, his mother Emine, his sons Veysel and Ali, his daughter Aysel, his sister Turkan and his mother-in-law Katibe. All these statements were correct.

Erkan also reported that his wife’s name was Mihriban and that he had another wife named Fehime. Erkan said the he preferred Mihriban over Fehime, which was verified by Ahmet’s brother-in-law.

Erkan was also able to identify members of Ahmet Delibalta’s family from photographs. He correctly identified Ahmet’s wife, Mihriban, and two of Ahmet’s children, Veysel and Aysel, in these photos. It is not clear whether Erkan had already met Mihriban when he saw these pictures, but Ian Stevenson found the identification of Veysel and Aysel, as small children, as impressive.

Geographic Past Life Memory: Erkan Finds his Way to his to Wife, Mihriban, and his Past Life Home

When Erkan was two to three years old, he expressed a desire to visit places from his past lifetime as Ahmet. On his own, he walked to the home of Ahmet Delibalta, which was 200 meters away from the Kilic home. Ahmet’s widow, Mihriban, was still living there. There, Erkan introduced himself to Mihriban.

Later on, when Latife was with Mihriban and Mihriban’s sister-in-law, Latife asked who his wife in his past lifetime was. Without any hesitation, Erkan correctly pointed to Mihriban.

On another occasion, Erkan had completely disappeared from the Kilic home, which caused a panic. His parents later found him in the Ahmet Delibalta’s home, with Ahmet’s first wife, Mihriban.

After Erkan found the Delibalta home, he went there on his own often and would stay sometimes until 10 or 11 at night. A Kilic family member had to go to retrieve him. Latife, Erkan’s mother, found Erkan’s frequent visits to the Delibalta’s home so annoying that she started to beat him to prevent him from going there.

When Mihriban would take her children to visit her sister, who lived in a house across the street from the Kilic family, Erkan would climb on the roof and watch them. When asked what he was doing, Erkan explained that he was “watching his wife and children.” Ian Stevenson noted that Erkan repeatedly was observed to climb on the roof to watch Mihriban and her children. (2)

Geographic Past Life Memory: Erkan Finds the Apartment of Fehime, his Past Life Second Wife

One day, Erkan insisted to Latife, his mother, that he wanted to visit Fehime. Latife knew that Fehime lived in the same apartment building as her physician, so she took Erkan there and went to the physician’s door, hoping he could direct them to where Fehime lived. The physician was not home.

Erkan then led Latife to another door in the apartment building and knocked on it. Fehime answered. Latife then introduced herself. Fehime had heard about Erkan’s claims to be the reincarnation of Ahmet.

Fehime then asked Erkan, “Do you recognize me?” (3)

Erkan replied: “You are Fehime.” (4)

Fehime then asked, “What relation am I to you?” (5)

Erkan replied: “You are my wife.” (6)

Fehime then introduced Erkan to a small girl who was in the apartment. She asked Erkan if he knew who she was.

Erkan replied: “How could I recognize her since you were pregnant and suffering labor pains?” (7)

Ahmet, as a Spirit Being, Observes Fehime in Labor

Fehime had delivered her daughter two days after Ahmet’s plane crashed in the Toros Mountains. Ahmet, did not die in the crash, though it is not known how long he lived after the crash. Whether he was dead or alive, it appears that his soul was able to observe Fehime going into labor.

Geographic Past Life Memory: Erkan Finds his Past Life Mother & Bakery

Again, when Erkan was only two to three years old, he asked his mother, Latife, if he could go visit his mother from his prior lifetime as Ahmet. Erkan said:

“I can show you the way to my mother’s place.” (8)

Latife allowed him to try to find the way and she followed him to see where he would go. Erkan led his mother on a 200 meter walk directly to the home of Ahmet’s mother, which was next door to the bakery that Ahmet had owned.

Once Erkan found the bakery, he would repeatedly visit it and claim that he owned the bakery. One baker came to believe that Erkan was indeed the reincarnation of Ahmet Delibalta and gave him a loaf of bread. The worker invited Erkan to return whenever he wanted more bread.

Geographic Past Life Memory in Reincarnation Cases

Many reincarnation cases feature the phenomenon of a child remembering the way to a past life home. As an example, in the case of Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen, at ten years of age Barbro was able to lead her parents on a 10 minute walk from their hotel in Amsterdam directly to the Anne Frank House, even though Barbro had never been in Amsterdam before.

Other such cases can be found in the section entitled: Geographic Memory

Past Life Memory: Erkan Recognizes the Singer from Istanbul from a Photograph

Rengin Arda, the singer who died with Ahmet on the way back from Istanbul, had been in Adana once before. A German hairdressing she went to had a photograph taken with Regin on this prior visit. When the hairdresser heard about Erkan’s claim that he was Ahmet reincarnated, the hairdresser came to the Kulic home to do her own test.

The hairdresser had everyone sit down and be silent. She then brought out her photograph and showed it to Erkan. She then asked who the women in photo were.

Erkan replied: “You and the singer.” (9)

The hairdresser then asked Erkan the name of the singer. He replied promptly: “Rengin Arda.” (10)

Ian Stevenson noted that this was a significant identification, as Erkan’s parents themselves did not know the name of the singer.

Past Life Behavior: Erkan plays Nightclub Owner, a Past Life Passion

As a child, Erkan liked to pretend that he owned a nightclub. Ian Stevenson wrote:

“Erkan greatly enjoyed playing that he was the proprietor of a nightclub. He arranged boxes to represent a bar and put bottles on them. He assigned roles to the neighborhood girls and gave one a stick to hold to represent a microphone held by the singer. On one occasion, Erkan was observed setting out two chairs for the wives of Ahmet, Mihriban and Fehime.” (11)

“Latife Kilic had the impression from watching Erkan playing the game of ‘nightclub’ that he preferred Mihriban to Fehime. Erkan himself said quite frankly in 1970 that he (in his previous life) preferred Mihriban to Fehime.” (12)

As noted previously, Latife’s observation and Erkan’s statement that Ahmet preferred Mihriban was confirmed by Ahmet’s brother in law, Ihsan Ozbicer.

Erkan’s early fascination with playing nightclub can be seen as a talent or passion that stems from a past incarnation. Many other reincarnation cases involve children and adults who demonstrate talents or interests from past incarnations.

Past Life Memory: Erkan Identifies his Watch from his Past Lifetime

When Erkan was fours year old, he said that as Ahmet, he and a friend named Mithat exchanged watches and that Mithat still had his watch. He also said that the watch had teeth marks on it.

Ahmet Delibalta did have a friend named Mithat Goksal, who was contacted regarding Erkan’s claim. Mithat confirmed that he and Ahmet had exchanged watches in Mithat’s office. Mithat thought it was extremely unlikely that anyone other than he and Ahmet could have known about this exchange. Ian Stevenson examined the watch and found that there were indeed teeth marks on the watch case, which, it was learned, had been made by Ahmet’s children.

Past Life Memory: Erkan Recalls Stealing a Tray

Erkan said that as Ahmet, he once stole a tray from his parent’s home. Erkan said that he stole the tray to get money to go to a football game and that he sold the tray for 25 kurus.

This incident was later confirmed by Ahmet’s friend, Selim Ozel, who was an accomplice to the theft. Selim and Ahmet indeed wanted to go to a football game, but Ahmet did not have enough money for a ticket. He stole the tray and sold it for 25 kurus to get into the football game. This occurred when Ahmet was 15 years old, 20 years before his death.

When Selim Ozel met Erkan, as a test he asked if anyone else went with them to the football game. Erkan said there was a third boy named Tevfic who went with them, which Selim verified as correct.

Ian Stevenson pointed out that only three people knew of this incident, Ahmet, Selim and Tevfic. Similarly, the exchange of watches was only known by Ahmet and Mithat. By reporting details from Ahmet’s life that are so obscure, it is hard to imagine how Erkan could have known this information except through reincarnation and past life memories.

Relationships Renewed through Reincarnation: As a Child, Erkan Plays with his Own Past Life Son

Erkan became friends with one of the sons of Ahmet Delibalta, whose name was Ali. Erkan and Ali would make so much noise in their play that Latife, Erkan’s mother, would try to send Ali away. Erkan would than stop her, stating that Ali was “my son.” (13)

Latife then gave in and let them play. A neighbor noted that Erkan would embrace Ali more like a parent than a playmate.

Principles of Reincarnation & Understanding Past Lives

Geographic Past Life Memory: Between the ages of two and three, Erkat was able to find his way to his past life home, where he and his past life wife, Mihriban, lived. In addition, he was able to find the apartment where his other past life wife, Fehime, lived. Erkat was also able, on his own, to find the house where his past life mother lived.

Geographic memory was also dramatically demonstrated in the Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen reincarnation case, as Barbro at the age of ten was able to find Anne Frank House, without directions, on her first trip to Amsterdam.

Another case involving geographic memory involves neurosurgeon Norm Shealy, MD, PhD, who intuitively was led to the location where he practiced medicine in nineteenth century England, in his past lifetime as John Elliotson.

Renewal of Relationships through Reincarnation: Ahmet Delibalta reincarnated as Erkan Kulic in the same section of Adana that he had lived in his previous life. As such, this gave Ahmet easy access to his past life family.

Erkan enjoyed the company of his past life family so much that his mother tried to prevent him from going to Mihriban’s house. In an especially poignant feature of this story, Erkan became friends with his own past life son, Ali. Erkan and Ali played together joyfully.

Please note that reincarnating in a way that allows reunion with past life family members involves planning by the soul.

Past Life Phobia: Erkan had a great fear of airplanes. When he saw or heard a plane, he would run to his mother or dive under his bed for safety. In his past lifetime, Erkan had died following a plane crash.

Spirit Beings in Reincarnation Case: This reincarnation case demonstrates the involvement of spirit beings in several ways. Ahmet appears to have been able to observe the airplane crash scene after his death, as Erkan knew about how his body was confused with the body of a Jewish man, who was mistakenly buried in Ahmet’s grave.

Erkan also made the statement that his wife, Fehime, was in labor during the crash. Fehime gave birth two days after Ahmet’s plane went down. As Ahmet did not die in the crash, but froze after the plane landed in soft snow, it seems quite possible that Ahmet died while Fehime was in labor.

Another example of spirit beings involves the announcing dream that Latife, Erkan’s mother, had. In this dream, Ahmet Delibalta appeared, gave her a gift and then laid down between her and her husband. It appears that from the spirit world, the soul of Ahmet was communicating to Latife that he would be born to her. Two weeks later, Ahmet indeed appears to have been born to her as Erkan.

Split Incarnation or Parallel Lives: Erkan Kilic was born only a few days after Ahmet Delibalta died. If the assumption is made that the soul is involved in the development of the fetus, which will be discussed in the section on Soul Evolution, then the soul of Ahmet was involved with the fetus of Erkan for the entire nine months of gestation, while Ahmet was still alive.

This same phenomenon was also observed in the very important case of Hanan Monsour | Suzanne Ghanem, as Susan was born only ten days after Hanan had died following heart surgery. The Monsour | Ghanem case also shows that facial features can remain the same from one lifetime to another.

The phenomenon of a soul inhabiting more than one body at a time has been termed split incarnation. One wonders whether in cases such as Hanan Monsour and Ahmet Delibalta, the soul knows of a predestined fatal event and begins another incarnation in anticipation of letting go of the other.

Footnotes

1. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 288
2. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 290
3. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in: Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 293
4. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 293
5. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 293
6. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 293
7. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in: Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 293
8. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, pages 289
9. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 285
10. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 285
11. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 292
12. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in: Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 292
13. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 290

Past Life Story with Soul Plan, Spirit Being & Past Life Phobia: Turkish Reincarnation Case of Nasir Alev | Nasir Toksoz

Turkish reincarnation case demonstrates multiple principles of reincarnation.

How Derived: Memories from Childhood

Researchers: R. Bayer and Ian Stevenson, MD

From: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, by Ian Stevenson, MD

Article by Walter Semkiw, MD

The Life of Nasir Alev and his Death from Tetanus

Nasir Alev lived in the village of Yukari Ekinci, which is 10 kilometers or miles from Antakya. Nasir was known as a very pious and religious man. With his wife, Esma, he had 5 children, four sons named Salih, Hasan, Zahir and Necim, and a daughter named Elmas. Nasir was a farmer who owned olive orchards, which were located a few kilometers outside of the village.

When he was about 70 years old, he fell down stone steps at the front of his house. The steps were under a balcony. When he fell, Nasir hit his head on a stone, injuring his forehead and nose. Blood was observed flowing from his nose.

After a few days, his condition worsened and he was unable to speak. Nasir was taken to the Government Hospital in Antakya, where it was found that he could not open his jaws, which made his unable to eat. He died on August 21, 1960 at 10:30 in the morning. The cause of death was determined to be tetanus.

Spirit Being & Soul Plan: An Announcing Dream

Mehmet Toksoz was also a farmer who lived in the village of Yukari Ekinci. On the night of August 20, 1960, he had a dream in which Nasir Alev came to him. Mehmet knew Nasir as an acquaintance, as they had adjoining olive groves that were located a few kilometers from the village. Their homes in Yukari Ekinci were about 300 meters apart. Though they knew of each other, they were not close friends.

In the dream Nasir told Mehmet, “I am coming to stay with you.” (1)
Mehmet interpreted the dream meant to mean that Nasir would be reincarnated as his son. Medina, his wife, happened to be nine months pregnant at the time. In the dream, Mehmet swore that he would give the expected child the same first name, Nasir.

At the time that Mehmet had this dream, Nasir Alev was still alive in the Government Hospital in Antakya. He would die the following morning of August 21, 1960 at 10:30. Mehmet did not know that Nasir was ill or dying.

Past Life Memories: Little Nasir Toksoz Remembers Dying from Head Trauma and a Past Life Son in Belgium

In the morning of August 21, 1960, the morning after Mehmet had his dream, a son was born to Mehmet and Medina. As he promised, Mehmet called the boy Nasir.

When Nasir Toksoz was between two and three years old, his mother went from their house to the village fountain to get water. When she returned, she observed Nasir sitting in their garden talking to himself. She stood quietly, in a way that Nasir could not see her, so she could listen to what he was saying.

Over and over again, Nasir said, “My son has gone to Belgium.” (2)

Medina then came up to Nasir and asked him, “Why are you speaking like that? Do you have sons?” (3)

Nasir said that he did and he named the four sons and one daughter that he remembered having in a past lifetime.

Nasir continued to give detailed information about his past lifetime to his parents. He said that in this prior incarnation, his name was also Nasir and that his wife was named Esma. Nasir said that his son’s names were Salih, Hasan, Zahir and Necim, and that he had a daughter named Elmas. Nasir said that his son Hasan was in Belgium. All these statements were correct for the family of Nasir Alev.

Nasir reported that he died after he fell down and he hit his head on a stone, which was correct. He also said that he had fallen from a balcony, though he may have been trying to communicate that that he had fallen under a balcony, which would have been an accurate statement.

Later on, little Nasir was able to point out the steps at the Alev home where he remembered falling down and hitting his head. His identification of the steps was accurate.

Nasir said that after he died and before he reincarnated, he appeared before God and gave an account of his life and conduct to God.

Past Life Relationship & Geographic Past Life Memory: Nasir Toksoz Meets his Past Life Daughter & from an Olive Grove, Leads her to his Past Life Home

When Nasir was between three and four years old, his mother took him to see her husband, Mehmet, who was working a few kilometers away in their olive orchard. The adjacent olive orchard was owned by the Aliv family. Once there, Nasir spontaneously recognized Elmas Alev, the daughter of Nasir Alev.

Little Nasir ran up to Elmas and said, “You are my daughter.” (4)

Elmas then asked Nasir, “Who are you?” (5)

Nasir replied, “I am your father.” (6)

Elmas then said that if Nasir was her father, he should be able to find her home in the village. Nasir then did this, leading Elmas back to the village along the main road, then turning and walking up small, hidden lanes directly to the Aliv home. On the way to the Alev house, little Nasir recognized people and places related to Nasir Alev.

Once at the Alev house, Nasir said, “This house is mine.” (7)

Near the Alev house, Esma, Nasir Alev’s widow, was standing with a group of other people. Without any assistance in making the recognition, little Nasir went up to Esma and said:

“You are my wife.” (8)

Nasir then went into the house and pointed out the location where he, as Nasir Alev, slept, which was an accurate identification.

Ian Stevenson retraced the path to the Alev home and noted that the house is not visible from the road and that Nasir’s ability to find it via the small lanes was an impressive feat.

This is reminiscent of the case of Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen, as Barbro, at ten years of age, was able to lead her parents from their hotel in Amsterdam directly to the Anne Frank House, even though Barbro had never been to Amsterdam before. The Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen case is very important as it shows that facial features and talents can remain the consistent from one lifetime to another, though religion and nationality can change from one incarnation to another.

Past Life Memories: Nasir Recognizes his Past Life Son, Zahir

Nasir Alev’s son, Zahir, was not present when Nasir found the Alev home. Later on, when Nasir and his mother, Medina, were on a village street, Medina noticed Zahir. She pointed to Zahir and asked Nasir, “Do you know your son.” (9)

Nasir replied, “There is my son Zahir.” (10)

Past Life Emotions: Nasir Frequently Visits his Past Life Home

Once Nasir found the Alev family home, he would visit frequently. His past life family members would give him gifts, demonstrating their affection for Nasir and their apparent belief that he was indeed the reincarnation of their father.

It was noted that little Nasir would often run away from the Toksoz home to go the Aliv house without telling anyone. His father said that at times, he would stay for days at his past life residence. Nasir continued to visit the Alev home until he was at least 12 years of age.

In the Rashid Khaddege | Daniel Jurdi case, in adulthood, Daniel would visit his past life family once a month, where they kept a cot for him so that he could stay with them. Attachment to members of one’s past life family is frequently observed in reincarnation cases. The Rashid Kaddege | Daniel Jurdi case is also important as it shows that facial features can remain consistent from one incarnation to another.

A Past Life Phobia of Falling

Medina Toksoz, Nasir’s mother, observed that Nasir had a fear of high places, apparently related to having died from a fall in his prior incarnation.

Principles of Reincarnation & Understanding Past Lives

This compelling reincarnation case, if accepted, demonstrates the following features:

Soul Plan & Spirit Being Involvement: From the spirit realm, the soul of Nasir sent a dream to Mahmet indicating that he would reincarnate into Mahmet’s family.

Geographic Past Life Memory: Little Nasir was able to lead Elmas, his past life daughter, from the olive grove owned by Nasir Alev to the home of Nasir Toksoz, which was several kilometers away. Ian Stevenson noted that the Alev house was not visible from the main road and that getting there involved traveling along small, obscure lanes. Stevenson found Nasir’s ability to find his past life residence impressive.

Proximity Past Life Case & Relationships Renewed through Reincarnation: Nasir Alev was reincarnated in the Toksoz family, who lived 300 meters from the Alev home, which allowed Nasir Toksoz to find his past life family. As such, this is a proximity reincarnation case, where a soul reincarnates nearby the past life family to allow a reunion to take place.

Past Life Phobia: Nasir’s mother noted that Nasir had a fear of high places, which may have stemmed from the fall that ended the life of Nasir Alev.

Split Incarnation or Parallel Lives: Nasir Toksoz was born on the same morning that Nasir Alev died. As such, if it is assumed that the soul is involved in the development of the fetus, then the soul of Nasir Alev was animating the fetus of Nasir Toksoz for the entire nine months of gestation, while Nasir Alev was still alive.

Please note that the image provided at the top of this page is not of Nasir Alev, but of another individual suffering from tetanus.

Footnotes

1.Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 324
2. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 325
3. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 325
4. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 330
5. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 330
6. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 330
7. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 330
8. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 331
9. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 331
10. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type: Volume III, Twelve Cases in Lebanon and Turkey, University of Virginia Press, 1980, page 332

Islam Reincarnation Case of Oma Devi | Nagina: Past Life Case involving Suicide, Religion Change & Renewed Relationships

Oma Devi committed suicide reincarnated in a little over 3 years after her death, demonstrating that suicide does not end the evolution of the soul. Oma Devi was Hindu, but reborn into a Sunni Muslim family.

How Case Derived: Past Life Memories in Childhood

Researcher: Satwant Pasricha, PhD, Associate of Ian Stevenson, MD

From: Can the Mind Survive Beyond Death? Volume 1: Reincarnation Research, by Satwant Pasricha, PhD

Article by: Walter Semkiw, MD

The Life & Suicide of Oma Devi

Oma Devi was a schoolteacher who lived in District of Farrukhabad, in the Indian state of Uddar Pradesh, which is the home of the famous Taj Mahal. Her husband was a merchant who sold books and stationary in Mohammadabad. The couple was of the Hindu faith and they had four children, two boys and two girls.

Unfortunately, Oma Devi and her husband had a bad marriage. On May 19, 1987, the couple had a serious argument and in reaction, Oma poured kerosene over herself and set herself on fire, perishing from her burns. She was 47 years of age when she died.

Oma Devi, a Hindu, Reincarnates into a Sunni Muslim Family

In October 1990, about 3 and a half years after Oma Devi died, a girl named Nagina was born to a Sunni Muslim family, who did not believe in reincarnation. The family also lived in the District of Farrukhabad, not far from Oma Devi’s home. Her father, Amaruddin, made his living by transporting people in a tanga, a horse-drawn carriage.

Past Life Behavior: Nagina Reenacts Committing Suicide

When Nagina was a little over 1 year of age, before she learned to speak, one of Amaruddin’s aunts came to visit the family. The aunt asked for some mustard oil, to massage into her hair. Nagina then brought her a bottle of kerosene. The aunt, surprised, asked what she would do with kerosene. Nagina then made the gesture of pouring the bottle of kerosene over her head and she then made the gesture of lighting a match to set herself on fire. These gestures of lighting a match and bringing the lit match to her head became a repetitive behavior.

Past Life Memories: Nagina Reports She was Oma, Who Committed Suicide

When Nagina was 3 years old and able to speak, she said that in a prior lifetime she was a schoolteacher named Oma and that she had 2 daughters and 2 sons. Nagina shared that after an argument with her husband, she poured kerosene over her body and then set herself on fire.

Amaruddin’s family, as noted, did not believe in reincarnation and they tried to suppress Nagina’s past life memories by beating her on the head. This strategy failed, as Nagina continued to talk about her past life.

Past Life Memories: Nagina knows Family Secrets & Mourns the Death of her Past Life Husband

When Oma Devi’s two sons heard about Nagina’s claims of a prior incarnation in which she set herself on fire, they came to visit her. Nagina shared with them details of Oma’s life that were not known outside the family. Based on this testimony, Oma Devi’s elder son became convinced that Nagina was his mother reborn. The younger son did not know what to make of the situation.

The families maintained contact. In April 1996, when Nagina was 5 and a half years old, Oma Devi’s husband died. Despite the conflicts that Oma and her husband had, Nagina was very upset about the death of her past life husband.

Past Life Birthmarks

Dr. Pasricha noted that Nagina had hyper-pigmented or dark colored birthmarks on her chin and lower abdomen, which could have been related to burns incurred by Oma Devi.

Validity of Nagina’s Past Life Story

In commenting on the credibility of the case, Dr. Pasricha noted that it was very unlikely that Nagina’s family would fabricate a reincarnation case that went against their religion, especially one that involves suicide. Though Shiite Muslims are open to reincarnation, Sunni Muslims, the branch of Islam that Nagina’s family belonged to, do not accept reincarnation. Recall that Nagina’s family tried to suppress her talk of a past lifetime though physical punishment.

Dr. Pasricha also commented that it was unlikely that as a one year old Nagina would have learned of Oma Devi’s death and that it was even more unlikely that a family would teach a child to pretend committing suicide. (1)

Principles of Reincarnation & Understanding Past Lives

Change in Religion: Oma Devi was Hindu, but she was reborn into a Sunni Muslim family that did not believe in reincarnation.

Past Life Birthmarks or Scars: Nagina had dark-colored birthmarks on her chin and abdomen, which Dr. Pasricha noted could be related to burn scars incurred by Oma Deva in her suicide.

Relationships Renewed through Reincarnation: Oma Devi reincarnated in close proximity to her past life home, which allowed her to be reunited with her past life family. Though Oma Devi committed suicide after an argument with her husband, Nagina expressed grief when her past life husband died.

Reincarnation & Suicide: Oma Devi committed suicide but reincarnated a little over 3 years after her death, demonstrating that suicide does not end the evolution of the soul. Oma Devi likely generated karma from the pain she caused others, which she may have to experience herself in the course of time. Also, Nagina may face similar circumstances as Oma Devi did, but she will need to react in more productive ways. For a full discussion on karmic issues involved with suicide, please refer to: Suicide Reincarnation Case of Ruprecht Schultz

Footnotes

1. Pasricha, Satwant, Can the Mind Survive Beyond Death? Volume 1: Reincarnation Research, Harman Publishing House, New Delhi, 2008, pages 163-165

Muslim Reincarnation Case of Mushir Ali | Naresh Kumar: A Past Life Case with Change in Religion from Islamic to Hindu

Naresh Kumar, a Hindu was reunited with his past life family, the Muslim family of Haider Ali, who accepted Naresh as the reincarnation of their deceased son,

How Case Derived: Past Life Memories in Childhood

Researcher: Satwant K. Pasricha, PhD, Associate of Ian Stevenson, MD

From: Can the Mind Survive Beyond Death, Volume 1, by Satwant K. Pasricha, PhD

Article by: Walter Semkiw, MD

The Life and Death of Mushir Ali, a Sunni Muslim

Mushir Ali lived with his family in Kakori, a town in the Lucknow district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. His family was Sunni Muslim and his father, Haider Ali, was very religious, dedicating himself to praying for others and living off of alms or donations. The family spoke the Urdu language, which is common among Muslim people in the area.

Mushir Ali was the primary breadwinner for the family, selling vegetables and fruits at area markets. In the early morning of June 30, 1980, Mushir was taking mangoes to the market in Lucklow in a horse cart that he had rented. A little over 2 kilometers from Kakori, his horse cart collided with a tractor and Mushir suffered fractures of the ribs on the right side of his body, succumbing to his injuries almost instantly. He was 25 years old when he died.

Mushir Ali is Reincarnated into a Hindu Family but Prays like a Muslim

Naresh Kumar was born in February 1981, less than a year after Mushir Ali died, in the village of Bazbagar, which was also in the district of Lucknow. His father’s name was Guruprasad and his mother was Bishwana. The family was Hindu of the lower middle class. Nasir was born with a birth defect, a depressed area near the middle of the chest, slightly on the right side.

When he started to speak at one year of age, Naresh said the words Kakori, the town where Mushir Ali lived, and kharkhara, which means horse cart. When he was 2 years old, Naresh demonstrated unusual behavior for a Hindu boy by assuming the posture of kneeling down and saying Namaz, a Muslim style of praying. Naresh would do this alone and he if he noticed other people watching him, he would stop.

Past Life Behavior and Xenoglossy-A Language from a Prior Lifetime

Naresh also would play by pretending to drive a horse cart. He would tie a rope to a cot, which served as the cart, and he would make sounds as if he was instructing horses to proceed.

In addition, Naresh was heard speaking a few words of Urdu, a language that his family did not speak. As such, this constitutes a case of xenoglossy, in which an individual can speak a language from a past lifetime which was not learned in the contemporary lifetime.

Naresh shares his Past Life Memories and Recognizes his Past Life Father

When he was 4 years old Naresh elaborated further about a past lifetime, stating that he was carrying mangoes in his horse cart when it collided with a vehicle and he died. Further, he stated that he was a Muslim who lived in Kakori. Naresh was eager to talk about his past lifetime and would talk about it whenever villagers asked him about it.

Haider Ali, the father of Mushir Ali, would travel to Bazbagar every Thursday to pray for villagers and to collect alms or donations. After Naresh learned to walk, he would follow Haider Ali around the village, claiming that he was his father. Naresh would even call Haider Ali “Abba,” which means father, and he told Haider Ali that he wanted to go home with him.

Naresh’s family asks Haider Ali for Help, Who is Evasive, Perhaps due to a Fear of the Islamic Community’s Attitude regarding Reincarnation

Naresh kept insisting that his family to take him to Kakori. Bishwana, Naresh’s mother, decided to ask Haider Ali for his assistance, since he was from Kakori, as well as a Muslim. Haider Ali did not seem to want to get involved and instead advised Bishwana to take Naresh to the grave of a Muslim saint in Mazar, so that the boy would stop talking about his previous life. The family did so but it did not have any effect, as Naresh continued to enjoy talking about his past lifetime. Naresh also insisted on going to his previous home and once even started going down the road by himself to go there.

Dr. Pasricha speculated that at this point in time, Haider Ali likely knew that Naresh was claiming to be his deceased son Mushir Ali reborn, but was afraid to say anything due to concern of being criticized by his Muslim community, which did not believe in reincarnation.

Naresh finds his Past Life Home and Identifies Past Life Relatives & Friends

Guruprasad, Naresh’s father, finally decided to take him to Kakori. They were accompanied by some friends. Once in Kakori, Naresh led the group to the house where Mushir Ali lived. Inside the house, he identified several objects that belonged to Mushir, including Mushir’s cap and contents of Mushir’s suitcase.

Naresh also recognized and named members of Mushir’s immediate family, relatives and friends. He also accurately told the Ali family about a bank account that the family had at the time that Mushir died. Further, Naresh mentioned the name of a person who owed money to Mushir, which the family verified. The Ali family added that this individual who owed money paid it back after Mushir’s death.

Reincarnation, Past Lives & Birth Defects

Based on the accurate identifications and statements made by Naresh, the Ali family, including Haidar Ali, accepted Naresh as the reincarnation of Mushir Ali. In retrospect, Dr. Pasricha hypothesized that the birth defect that Naresh was born with on the right side of his chest reflected the trauma and rib fractures that Mushir Ali incurred in the tractor accident which killed him. (1)

Principles of Reincarnation & Understanding Past Lives

Change in Religion: Mushir Ali was Muslim, but reincarnated into a Hindu family.

Past Life Talent & Behavior: As a child, Naresh would pretend that he was driving a horse cart. In addition, he would pray in the Muslim style.

Geographic Memory: Once brought to Kakori, Naresh was able to lead his group to his past life home and the family of Haider Ali.

Xenoglossy: Naresh was heard speaking Urdu, a language that was used by the Muslim community, but not in Naresh’s family. As such, this represents a case of xenoglossy, where a language from a past lifetime is retained in a subsequent lifetime.

Reincarnation & Birth Defects: Naresh had a depression on his chest wall which seemed to reflect the broken ribs that Mushir incurred when struck and killed by a tractor.

Relationships Renewed through Reincarnation: Naresh was reunited with his past life family, the family of Haider Ali, who accepted Naresh as the reincarnation of their deceased son, Mushir Ali.

Footnotes

1. Pasricha, Satwant K., Can the Mind Survive Beyond Death, Volume 1, Harman Publishing, New Delhi, 2008, pages 159-161

Reincarnation Case of Mithilesh Singh | Rajani Singh Past Life Case Involving Suicide, Same Family Incarnation, Reincarnation Birthmarks & Physical Resemblance

A new life reclaimed after a death by suicide of Mithilesh Singh who reincarnated in the same family as Rajani observed to exhibit the same behavior as Mithilesh. A noticeable physical resemblance and demonstrations of similar phobias between the two were also noted.

How Case Derived: Past Life Memories in Childhood

Researcher: Satwant Pasricha, PhD, Associate of Ian Stevenson, MD

From: Can the Mind Survive Beyond Death? Volume 2: Reincarnation and Other Anomalous Experiences, by Satwant Pasricha, PhD

Article by: Walter Semkiw, MD

The Life of Mithilesh Singh

Mithilesh Singh was born in Agra, India, the home of the Taj Mahal. in the year 1975. Her mother’s name was Rajwati Devi Singh and her father, who was employed in a government job, was Navratan Singh. Mithilesh had 3 siblings, including a younger sister, Meena, who Mithilesh was very close to. Mithilesh was also very fond of a maternal aunt, whose name was Ganga Bai.

Of the family’s children, Mithilesh was the only one who did not do well at school. To help her pass her high school final examinations, her parents sent her to live with a family member, Virender Singh, who was an older cousin to Mithilesh living in Bhalaul, India. The plan was that a family member in Bhalaul, who worked as a teacher at a local college, would serve as a tutor for Mithilesh. Virender was married to a woman name Bimla. Virender’s mother, Shakuntala, who had a very domineering personality, was also in the household.

Mithilesh Falls in Love with a Boy of a Lower Caste

Mithilesh was not happy living with Virender’s family in Bhalaul. She was afraid of Shakuntala and felt sorry for Bimla, who had to put up with her difficult mother-in-law. Mithilesh became very fond of Bimla.

Ironically, Mithilesh herself was known to be very headstrong and stubborn. A serious problem arose when Mithilesh became romantically involved with a boy in Bhalaul, who her family disapproved of due to his being in a lower caste. Mithilesh became depressed about her situation.

Mithilesh Commits Suicide

Rajwati Devi, Mithilesh’s mother, and, Ganga Bai, her aunt, came to visit her in Bhalaul in early October 1991. After the three returned from a ride in a pony cart, Mithilesh poured kerosene on her head and ignited the fluid, setting herself on fire. Mithilesh then ran to Bimla for assistance. Bimla was pregnant at the time and was terrified at the sight of Mithilesh running at her ablaze. Bimla, protecting herself, pushed Mithilesh away.

The family eventually extinguished the flames and took Mithilesh to the nearest health center, where she died. Her burns were most extensive on her head, but almost her entire body was affected, with only her waist and feet being spared. The date of Mithilesh’s death was October 6, 1991. She was 16 years old when she died.

Spiritual Communication: Rajwati Devi has a Reincarnation Announcing Dream

Within a month of Mithilesh’s suicide, her mother, Rajwati Devi, had a dream that Mithilesh would be returning to their family. On November 16, 1991, about 5 weeks after Mithilesh’s death, Bimla Singh delivered a baby girl, who Virender and Bimla, named Rajani.

Reincarnation Birthmarks of Rajani Singh

A few days after Rajani was born, her mother and paternal grandmother noticed red marks on her head. Within a month of being born, they noticed red marks on the rest of Rajani’s body, though the marks on her head were most prominent. At this point Rajwati Devi Singh, the mother of Mithilesh, came to see Rajani. Given the red marks on the body and her dream that Mithilesh would be returning to their family, Rajwati Devi suspected that Rajani was the reincarnation of Mithilesh.

When she learned to talk, Rajani asked to see Meena, the younger sister of Mithilesh. In contrast, she was instinctively afraid of Shakuntala, as was Mithilesh.

Past Life Memories: Rajani Insists She is Mithilesh & Reclaims her Past Life Parents

When Rajani was 4 years old, in November 1995, she was taken to the home of Navratan and Rajwati Devi Singh. Rajani demonstrated familiarity with the place and with Mithilesh’s family members. In particular, Rajani showed affection for Ganga Bai, Mithilesh’s favorite aunt.

Rajani at times insisted that she be called Mithilesh and she stated that her father was Navratan and that her mother was Rajwati Devi. She addressed the couple, who were the parents of Mithilesh, as “papa” and “mummy.”

Past Life Physical Resemblance & Similar Personality Traits

It was noted that there was a similarity in facial features between Mithilesh and Rajani, including large eyes. Personality traits were also consistent, as Rajani was stubborn and would get upset if she did not get her way, much like Mithilesh.

Dr. Pasricha studied this case from December 1992 through December 1995, directly observing the birthmarks Rajani had, including an area on the right side of her head which was without hair and lighter in color that the rest of her skin. Dr. Pasricha also noted red areas present on Rajani’s shoulders and back. The other red marks on Rajani’s body that were present just after she was born had faded by 1995.

Principles of Reincarnation & Understanding Past Lives

Physical Resemblance in Reincarnation Cases: It was noted that Mishilesh and Rajani had similar facial features, including large eyes. Though physical resemblance is noted in reincarnation cases, since Rajana reincarnated to relatives of Mishilesh, genetic factors may also have contributed to their similarity in appearance.

Relationships Renewed through Reincarnation: Mishilesh was fond of her relative Bimla Singh and reincarnated as Bimla’s daughter, Rajani, indicating that the soul can plan incarnations.

Reincarnation Birthmarks: Shortly after her birth, Rajani demonstrated birthmarks that appear to reflect burn scars incurred on the body of Mishilesh.

Split Incarnation: Rajani was born only 5 weeks after Mishilesh died. If the soul is involved in the developed of the fetus, then the soul of Mishilesh also inhabited Rajani as a fetus for about 8 months of her gestation. I do believe that the soul is involved in the development of the fetus, as similarity in physical appearance is observed in reincarnation cases, which would occur through the influence of the soul. The way the soul can shape physical appearance is discussed in the section: Principles of Reincarnation

Reincarnation and Suicide: Mishilesh committed suicide, but reincarnated into the same family, indicating that suicide does not end the progression of the soul. It is likely that Mishilesh incurred karma from the grief she caused others due to her suicide, which will need to be worked out in subsequent incarnations. In addition, Rajani will need to face similar situations as Mishilesh did, but hopefully Rajani will not act out in the same way. For a more detailed discussion on implications of suicide, please go to: Suicide Reincarnation Case of Ruprecht Schultz

Why would the soul of Mishilesh inhabit a second body while Mishilesh was still alive? It is possible that Mishilesh’s soul anticipated the problems associated with her personality and the possibility that her life would be short. As such, Mishilesh’s soul took the opportunity to have another incarnation with Bimla as the mother, who Mishilesh was fond of.

Footnotes

Pasricha, Satwant, Can the Mind Survive Beyond Death? Volume 2: Reincarnation and Other Anomalous Experiences, Harman Publishing House, New Delhi, 2008, pages 294-298

Past life Story of Eeva-Maija Kaartinen | Maria-Liisa Kaartinen: Soul Plan, Reincarnation & Talent, Split Incarnation or Parallel Lives

A girl Eeva-Maija Kaartinen who died at an early age when her mother is pregnant with another baby reincarnated in the baby that her mother was carrying when she died, and was named Marja-Liisa. A reincarnation story with references clearly indicating a renewed sustained lifetime of a former life that was curtailed at a very young age.

How Derived: Memories in Childhood

Researcher: Ian Stevenson, MD

From: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, by Ian Stevenson, MD

Article by: Walter Semkiw, MD

After Her Mother Promises Her a Toy Carriage, A Young Flapper Dies at the age of Five

Eeva-Maija Kaartinen was born on August 17, 1923 in Oulu, Finland. Eva had three older brothers, who she differed from in several ways. Her brothers and her parents liked to eat meat and drink sour milk. In contrast, Eeva-Maija refused to eat meat or drink sour milk. Rather, she preferred fish and fresh milk.

Eeva-Maija was reluctant to eat in general and times she would hide her food so that she didn’t have to eat it. Salli Kaartinen, her mother, would coach her to take nourishment by saying, “Eat, bite and swallow.” (1)

Eeva-Maija loved to dance and almost danced before she could walk. She learned to do the Charleston, a dance that was popular in the 1920’s.

Just after she was 5 years old, Eeva-Maija came down with a fatal case of influenza. Just before Eeva-Marja died, Salli, her mother, promised to buy her a toy baby carriage. Eeva-Maija passed on November 24, 1928.

Marja-Liisa Says She is the Reincarnation of Eeva-Maija, Won’t Eat,& Repeats Past Life Phrase, “Eat, Bite and Swallow”

Salli was 3 months pregnant when Eeva-Maija died. Six months later, on Mary 22, 1929, Marja-Liisa Kaartinen was born.

When Marja-Liisa learned to speak, she repeatedly asked to be called Eeva-Maija. At the age of 2, when she found photographs of Eeva-Maija, she would take the photos to people and say: “These are of me.” (2)

Marja-Liisa also was resistant to eating and at the age of 2, she said to her mother, Salli: “Why don’t you tell me what you said to Eeva-Jaija: “Eat, bite and swallow.” (3)

No one had told Marja-Lissa about Salli’s coaching of Eeva-Jaija and as such, it was an apparent memory from a past lifetime. Salli testified that family members had purposely decided not to talk about Eeva-Maija, after her death, in an effort to ease their grief.

Past Life Memories: Marja-Liisa Remembers Helim and Picks Out Past Life Toys

When Marja-Liisa was 3 years old, the family went to their summer cabin in Sotkomo, Finland. When they arrived there, Marja-Liisa said: “Where is Helim?” (4)

Helim was the family’s servant who had left their employment over a year before Marja-Liisa was born. Again, no one had told her about Helim and as such, her mother perceived this to be a memory from Marja-Liisa’s past lifetime as Eeva-Maija.

At their Sotkomo summer cabin, there was a trunk that stored the children’s toys. Upon their arrival at Sotkoma, Marja-Liisa spontaneously went to this trunk and then proceeded to pick out all of Eeva-Maija’s toys, leaving the toys of the other children in the trunk.

She picked out Eeva-Maija’s balls and left the balls that belonged to her brothers alone. One of her brothers had a doll in the trunk. She picked out the doll that belonged to Eeva-Maija and left the doll that belonged to her brother in the trunk.

Past Life Memories of Peter Pan, a Coat and the Promise of a Toy Carriage

At the age of 4, Marja-Liisa asked her mother: “Where were we when Peter Pan flew” (5)

Salli and Eeva-Maija had seen the movie, Peter Pan, but Marja-Liisa had not.

Salli, while in the family’s kitchen, asked a servant to get a coat that had belonged to Eeva-Marija from the attic. Marja-Liisa was in her bedroom at the time and she did not hear this conversation. When the servant came downstairs from the attic, Marja-Liisa ran to him and grabbed the coat, saying: “My coat, my coat.” (6)

At about the age of five, Marja-Liisa asked Salli for the baby carriage that she had promised to her. This promise, of course, was made to Eeva-Maija, not Marja-Liisa.

Past Life Traits: Eeva-Marija and Marja-Liisa Don’t Eat Meat

Marja-Liisa resisted eating and she would hide food, like Eeva-Marija. She also refused to eat meat or sour milk. Instead, she preferred fish and fresh milk, like Eeva-Marija. All the other family members ate meat and sour milk; Eeva-Marija and Marja-Liisa were the only exceptions.

Marja-Liisa preferred to wear Eeva-Marija’s clothes and to play with her toys, rather than wear new clothes or play with toys that were bought for her.

Reincarnation & Past Life Talent: Spontaneous Charleston

Marja-Liisa loved music and began dancing almost before she could walk, as did Eeva-Marija. Even more impressive, Marija-Liisa, before the age of 3, spontaneously knew how to dance the Charleston.

Eeva-Marija was taught to do the Charleston, while Marija-Lissa was not. As such, Marija-Lissa was bringing a learned talent from her prior incarnation as Eeva-Marija into contemporary times.

Past Life Death Memories

When Marja-Liisa was about 5 years of age, the same age at which Eeva-Marija had died, Marja-Liisa experienced a series of nightmares of being buried or of seeing dead bodies. These experiences may have been due to the anniversary of Eeva-Marija’s death.

Anniversary phenomenon have been observed in reincarnation cases, such as in the case of John B. Gordon | Jeff Keene, who experienced jaw pain on his thirtieth birthday, the same age that John B. Gordon was shot in the jaw during the American Civil War.

Reincarnation & Physical Appearance

According to Salli, the girls’ mother, Marja-Liisa and Eeva-Marija looked the same. Salli stated that the two girls: “resembled each other considerably in physical appearance.” (7) The only difference was that Eeva-Maija was blonde while Maria-Liisa was a brunette.

Principles of Reincarnation & Understanding Past Lives

Soul Plan & Same Family Reincarnation: Eeva-Marija reincarnated into the same family that she belonged to before, as Marja-Liisa. This is supported by Marja-Liisa’s insistence of being called Eeva-Marija, even though the family purposely decided not to talk about Eeva-Marija to ease their grief.

In addition, Marja-Liisa recognized the clothes and toys of Eeva-Marija and claimed them as hers. She insisted that photos of Eeva-Marija were really images of herself. She demonstrated the same personality trait of being resistant to being fed. She also remembered the past life phrase that Salli used to entice Eeva-Maija into eating, which was: “Eat, bite and swallow.” (8)

Marja-Liisa also remembered the servant, Helim, who was employed by the family when Eeva-Marija was alive, but who had left a year before Marja-Liisa was born.

Reincarnation & Talent from a Past Lifetime: Marja-Lissa spontaneously knew how to dance the Charleston, though she was never taught to do this dance. Eeva-Marija was taught the Charleston, which she enjoyed dancing.

Reincarnation & Physical Resemblance: Salli, the girls’ mother, noted that Eeva-Marija and Marja-Lissa had the same physical appearance, except for hair color. Of course, since this is a same family reincarnation case, similar physical resemblance could be attributed to genetic factors.

Split Incarnation or Parallel Lives: Marja-Lissa was born 6 months after Eeva-Marija died. As such, if it is assumed that the soul is involved in the development of the fetus, then the soul of these two girls inhabited the physical bodies of Eeva-Marija and Marja-Lissa at the same time for a period of 6 months.

Footnotes

1. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 140
2. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 140
3. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 140
4. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 140
5. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 140
6. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 141
7. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 142
8. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 140

Soul Plan, Spirit Being & Gender Change in Same Family Reincarnation: Past Life Story of Jaako Vuorenlehto | Taru Jarvi

A reincarnation research case that gives proof that a soul can plan future life from the spirit world. The reincarnation of Jaako Vuorenlehto a male as a female Taru Jarvi and she has perfect recall of past life.

How Derived: Memories in Childhood

Researcher: Ian Stevenson, MD

From: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, by Ian Stevenson, MD

Article by: Walter Semkiw, MD

Soul Plan: As Children, Jaako & Iris Know They Will Be Married in the Future

Jaako Vuorenlehto was born on November 15, 1929 in Helsinki, Finland, to a Lutheran Christian family. His nick name was Jaska. As a child, Jaako seemed to have a destined relationship with a girl named Iris Sundstrum, who was born in 1935. As such, Iris was 6 years younger than Jaako. When they were children, the two only saw each other from a distance. They did not develop a romance until 1970, when Jaako was 40 years old.

Still, when Jaako was 18 years of age, Jaako told a friend, referring to Iris: “One day I will marry that girl.” (1)

At the same time, Iris, at 12 years of age, said to a friend, referring to the house that Jaako lived in: “One day I will live in that house.” (2)

As Jaako and Iris both had premonitions that they would be married in the future, these feelings indicate that they knew of a life destiny or plan. Several other reincarnation cases demonstrate that we do indeed plan future lifetimes from the spirit world.

Iris, though, initially married another man, with whom she had 3 children. Later in life, Jaako and Iris met, developed a friendship and fell in love. Iris subsequently divorced her first husband and in 1970, when Jaako was 40 and Iris was 34, they married. They enjoyed a very happy relationship.

Reincarnation, Gender Change & Jaako’s Feminine Side

Jaako had an unusual personality in that he enjoyed hobbies typically enjoyed by women. Though he liked male activities such as playing ice hockey, hunting and driving cars, he also enjoyed playing with dolls. Jaako liked to crochet, sew tablecloths and he was attracted to women’s clothing, which he would purchase for Iris.

Though Jaako was tall and thin, Iris noted that he tended to move in a feminine way. Despite these mannerisms and though he believed in reincarnation, Jaako never expressed a desire to be a woman.

Ian Stevenson noted that in 90 percent of his validated children’s reincarnation cases, gender stays the same from one lifetime to another, which infers that a particular soul has a preferred gender. As we see, Jaako will reincarnate as a woman and it may be that his feminine traits reflect his soul’s preference for female incarnations. It may also be that Jaako is soul who prefers to incarnate as male and female in an alternating fashion, thus experiencing the qualities of both sexes.

Jaako’s is Run Over by a Bus and is Killed

On September 13, 1973, when Jaako was 43 years old and only 3 years after marrying Iris, he was accidentally run over by a bus, just after he had exited the vehicle. A rear tire of the bus ran over his chest, neck and then his head. A physician examined Jaako just after the accident and declared him dead at the scene.

Soul Plan: From the Spirit Realm, Jaako as a Spirit Being Predicts his Reincarnation & Telepathically Informs Iris He will be Reborn as her Daughter

Just over a year after Jaako’s death, Iris became remarried to a man named Heikki Jarvi, her third husband. A year later, in September 1975, Iris visited Jaako’s grave and received a telepathic message from him.

Iris heard Jaako’s voice, who told her that he would be reborn to her as a daughter on May 27. Iris was 40 years old at the time. She was not pregnant at the time and she did not expect to get pregnant.

Nonetheless, Iris did become pregnant and gave birth to a girl on May 27, 1976, just as Jaako had predicted. The baby girl was named Taru, who was born less than 3 years after Jaako’s death.

Past Life Memory: Taru Tells her Parents her Name is Jaska

When Taru was only 1 year old, she told her parents that she had been run over by a bus. When she was 1 and a half years old, she told her parents: “I am not Taru; my name is Jaska.” (3) Recall that Jaska was Jaako’s nickname.

This incident is reminiscent of the Francesco Foscari | Wayne Peterson reincarnation case, as Wayne as a child also rejected his given name and insisted on being called “Francesco Foscari.”

When Taru was 3 and a half years old, she told her mother, Iris: “You are not my mother. I was left under a car and died. Don’t you know?” (4)

This is reminiscent of the reincarnation case of Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen, as Barbro also told her parents that they were not her real parents, and that her real parents would come get her and take her to her real home.

Reincarnation, Gender Change & Past Life Memories: Taru Recalls being a Man Killed by a Bus

Taru was then asked additional questions, such as whether she was a boy or girl when she died and what kind of vehicle killed her.

Taru replied: “Of course a boy, a big boy.” Regarding the vehicle, she said, “It was big. First died the stomach, then the head.” “I was taken to the hospital, but I was already dead by that time.” (5)

Tara repeatedly would say: “I was a big man.” (6) When she found a large toy car that had belonged to Jaako, she said that it was hers. She claimed that she had played with this toy car many times in the past.

Taru liked to keep a photo of Jaako by her bed, though she did not state specifically that it was a picture of her. Taru did say, though: “You do not have to be afraid of dying because I have died many times.” (7) She stated that in prior incarnation in Germany, she had a mother named Senya.

Reincarnation & Gender Change: Taru Asks for a Gun, Hockey Stick & Insists She is a Boy

As a child, Taru demonstrated a preference for play that is typical for boys. She played with toy soldiers and while doing so, she would wear a helmet and carry a toy gun. She asked her parents to buy her a real gun and a hockey stick, and she would pretend to drive a car. Recall that Jaako enjoyed hunting, playing hockey and driving cars.

Taru had a strong preference for boy’s clothing, in contrast to her step-sisters, who only liked feminine clothes. In playing with other children, she would never take the role of a girl, rather, she would insist, “I am a boy.” (8)

As an adult, Taru continued to demonstrate masculine dress by always wearing pants and never wearing make up.

Reincarnation & Gender Identity Issues in Two Lifetimes

Taru’s identification with the male gender appears to reflect her prior incarnation as Jaako, who conversely demonstrated feminine traits. This case shows how reincarnation can explain gender identity problems.

Taru’s Jealous Attitude towards her Father

Taru had a marked resentment against Heikki, her father, much like an ex-husband would resent a former wife’s new husband. Once she told Iris, referring to Heikki:

“He can go away and we can live together without him.” (9)

Taru told Heikki directly: “We do not need you. You should go away.” “You are only a visitor here.” (10)

In other words, it appears that Jaako, in the form of Taru, wanted to get rid of Heikki so that Iris could be reclaimed as a wife. Taru’s negative attitude towards Heikki and her possessive manner towards Iris eventually caused Heikki and Iris to live separately for periods of time.

A Past Life Phobia of Buses and of the Date that Jaako Died

When Taru was a year old, she developed a severe fear of buses, tractors and large autos. She would ask Iris to pick her up when a bus approached. In contrast, she was not afraid of small cars. This phobia of buses and large vehicles persisted until she was 19 years old.
Taru also had a superstitious fear of the thirteenth day of the month, which was the day that Jaako was run over by a bus.

Reincarnation & Physical Resemblance

Iris and Jaako’s mother (Taru’s grandmother) both noted a close resemblance in facial features and pigmentation between Jaako and Taru. In addition, Taru grew up to be tall and clumsy, just as Jaako had been. Taru grew to be taller than Heikki, her father.

Principles of Reincarnation & Understanding Past Lives

This very compelling reincarnation case, if accepted, demonstrates the following features:

Physical Resemblance: Iris and Jaako’s mother both noted a prominent facial resemblance between Jaako and Taru, who also had the common features of being tall and clumsy. Since Jaako reincarnated as the daughter of his surviving wife, Iris, and her new husband, Heikki Jarvi, there is no genetic link between Jaako and Taru. This is a same family reincarnation case based on marriage, not a common genetic line.

As such, this is an impressive case which demonstrates physical resemblance from one incarnation to another.

Soul Plan & Spirit Being Involvement in Reincarnation Case: After Jaako’s death, Iris received a telepathic message from him, while she was visiting his grave. Iris heard Jaako’s voice, who told her that he would be reborn to her as a daughter on May 27. Jaako’s prediction came true with Taru’s birth. As such, Jaako was clearly planning his next incarnation while in the spirit world.

In another indication of how lifetimes are planned before we are born, Jaako and Iris both had premonitions, as teenagers, that they would be married in the future. Jaako, at age 18, made the statement that he would marry Iris. Jaako and Iris did marry 22 years later, when Jaako was 40 years old. Prior to their marriage, Iris had married another man, with whom she had 3 children.

The delay in their premonitions coming true suggests that their marriage was not a self-fulfilling prophecy, rather, it appears that they were both aware of a destined relationship. As such, they likely had known each other before, in prior lifetimes.

Reincarnation cases such as this show that we do indeed make plans for our upcoming lifetimes from the spirit world. These plans become our destiny and love a first sight, or premonitions of marriage, are manifestations of our future life plans coming to fruition.

Please note that all same family reincarnation cases involve planning by the soul.

Same Family Reincarnation Case: Jaako reincarnated as his wife’s daughter, Taru. In other words, a spouse in one lifetime became a daughter in another.

Gender Change: Jaako, a male, reincarnated as a Taru, a female. Of interest, in the two lifetimes, traits typical of both genders were demonstrated. Jaako demonstrated feminine hobbies, such as playing with dolls, sewing and a fondness for women’s clothes. On the other hand, Taru behaved like a boy in playing with soldiers, helmets and guns. While Jaako liked women’s clothes, Taru dressed like a man.

Gender confusion based on past life experiences may be the basis of gender disorders, such as transsexualism.

Footnotes

1. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 144
2. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 144
3. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 146
4. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 146
5. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 146
6. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 146
7. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 146
8. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 147
9. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 147
10.Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 147

The Reincarnation Case of a Nazi Bomber Pilot | Carl Edon

A Christian Father’s investigation into his son’s reincarnation stories of being a Nazi pilot in the Second World War named Robert. Carl Edon the reincarnation has very typical German features vastly in contrast to his whole family, Robert was a German and Carl Edon was British.

How Derived: Past Life Memories in Childhood

Researchers: James Edon, Dr. Nicholas McClean-Rice and Ian Stevenson, MD-Video Provided Below

From: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, by Ian Stevenson, MD

Article by Walter Semkiw, MD

A Christian Father Investigates his Son’s Past Life Memories of Being a Nazi Pilot

Carl Edon was born on December 29, 1972 in Middlesbrough, England to James and Valerie Edon. The Edons belonged to the Church of England and as such, they were Christians who did not believe in reincarnation. Initially, they were baffled by statements made by Carl regarding his being a German bomber pilot. Eventually, his father, James Edon, a bus driver by profession, became the first investigator of this reincarnation case.

Similarities to James Leininger Reincarnation Case

In many ways, this story is similar to the reincarnation case of James Huston, Jr. | James Leininger, who as a child remembered a past lifetime as a United States fighter pilot who died in combat in the Pacific, during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Just as James Edon became an investigator of his son’s past life memories, Bruce Leininger, the father of James Leininger, became the investigator of his son’s past life memories. Bruce was a devout Christian, who had difficulty in considering reincarnation as an explanation for his son’s memories, though he did become a believer in the end.

Carl Edon’s Past Life Knowledge of Nazi Symbols & German Aircraft

James Edon vouched that their family did not have many books in their home and they had none on World War II. Like in the Leininger case, Carl’s parents maintained that Carl had not learned details of World War II from books or television programs.

James Edon noted that when Carl would give details about German air force planes, James Edon himself would have to check out books at the municipal library to confirm that Carl’s statements were correct.

An article on this case was published in the British magazine, Women’s Own, on August 7, 1982. A German reporter interviewed the family and published an article on this reincarnation case in the Berlin newspaper, Morgenpost, on July 17, 1983.

Ian Stevenson, MD, worked with a colleague in England, Dr. Nicholas McClean-Rice, who went to interview the Edon family in January 1984, when Carl was 11 years old. On June 13, 1993, Ian Stevenson himself traveled to Middlesbrough and had a lengthy meeting with the family, at a time when Carl was 20 years of age.

Carl Says he Crashed an Airplane, Strikes a Past Life Nazi Salute & Draws Swastikas and a German Eagle

In 1974, when Carl was almost 2 years of age and just as he had began to speak, he began to say, “I crashed a plane through a window.” (1) He said this frequently and as he grew older, he added details. When he was initially speaking of this past lifetime, he would spontaneously make a Nazi salute, with the right arm raised and straight.

Carl told his parents that he was on a bombing mission over England when he crashed. When he learned to draw, which occurred when he was 2-3 years old, he started to draw swastikas, badges and insignias. Carl would draw airplanes and put swastikas on them.

He drew an eagle, which his parents described as the “German eagle.” Carl told his parents that his name was Robert when he flew the bomber and that his father’s name was Fritz. His parents noted that from 1974 to 1976, Carl spoke abundantly about flying his German plane.

Past Life Knowledge: Carl Draws an Aircraft Cockpit and Explains Gauges

At the age of 6, Carl drew a panel of an airplane cockpit and he described the purposes of the different gauges. He said that in the cockpit, there was a red foot pedal, which was used to release bombs.

Past Life Memories: Carl Flew a Messerschmitt to Bomb England

Carl told his parents that when he crashed through the window, he was flying a bomber called a Messerschmitt. An image of a Messerschmitt bomber is provided below and to the right. He said his plane had a number, which was 101 or 104—his parents could not remember the exact number.

Carl’s knowledge of details of German planes is again very reminiscent of James Huston, Jr. | James Leininger reincarnation case, as little James Leininger had innate knowledge of American and Japanese aircraft from World War II, knowledge that he did not learn by normal means.

When the Edon family was watching a documentary on the Holocaust, Carl said that his air force base was near a concentration camp that was featured on the program. His parents thought the concentration camp Carl referred to was Auschwitz, but they couldn’t remember for sure.

Robert Lost a Leg in his Crash and Carl has a Corresponding Past Life Birthmark

Carl said that he was on a bombing run when he crashed and that he had lost his right leg in the crash. Ian Stevenson had great interest in cases in which a person who suffered a traumatic wound in a past lifetime would reincarnate with a birthmark or scar at the location of the past life wound. In this case, Stevenson noted that Carl had a very large, protruding birthmark on the right groin, and he speculated whether his may have been related to Robert losing his right leg in the crash.

Carl Does the Goose Step, Stands at Attention & Wants to Move to Germany

As noted, as soon as Carl started talking about his past lifetime in which he crashed through a window, he would strike a Nazi salute, with his right arm raised and straight.

When walking, he would do the Nazi goose step, a march with knees held straight. When he did the goose step at school, his British schoolmates teased him terribly and they called him a Nazi. This teasing led to Carl ceasing to talk about his past lifetime when he was 10 or 11.

When standing, he would maintain and erect posture and he would have his hands by his side, like a little soldier. He was compulsively tidy and neat, which Ian Stevenson saw as a German trait.

Carl told his parents that he wanted to go to and live in Germany. This is similar to the case of a Japanese soldier who reincarnated in Burma who wanted to move to Japan.

Whereas his parents preferred tea, a British custom, Carl preferred coffee, a German custom. He also had a fondness for sausages, which are very popular in Germany. When at school a play was being rehearsed that had a German character, Carl insisted that he be cast as the German.

Carl’s Past Life German Appearance

Whereas all his family members had brown hair, Carl was very blonde. Carl had blue eyes, like his mother, though most of his family members who had brown eyes. Carl had the appearance of what Hitler esteemed as traits of a superior race.

Validation of Carl’s Past Life Memories and His Death

Unfortunately, Carl’s description of a German pilot named Robert crashing through a window in England could not be confirmed by historical records at the time Ian Stevenson published this case. This is in contrast to the James Huston, Jr. | James Leininger reincarnation case, which was historically validated through the meticulous research of Bruce Leininger.

Tragically, Carl died in 1995 at the age of 22, a victim of murder.

Subsequent Investigation of the Edon Reincarnation Case

The English newspaper, the Evening Gazette ran an article regarding the Edon case on January 15, 2002, which was updated in 2013. This article is provided below:

The Uncanny Case of Carl Edon

For years before he was brutally murdered Carl Edon tried to convince his family that he was reincarnated.

Now startling new photos, unearthed after dogged detective work by a local historian, reveal a chilling resemblance between Carl and a German airman, Heinrich Richter, buried in a Thornaby cemetery.

Richter, a turret gunner, perished when his Dornier bomber crashed onto a South Bank railway during a raid exactly 60 years ago today… January 15, 1942.

The wreckage of the Dornier, damaged by anti-aircraft fire before hitting a barrage balloon, was discovered in 1997 buried off Tilbury Road – only a few hundred yards from the spot where Carl was stabbed to death two years earlier.

When the bomber was dug up with Richter’s remains inside, Carl’s parents, Jim and Val, shuddered as they recalled their son’s eerie tales of reincarnation.

But only now – as the Gazette reveals for the first time what the airman looked like – are the Coulby Newham couple looking at their son’s claims in a new light.

“It’s got to be him,” said a stunned Val, when shown a photo of the German in full uniform shortly before the crash over Teesside.

“The resemblance across the eyes and the nose is uncanny.

“Maybe this is the final piece of the jigsaw,” she said.

The striking picture was obtained after Guisborough historian and author Bill Norman tracked down Richter’s relatives in Germany for a new book.

An uncanny likeness between the two young men and the fact that they share the same scene of death more than 50 years apart are just two of the strange coincidences which have spooked Carl’s parents.

During the excavation of the German bomber it was discovered that Richter’s leg, still inside a flying boot, had been severed in the wreckage, explained Val.

“Carl used to say he lost his right leg in the crash,” she said. “And he had a birth mark at the top of that leg.”

On the day her rail worker son was murdered – by Gary Vinter, later jailed for life – he had been to Skinningrove to collect train carriages.

“The day the Dornier crashed it had bombed Skinningrove first and flew on to Middlesbrough following the railway line,” said Val.

Carl and Richter had made the same journey the day they died.

“There are just too many strange coincidences, and I think if Carl was here he’d be saying ‘Do you believe me now’?”

One of the country’s leading researchers into psychic phenomena admitted he was amazed at the details surrounding the two deaths.

“We research a lot of reincarnation cases, but not many as remarkable as this one sounds,” said David Christie-Murray, member of the Society for Psychical Research, founded in 1882 and now based in London.

“It seems to me to be a fascinating case, and one I’m sure the SPR would certainly be interested in investigating if the family wanted to.”

Carl’s experiences are already detailed in a book called The Children That Time Forgot by Peter and Mary Harrison, and on a US TV show. They’ve also been well documented in British and German newspapers, including the Gazette when Carl was just nine years old.

But his parents said he suffered taunts at school as a result of his ‘past life’ claims.

“When that started happening Carl didn’t like talking about it any more,” said his mum.

“But he always believed it.”

His dad told the Gazette he was cynical at first. “I was sick of Carl going on about it,” he said. “But I probably believe more in reincarnation now.”

The Dornier’s three other crew were buried in Thornaby after the crash in 1942, but Richter was not laid to rest alongside his colleagues until the plane was ‘rediscovered’ 55 years later by water board workers.

Commentary on the Evening Gazette Article regarding the Carl Edon Reincarnation Case

The Evening Gazette article states that Heinrich Richter lost a leg in the crash of his plane, consistent with Carl’s claim that he lost a leg in the plane crash that led to his death. Recall that Carl had a large birthmark at his right groin, which could be related to loss of a limb.

Inconsistencies include Carl’s claim that his name was Robert, not Heinrich, and that he was a pilot, not a gunner. It may be that Carl was confusing his name and function on the plane with another crew member on the fatal, or perhaps another, flight.

Key Points & Principles of Reincarnation

Change in Nationality and Ethnic Affiliation: In his past lifetime, Robert was a German air force bomber pilot, while Carl was born into a British family. This case shows that one can reincarnate into the land of one’s own enemy from a prior incarnation.

Consider whether a German pilot would go to war with England if that pilot knew that in a subsequent incarnation, this very pilot would reincarnate as an English citizen?

This is reminiscent of the reincarnation case of John B. Gordon | Jeff Keene, in which an American Civil War Confederate officer reincarnated as a Connecticut Union Yankee. Jeff has noted that in his contemporary lifetime, he has ancestors that fought the Confederates. Jeff has even mused that his Northern relatives may even have fought against him, as John B. Gordon, in his past lifetime.

The Anne Frank | Barbro Karlen case also very poignantly shows how illogical war really is, as Anne Frank was persecuted as a German Jew and died in a concentration camp, while in her contemporary lifetime, Barbro was born into a Christian family in Sweden.

Physical Appearance: Ian Stevenson, MD, noted that Carl had typical German, Aryan physical features, such as very blonde hair and blue eyes, in contrast to most of his immediate family members.

Similarly, Stevenson noted that in several cases that he researched in Burma, now called Myanmar, several Burmese children remembered past lifetimes as British or American air force pilots who were killed in Burma, a Japanese conquest during World War II.

Whereas Burmese children typically have dark hair, eyes and skin, these children who remembered Caucasian past lifetimes had blonde hair. These cases suggest that though race and ethnic affiliation can change from one incarnation to another, physical features from a past lifetime, such as hair color, can be retained. Retention of such features may be facilitated by the soul’s energy template, which is discussed under Principles of Reincarnation.

In the Evening Gazette article, Carl’s parents reported that they saw an uncanny resemblance between Carl and Heinrich Richter. The image comparisons provided, a resemblance is seen, though Richter is much thinner than Carl.

Past Life Birthmark: As noted, Carl had a large birthmark at his right groin, which could be related to the Heinrich Richter’s loss of a leg in his plane crash.

A Note on Neo-Nazism and Reincarnation

The reincarnation case of Robert | Carl Edon can provide insight on the Neo-Nazi movement. Just as Carl was attracted to Germany and things German, those drawn to Neo-Nazism may have also had past lives in Nazi Germany. Though this may provide insight on why people may be attracted to Neo-Nazism, reincarnation research also reveals the flaw in the logic of Neo-Nazis.

That flaw is that souls can change religion, race, nationality and ethnic affiliation from one incarnation to another. In the case of Carl Edon, we noted that nationality changed; a German pilot reincarnated in the country that was once the enemy, England.

Similarly, a Neo-Nazi can reincarnate as a Jew, a dark-skinned African or in any other race or ethnic group that the Neo-Nazi is prejudiced against. Not only is this possible, but from a karmic point of view, it is quite likely.

Footnotes

(1) Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 68

Child Reincarnation Story of Ibleto di Challant | Giuseppie Costa: Same Facial Features in Two Incarnations

Fascinating reincarnation case solved through a spirit being that shows facial features can remain the same.

How Derived: Past Life Memories in Childhood and Guidance by Spirit Beings

Researcher: Giuseppie Costa

From: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, by Ian Stevenson, MD and From the Beyond to This Life, by Giuseppie Costa

Article by: Walter Semkiw, MD

From the Beyond to This Life

In his book, Giuseppe did not provide his date of birth, but Stevenson estimated that he was born around the year 1880. Giuseppe grew up in a small town in Italy called Gonzaga, near Mantua. He was trained and worked as an engineer.

Child Past Life Memories of Constantinople and a Military Campaign

Giuseppe Costa’s story started in childhood, when a painting that this parents had in their home triggered memories of a past lifetime. The painting was of the city of Constantinople, now called Istanbul, in Turkey, which is pictured to the right. The painting featured the river that runs through the city, which is called the Bosporus. Ian Stevenson summarized Giuseppe’s memories, stimulated by the painting, as follows:

“Scenes of large numbers of armed men, ships sailing, banners flying, the noise of battle, mountains, the sea stretching to the horizon, hills covered with flowers.” (1)

A Dream of Sailing to Venice and Battle in a Sunny Land

At the age of 10, his father took Giuseppe to Venice, where he experienced a very vivid dream. A description of Giuseppe’s dream is provided below:

“After a long journey in boats, through rivers and canals, we arrived in Venice. We traveled in barques filled with armed soldiers in the clothing of the Middle Ages. I seemed to be about 30 years old and had some kind of command.

After a stay in Venice, we embarked in galleys on which two banners waved: a blue one with the image of the Virgin Mary among golden stars, and that of Savoy, red with a white cross.

On the larger galley, which was more painted and decorated, there was someone to whom everyone showed great respect and who spoke to me with great friendliness. Then came the sea, seemingly endless, stretching beyond the horizon. Then we disembarked in a sunny land with a clear sky of cobalt blue.

Then the army disembarked again and landed in a different place. There the troops were coordinated; there were tents full of soldiers, beneath a city with old towers bristling with armaments.

Then came our assault, a battle of tremendous violence ending when we broke into the city. Then finally came the march of our splendid army into the city with its domes of gold on the wonderful bay. This was the magnificent city, Constantinople, depicted in the painting of in our house in Gonzaga, as I learned later.” (2)

Giuseppe realized that the images of this vivid dream replicated images he had when he was gazing on the painting of Constantinople in his parent’s home, years before. Giuseppe noted that his earlier memories were scattered, while the dream in Venice put the images in logical order.

Giuseppe’s Early Interest in Military Affairs & A Sense of Shame in Church from a Past Lifetime

As a young man, Giuseppe showed an enthusiastic interest in firearms, fencing and horseback riding. He volunteered for military service and was appointed a second lieutenant in the Royal Cavalry of Piedmont. He loved military life. It came naturally to him, as if he had lived the life of a military man before. He was stationed in the city of Vercelli, which is located between Milan and Turin.

In Vercelli, Giuseppe had an unusual emotional experience at the Church of San Andrea, which is pictured to the right. He was walking by the church and was drawn by music that emanated from it. Inside the church, he felt a great sense of repentance, which was very unpleasant. He didn’t know why he had this reaction, but he speculated this feeling of shame may have had something to do with a ceremony that he participated in, perhaps in a past incarnation.

Giuseppe Has an Out of Body Experience

After his term in the army, Giuseppe returned home and focused on caring for and supporting his family. His interest in a past lifetime which involved a military campaign that started in Venice and ended in Constantinople faded.

Unexpectedly, Giuseppe had an out-of-body experience, which reignited his belief in the supernatural. He had been studying for his engineering exams and stayed up late one night. Exhausted, he fell asleep in his bed and during the night, he knocked over an oil lamp, which filled the room with smoke.

The fumes awakened him and he found himself floating over his body. He was surprised to be able to see through the wall into his mother’s room, where Giuseppe saw his mother opening a window to get rid of the oil fumes that had also entered her room. He than saw her run into his room and open the window in his room.

Afterwards, Giuseppe asked his mother if she had indeed opened the window in her room before she came into his room. His mother confirmed that she did, which for Giuseppe verified that his ability to see through the wall that separated their rooms was real. This incident also supports the premise that our consciousness can retain awareness outside of the body; that we are indeed spirit beings.

A Spirit Being Appears to Provide a Clue to Giuseppe’s Past Life

The next chapter in Giuseppe’s reincarnation saga takes place on a vacation trip he took with two friends. They went to see three castles in the valley of Aostas, in Italy, near the border with France. Giuseppe noted that he had three different emotional reactions at these castles. The three castles visited and the associated emotions were as follows:

Castle at Fenis: Giuseppe had no emotional reaction.

Castle at Ussel: Giuseppe felt a sense of sadness and oppression.

Castle at Verres: At this location, pictured above and to the right, Giuseppe was profoundly moved with emotions. The predominant feelings he experienced were great love and significant regrets.

After he and his friends returned to where they were lodging, Giuseppe decided to return to the Verres castle at sunset. A storm then descended on the castle, which forced him to spend the night there.

During the night at the castle at Verres, Giuseppe awoke and saw a phosphorescent light, which enlarged and transformed into a woman. Giuseppe got up from his resting place and walked to the vision of the woman. As he approached her, Giuseppe felt a deep, deep sense of love. The woman then said:

“Ibleto! I wanted to see you again once more before divine death unites us once more…Read near the tower of Albenga an account of one of your past lives…Remember me and that I am waiting for you until the time comes.” (3)

Verification of Giuseppe’s Past Lifetime at the Castle of Albenga

This incident with the apparition made Giuseppe research the possible past lifetime. Having had the experience with a spirit being at the castle at Verres, he researched its history. He learned that a man named Ibleto di Challant had built the castle in 1380 and that Ibleto was a trusted counselor to Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy.

He next decided to follow the advice of the spirit being and Giuseppe visited Albenga, pictured to the right, to find the tower where the woman said a clue to one of his past lifetimes would be found. Giuseppe discovered that there were several towers near Albenga. One of them, though, was owned by a descendant of di Challant family, the family that had owned the castle at Verres, where he had seen the spirit being.

Giuseppe Finds his Past Life Story

Giuseppe met the owner of the tower, the Marquis Del Carretto di Balestrina, who had preserved a biography of Ibleto di Challant, the man who owned the Verres castle. The biography was an unpublished book written by Boniface II, the owner of the Fenis castle, the site where Giuseppe had no emotional reaction.

Giuseppe found that in reading the biography of Ibleto, he found that events in Ibleto’s life corresponded with the images Giuseppe saw in his childhood memories of a past lifetime, in the scenes stimulated by gazing at the painting of Constantinople and in his dream that occurred in Venice when he was ten.

Ibleto di Challant and the Count of Savoy

Ibleto was born in 1330. From childhood, he was involved in the court of Amadeus VI, the Count of Savoy. The Savoy coat of arms is provided to the right. Ibleto later became a military companion and advisor to Amadeus. Eventually, Ibleto inherited the castle at Verres, as well as other properties, such as the castle at Montjovet. Other family members inherited other estates, such as the castle at Ussel.

Ibleto Falls in Love

Ibleto fell in love with the sister of Amadeus VI, who was called Blanche of Savoy. He wanted to marry her, but Amadeus had engineered an arranged marriage for his sister with the Lord of Milan. In the end, Ibelto married Giacometta di Chatillon, a union that his father had arranged. Giuseppe and Giacometta were married on September 28, 1350. Giacometta must have died before Giuseppe, as records indicate that he remarried later in life.

Reincarnation & the Crusades: The Capture of Gallopoli & Constantinople

In 1366, Ibleto went with Amadeus VI on a crusade against the Turks at Constantinople. The Crusades were a series of military campaigns involving European Christian soldiers who sought to free Jerusalem from Islamic forces.

Amadeus organized his army initially in Venice. They then went on to Morea in Southern Greece to regroup. From there, his forces traveled to Gallipoli, which was occupied by Islamic Turks. Amadeus’s troops were victorious in battle and the Turks surrendered Gallipoli. From there, Amadeus and his army marched onto Constantinople, which they took without resistance. From there, Amadeus and his troops turned back and returned to Italy.

The Rebellion in Biella, the Capture of the Bishop of Vericelli & Ibelto’s Excommunication

In 1378, Ibleto was involved in military action once again. Historical records indicate that he put down a rebellion in the city of Biella, which is near the Turin. Amadeus captured the Vatican’s representative, the bishop of Vercelli, who apparently was involved in the rebellion. Ibleto had the bishop imprisoned at his castle at Montjovet. The Pope, in retaliation, excommunicated Ibleto for holding the bishop at Montjovet.

Reincarnation & the Vatican: Ibleto is Humiliated at the Church at St. Andrea, Where Giuseppe Felt Repentance

Later, the Vatican offered to lift the sentence of excommunication if Ibleto publicly expressed his repentance to the bishop of Vercelli in a ceremony to be held in the church of St. Andrea. Ibelto agreed an endured this spectacle of public humiliation.

Recall that Giuseppe had experienced a great feeling of repentance when he visited the church of St. Andrea, when he was stationed in Vercelli during his military career.

Guiseppe’s Sadness at The Castle at Ussel & Ibleto’s Shame

Giuseppe also learned that Ibleto’s family members, who held the castle at Ussel, featured to the right, had brought great shame to him when they began robbing the people who lived in the valley below the castle. The Count of Savoy punished these family members by imposing a fine, but the family name was marred. Giuseppe now understood why he had feelings of sadness and oppression when he visited the castle at Ussel.

Reincarnation & Appearance or Physical Resemblance: Ibleto di Challant & Giuseppie Costa

Giuseppe Costa a found portrait of Ibleto di Challant, which he published in his book. Ernesto Bozzano, a researcher who investigated this case, noted that the faces of Ibelto and Giuseppe were so similar that one may have mistaken one for the other. Both men were very large in stature and both had a military bearing.

Spirit Being Guidance to a Past Life Biography

Giuseppe Costa was able to validate memories of a past lifetime through the biography that he found in the possession of the Marquis Del Carretto di Balestrina, the owner of a tower in Albenga.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of this case is how Giuseppe found the biography. Recall that he was spending the night at the castle at Verres when a female ghost or spirit being welcomed him with great love and told him that he would find information on his past lifetime in a tower at Albenga, which is on the French Riviera.

As such, this spirit being who appeared in a castle in Italy near the French border was advising Giuseppe to go to a tower on the French Riviera approximately 140 miles or 225 kilometers away.

As both Giuseppe and Ian Stevenson, MD have noted, what is the probability of finding the biography at Albenga, 140 miles/225/kilometers away, by chance?

Further, Giuseppe pointed out that between 1300, when it was written, and 1900, when he found the biography in Albenga, the biography could have landed in the hands of one of many relatives. What are the odds that it would land in same place that the apparition told him that he would find information regarding his past lifetime?

This case clearly demonstrates that a spirit being facilitated the investigation of a past lifetime.

Who was the female spirit who appeared to Giuseppe in the Verres castle? Giuseppe’s three primary candidates were Blanche of Savoy, who Ibleto loved, but was not allowed to marry; Giacometta di Chatillon, who became his first wife; and finally, his second wife, who was unnamed in this narrative.

Confirmation of a Past Life Dream

Let us review aspects of Giuseppe’s dream that he experienced in Venice at the age of ten, and events in the life of Ibelto di Challant, as revealed by his biography and other records:

1. Dream: “After a long journey in boats, through rivers and canals, we arrived in Venice. We traveled in barques filled with armed soldiers in the clothing of the Middle Ages. I seemed to be about 30 years old and had some kind of command.”

Biography: In 1366, Ibleto went with Amadeus VI on a crusade against the Turks at Constantinople. Amadeus initially organized his army in Venice.

2. Dream: “After a stay in Venice, we embarked in galleys on which two banners waved: a blue one with the image of the Virgin Mary among golden stars, and that of Savoy, red with a white cross.

On the larger galley, which was more painted and decorated, there was someone to whom everyone showed great respect and who spoke to me with great friendliness. Then came the sea, seemingly endless, stretching beyond the horizon. Then we disembarked in a sunny land with a clear sky of cobalt blue.”

Biography: Amadeus organized his army initially in Venice. They then went on to Morea in Southern Greece to regroup. Morea may be the location that Giuseppe saw in his dream that the army disembarked on. In his dream, the man who people respected and who showed great friendliness to Guiseppe would have been Amadeus VI.

3. Dream: “Then the army disembarked again and landed in a different place. There the troops were coordinated; there were tents full of soldiers, beneath a city with old towers bristling with armaments. Then came our assault, a battle of tremendous violence ending when we broke into the city.”

Biography: From Morea in Southern Greece, the army of Amadeus VI traveled to Gallipoli, which was occupied by Islamic Turks. Amadeus’s troops were victorious in battle and the Turks surrendered Gallipoli. As such, the assault and capture of a city in Giuseppe’s dream was likely the capture of Gallipoli from the Turks by Amadeus, Ibelto and their troops.

4. Dream: “Then finally came the march of our splendid army into the city with its domes of gold on the wonderful bay. This was the magnificent city, Constantinople, depicted in the painting of in our house in Gonzaga, as I learned later.”

Biography: Amadeus and Ibelto did enter Constantinople. One discrepancy is that historical records, Amadeus took Constantinople without resistance. As such, it appears that in Giuseppe’s dream, the capture of Constantinople was confused with the assault on Gallipoli.

Understanding Past Lives & Principles of Reincarnation

Physical Resemblance: Of significance, it was observed from a portrait of Ibleto that the resemblance between Ibleto and Giuseppe was so close that they were indistinguishable. Not only were facial features the same, they both had large builds and military bearing.

Geographic Memory: Also note that past life locations, including Venice, the castles of Verres and Ussel, and the church at St. Andrea, stimulated memories or emotions in Giuseppe. We have also observed this phenomenon of geographic locations stimulating past life memories and emotions in the cases of John B. Gordon | Jeff Keene, Francesco Foscari | Wayne Peterson and Louise Vanderbilt | Wayne Peterson.

Spirit Being Involvement: A dramatic aspect of this reincarnation case is that it was solved through the assistance of the female spirit being who appeared to Giuseppe at the castle at Verres. This spirit being welcomed him with great love and told him that he would find information on his past lifetime in a tower at Albenga, on the French Riviera. As such, this spirit being advised Giuseppe to go to a tower approximately 140 miles or 225 kilometers away from the castle of Verres, where he did find the biography with allowed him to validate his past lifetime.

This is reminiscent of the case of Carroll Beckwith | Robert Snow, as Captain Snow was led from Indianapolis to New Orleans, where he found the painting of the hunchback woman which he had seen in a past life regression. Finding the painting of the hunchback allowed Captain Snow to validate his past life memories objectively.

One difference is that Captain Snow was led to the painting unconsciously, through apparent telepathic communications from the spirit world. In contrast, Guiseppi seems to have had some clairvoyant abilities, as he was able to actually see the female spirit being, who helped him solve his case.

Summary: Past Life Memories, Physical Appearance & Spirit Being in a Fascinating Reincarnation Story

Given that this case involves validation of past life memories, observation of physical resemblance from one lifetime to another and geographic locations stimulating past life memories, emotions and even a spirit being, we owe a great deal of appreciation to Giuseppe Costa for publishing his story and to Ian Stevenson for preserving it in European Cases of the Reincarnation Type. It is indeed a very rich and fascinating reincarnation case.

Footnotes

1. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 16
2. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 16
3. Stevenson, Ian: European Cases of the Reincarnation Type, McFarland, 2003, page 18

Child Reincarnation Story of Bootlegger Sammy Fernando | Sujith Jayaratne

Same appearance and behaviors across two lifetimes.

How Cases Derived: Past Life Memories in Childhood

Researcher: Ian Stevenson, MD

From: Reincarnation and Biology: A Contribution to the Etiology of Birthmarks and Birth Defects, by Ian Stevenson, MD

Article by: Walter Semkiw, MD, from Born Again

The Early Life of Sammy Fernando

B. Selvin Fernando, who would be known by his nickname, Sammy, was born on January 3, 1919 in Gorankana, Sri Lanka. Gorankana is 10 miles or 17 kilometers south of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Gorankana Sammy was another name Selvin was known by.

Sammy’s father was B. Jamis Fernando, who had a defect of his right eye, in which the lens was opaque. His mother’s name was W. Lucia Silva. Sammy had a younger brother named Milton, who later in life had the misfortune of falling from a train. Milton incurred a serious injury to his back and had to be placed in a cast. After the cast was removed, Milton walked with limp and had to use a cane. The family lived in the Gorakawatte section of Gorakana. (1)

As a youngster, Sammy spent much time in a Buddhist temple that was called Kale Pansala, which means “Forest Temple.” It was only 100 meters or yards from his home. There were two monks at this temple, with whom Sammy became acquainted with. One of these monks was named Amitha. As a young adult, Sammy would contribute generously to this temple.

Later in life, Sammy embarked on a pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak, a tall mountain in Sri Lanka. Folklore has it that the Buddha himself stayed on this peak.

Sammy attended an elementary school called Kabal Iskole, which means “dilapidated school” in English. (2)

Sammy Dances, Sings and Plays Instruments at the Family’s Dance Hall

Sammy possessed natural talents for singing, playing musical instruments and dancing. He learned to play the Japanese mandolin and when he grew older, he became proficient at playing a drum called the rabana, as well as a larger drum that was about a yard or meter long.

Jamis, Sammy’s father, had a special structure built on the family’s property designed for dancing and music, where Sammy would demonstrate his skills. The structure had a roof and an open frame, so festivities had the ambiance of the outdoors, but was protected from the rain. (3)

Sammy works for the Railroad and Falls in Love with Maggie Alwis

In adulthood, Sammy was first employed by a bus company and later by the government railways, where he worked in engines.

Sammy fell in love with an older, beautiful woman named Maggilin Alwis, though Sammy called her Maggie or Maggio. The couple eventually married and Sammy moved into the house owned by Maggie. The house was on the main highway between Colombo and another city called Galle. The road was a major thoroughfare and commercial trucks traversed it, often at high speed. The property owned by Maggie, and now Sammy, extended to a nearby river. The couple eventually had a daughter, who was named Nandanie.

During the early period of their relationship, Sammy’s desire to be with Maggie was so great that he often missed work to be with her. His absences became so frequent, that he was fired from his railway job when he was 25 years of age. (4)

Sammy becomes a Distiller and Bootlegger

After being terminated from the railway, Sammy had few options for employment. He solved this problem by becoming a self-employed distiller of arrack, an alcoholic drink consumed in Sri Lanka. Sammy became very good at his craft and his arrack was in high demand.

Unfortunately for Sammy, the production of arrack at the time was a government monopoly and it was illegal for others to distill it. As such, Sammy kept his still in the jungle behind his home. He distributed the liquor he produced by boat, traveling by the river that was adjacent to their property. Sammy built a dock for his boat on their land.

Sammy Spends Time in Prison, Carries a Dagger, Wears Brass Knuckles & Builds a Secret Path

Still, police periodically raided Sammy’s operation and would arrest him. The police would wait in the front of his house until Sammy came home, at which time he would be taken into custody. He was imprisoned at least 8 times. To evade authorities, Sammy cut a trail in the jungle so that he could access his house from the rear. This way he would not have to enter by the front door, which was adjacent to the road between Colombo and Galle.

Bootlegging, as it is called in the United States, is not for the faint hearted, and Sammy’s personality was right for the profession. He was known to be fearless, possessed a long dagger and brass knuckles, also known as knucklebusters, which is a metal weapon worn on the hand to make punches more lethal. (5)

Sammy’s Alcoholism

In addition to being a skilled producer of arrack, Sammy was a very avid consumer of the drink; so much so that Ian Stevenson assessed that Sammy’s consumption warranted the diagnosis of alcoholism. When Sammy went on his boat trips to sell arrack, he often took no food, finding that arrack satisfied his nutritional needs.

A favorite drinking venue of his was a tavern at a place called Moratua. Sammy would take his brother-in-law, Martin Alwis, as well as another drinking buddy, Wimalasdasa de Alwis, to the Moratua tavern.

When he was at home, Sammy would drink in his favorite chair and assume a posture with his legs drawn up, similar to the lotus position used by those who meditate.

Sammy’s Taste for Cigarettes and Terrylene Shirts

Like many consumers of alcohol, Sammy was also a smoker and his favorite cigarette brands where Four Aces and Three Roses, which were more expensive than lesser quality cigarettes available in Sri Lanka. Sammy was also particular about his clothing and preferred to wear expensive shirts made of synthetic fiber called Terrylene.

With these shirts, he would don a sarong, a skirt-like piece of apparel that men in Sri Lanka wear. Sammy would tie the top ends of the sarong into a knot that would protrude up above the sarong, just below the navel or belly button. Sammy would keep money in this knot. (6)

Sammy’s Temper and Assaults on Maggie

As often occurs, Sammy’s tendency to be violent was enhanced when he drank arrack. As one of Sammy’s friends observed, “He had a bad temper when drunk and he was invariably drunk.” (7)

A frequent target for Sammy’s anger was Maggie. When he was in a drunken state, he would start an argument and curse vociferously, using a broad spectrum of swear words. Maggie adopted the strategy of leaving the house and walking away down the Colombo-Galle road.

To add to her woes, Sammy acquired a mistress, with whom he had an illegitimate son, who was named Sunil Fernando. Sammy did not show much affection to his daughter, Nandanie, nor did he give his daughter money.

Kusuma gives Sammy Refuge

In contrast, Sammy was very generous to his favorite niece, Kusuma Dabare, who was the daughter of Sammy’s younger sister. Kusuma lived with Sammy’s parents, Jamis and Lucia, at their home in the Gorakawatte section of Gorakana.

After an episode of drinking, Sammy would go to his parent’s house and ask Kusuma to cook for him and she obliged him by preparing hot meals for him. This pattern occurred 3 times a week. In gratitude, Sammy gave money to Kusuma liberally. Sammy also had the tendency to give money to children, the poor and as mentioned, the Kale Pansala temple. (8)

The Death of Gorakana Sammy

Sammy’s demise occurred on January 29, 1969. He was drunk and started an argument with Maggie. Her brother, Martin Alwis, was present. As usual, Maggie escaped from Sammy by leaving the house and walking away down the Colombo-Galle road. Sammy followed her, with Martin in tow. Sammy stopped in a shop with Martin to purchase cigarettes.

As Martin was making his purchase, in his drunken state, Sammy walked out of the shop and onto the road, where a truck struck him. Martin heard the sound of he vehicle crashing into Sammy, exited the shop and found him on the roadway sprawled on his back. Sammy died shortly thereafter at 50 years of age.

Despite his faults, the poor remembered Sammy’s generosity, so much so that they raised enough money to pay the complete cost of his funeral. In fact, Sammy gave away so much money that the only possessions he still had at the time of his death were a ring, a belt and his brass knuckles. (9)

Sammy is Reincarnated Six Months Later

Sujith Lakmal Jayaratne was born on August 8, 1969, a little over six months after Sammy died. His parents lived in Mount Lavinia, which is 3 miles or 5 kilometers south of Colombo. Gorankana, the village where Sammy lived, is another 7 miles or 12 kilometers further south from Mount Lavinia. (10)

Sujith’s Past Life Memories Include Working for the Railroad and Milton’s Fall

Before acquiring much of a vocabulary, Sujith tried to express memories of a prior incarnation. He would use gestures and sounds to try to communicate. When he was asked what he did in the prior lifetime, he made sounds that imitated a steam locomotive engine.

When his speech became more developed, he said that he had worked in the engines of trains and that he was fired from his railroad job. Ian Stevenson was impressed that Sujith recalled being terminated from the railroad, which occurred when Sammy was 25 years of age, which meant that almost 55 years had transpired when Sujith reported this event. (11)

Also, before he learned to talk, he tried to express that someone had fallen and became lame by imitating a person limping and using a cane. Later, when Sujith was able to converse, he told his mother that the person who fell and limped as a result was his brother in the prior lifetime, whose name was Milton, which was accurate regarding Milton Fernando. (12)

Sujith’s Past Life Memories of Being Gorakana Sammy

As a child, Sujith said that his name was Sammy and that he was from Gorakana. He said he was called “Gorakana Sammy.” Sujith frequently referred his father, who he said was named Jamis and who had a bad right eye. He had a tendency to speak in the present tense. For example, Sujith said, “Jamis is at Gorakana,” whereas in reality, Jamis had died in September 1970. He repeatedly asked to be taken to Gorakana. He made the statement, “This is not my home and I wish to be taken to Gorakana.” (13)

Sujith later said that he lived in the Gorakawatte section of Gorakana, which is where Jamis and his family lived and where Sammy grew up. Ian Stevenson was especially impressed at Sujith’s knowledge of the term Gorakawatte, as it was an old term for the area that had not been used for several decades. In the years before Sujith’s birth, a new name, Ampityawatte, was used for the neighborhood. (14)

Past Life Memories: Sujith remembers the Dilapidated Schoolhouse and Forest Temple

Sujith said that he went to school at Kable Iskole, which means the “dilapidated school,” and that his teacher was named Francis. Sammy did indeed go to this run down elementary school and his teacher was indeed named Francis. (15)

Sujith said that he used to go Kale Pansala, translated as the “Forest Temple,” that two monks lived there and that he used to give money to this temple. He said one of the monks was named Amitha. Sammy did contribute to this temple, which was only 100 meters from his childhood home, and Sammy knew the monk Amitha.

Ian Stevenson was also impressed that Sujith knew the term Kale Pansala. When Sujith made these statements, the term Kale Pansala had not been used for several decades. Though Kale Pansala was present during Sammy’s early years, the temple was moved to a different location and was called by a completely different name, Dharmarakshitaramaya.

Again, Ian Stevenson was impressed how far back in Sammy’s lifetime Sujith could access memories. (16)

Sujith’s Past Life Phobia of Trucks

From an early age, Sujith had a marked fear or phobia of trucks. The family didn’t understand why he had this fear. Then one night, Sujith woke up from sleep and he ran around the house waking up everyone in his family. He then informed them:

“Do you know that I was run over by a lorry and that is how I died?”

Since the English colonized Sri Lanka, the British term for truck is used by Sri Lankans, which is “lorry.” After waking up everyone to announce the cause of his death in his prior incarnation, Sujith went back to sleep.

On another occasion, he woke the family up again and said he wanted to go to Gorakana, then went back to sleep. (17)

Past Life Behavior: In a Teetotaler Family, as a Child, Sujith asks for Arrack and Pretends he is Drunk

Since no one in his family drank alcohol, they were shocked when Sujith, as a child, asked for arrack.

Subsequently, Sujith asked for arrack frequently. When he realized that his family would not comply with his requests, he would go to his neighbors to ask for arrack. One of them finally complied, but stopped giving arrack to the child when Sujith’s grandmother objected and chastised the neighbor.

At times, when he was given a soda to drink, Sujith would pretend that the beverage would make him drunk. He would weave around as if he was intoxicated and fall on the floor and say “bila,” which means, “having drunk.”

He would also assume Sammy’s drinking posture, in that he would sit in a chair with his legs drawn up. After taking a sip of the soda, he would make a sound with his throat that arrack drinkers make. He would then wipe his mouth, as if he was removing traces of an irritating, strong alcoholic drink from his lips, again, a behavior typical of arrack drinkers.

At other times, Sujith would just fall to the ground and say, “I am drunk,” even without the soda. (18)

Sujith remembers being a Bootlegger in a Past Life

Sujith told his family that he also sold arrack. He said that once he filled a boat with arrack and that the boat sank. This incident occurred 8 years before Sammy’s death.

He also recalled that he could access his house via a jungle path. (19)

Past Life Behavior: Sujith asks for Four Aces and Bums a Cigarette

As no one in the family smoked, they were also surprised when Sujith, as a 4 year old, asked them to get Four Aces cigarettes for him, which was one of the brands that Sammy smoked. Again, they would not comply. Still, Sujith tried to smoke and he once bummed a cigarette from a visitor and then asked his mother for a light. (20)

Past Life Emotions: Sujith recalls his Fights with Maggie and Affection for Kusuma

Sujith told his family that he had a wife named Maggie that he fought with. When they asked why he fought with Maggie, Sujith replied it was because he was drunk. He said that he had a daughter named Nandanie and a niece named Kusuma, who was his younger sister’s daughter, who had very long and thick hair.

He said that Kusuma was in Gorakana and that he gave money to her. Sujith said that Kusuma made a hot meal for him called “string hoppers,” which is a type of noodle dish. All these statements were accurate regarding Sammy’s wife and niece. (21)

Later, Sujith said, “When I start earning I will give… to Kusuma,” showing his intent to replicate their relationship. (22)

Sujith Remembers Details of his Past Life Death

Sujith said that after he had an argument with Maggie, he went to a shop to get cigarettes, then stepped out on the road and was killed when a truck struck him. Sujith would even imitate the posture that he was in on the road after being struck. He would lay on the ground, on his back, with one arm stuck out. This was the posture that Sammy was in after being hit by the truck, as observed by his brother in law, Martin. (23)

Wattarappola, a Buddhist Monk, Investigates Sujith’s Past life Memories

The family came to believe that Sujith had a past incarnation in Gorakana, but they didn’t know anyone in that village to approach. The family had a relative, Wattarappola Nadaratana, who was a monk. When he heard about Sujith’s remarks alluding to a past lifetime, he documented these statements and decided to investigate.

Wattarappola went to Gorakana to make inquiries. There he met Kusuma Dabare, Sammy’s favorite niece, on March 13, 1972, and he told her about Sujith’s statements. At first, she did not know what to make of the situation, but she went home and consulted with her family about Sujith’s past life memories. (24)

Kusama and other Relatives Visit Sujith

Kusuma traveled to Mt. Lavinia two days later, on March 15, 1972, and sought out Wattarappola, who said it was premature to meet Sujith. Instead, he said he would return to Gorakana and meet with Sammy’s family. He did so and confirmed that Sujith’s statements were accurate regarding the lifetime of Sammy Fernando.

News spread through the Fernando family and Kusuma and 10 others from Gorakana arrived at Sujith’s home on March 30, 1972. The sight of such a large party frightened Sujith. He held onto his mother and said nothing.

She returned the next day with only 4 others. Sujith recognized her and called Kusuma by name. Sujith also recognized one of the other visitors, Sammy’s nephew, and called him by his name, Kithsiri. (25)

On another occasion, a distant relative of Sammy Fernando named Princie came to Sujith’s home and stood in front of the house. Though a large crowd was present along with her, Sujith recognized her and said, “Come in. Come in.” He correctly said, “You are Princie.” (26)

Maggie Visits Sujith, her Past Life Husband

Maggie, Sammy’s widow, came to visit Sujith in Mount Lavinia. Wattarappola, who was convinced that Sujith’s family did not know who she was at the time of their first meeting, documented the scene. His narrative of events follows:

“On April 3, 1972, Maggilin Alwis called on the child’s house accompanied by a couple of other ladies of the same age group. For about 20 minutes, the child did not speak. Thereafter he suddenly called out ‘Maggie’ to one lady and said: ‘Maggie is going down the road.’

We enquired from the lady whether she was named correctly. She said her late husband always called her Maggie, and that when he came home drunk and picked a quarrel with her, she always walked down the road.

After this the child ran inside the house. During his absence I got all the visitors into a room unseen by the child and I myself remained on the veranda. The child came out after a few minutes and very excitedly started calling out:

‘Where is Maggilin? Where is Maggilin? Went to Gorakana. Went to Gorakana.’

He started running about in the house and dashed into the room where the ladies were.

‘I love you Maggie, I love you Maggie,’ he said to Maggilin.

The lady started crying and embraced the child lovingly. The child said:

‘Look what you did to me. Look what you did to me.’

We inquired of her what this meant. She explained that on the day Sammy Fernando met his death, he came home roaring drunk and started to quarrel with her. She fled down the road and he started chasing her and was knocked down by a lorry.

Later when the party, along with Maggalin, were leaving [to return] Gorakana, the child became restive and wanted to go along with them.” (27)

Sujith Recognizes his Past Life Drinking Buddies

Other of Sammy’s friends and family came to visit Sujith at Mount Lavinia. Sujith seemed to remember which of these individuals used to drink arrack with Sammy and which did not. He only invited Sammy’s drinking cohorts to have arrack.

When Martin, Sammy’s brother-in- law, came to Mount Lavinia, Sujith suggested that they go to the tavern at Moratuwa , where Martin and Sammy used to go. When another of Sammy’s drinking companions, Wimalasdasa de Alwis, came to visit him, little Sujith addressed the middle-aged man like a familiar old friend, and asked him for arrack. (28)

Sujith is taken to his Past Life Home

On April 29, 1973, Wattarappola took Sujith to Gorakana. When taken to the Jamis’s house, where Sammy grew up, Sujith went all over the house looking for Jamis. When Sujith couldn’t find him, he made the statement, “My father Jamis is not here.” It was at this time that Sujith first learned that Jamis had died. (29)

Sujith also recognized the open-air structure on the property and correctly stated that it was used for dancing. At the property, Sujith asked for Sammy’s drum. When it was brought out, since it was too large for Sujith to hold (it was a meter long), he sat on it and banged on one end. (30)

Sujith also recognized Sammy’s ring, belt and brass knuckles. Sujith wanted to keep these articles and bring them back to Mount Lavinia, and was annoyed when he was not allowed to do so. (31)

Past Life Behavior: Similarities in Sammy’s and Sujith’s Preferences in Regards to Food and Clothing

There were similarities in tastes between Sammy and Sujith. In terms of food, both liked spicy dishes, such as hot curries. Another distinctive shared trait shared involves Sujith’s request for expensive Terrylene shirts. Ian Stevenson even saw Sujith wearing such a shirt. (32)

Most men who wear sarongs in Sri Lanka tie the top of the sarong above the navel. In contrast, both Sammy and Sujith positioned the top of a sarong below the belly button and they both formed a large knot with the sarong material on the top of the garment. When Sujith was asked why he made such a knot, he explained that the knot is where he would keep money, a habit that Sammy also had. (33)

Sujith’s Phobias from a Past Lifetime

Sujith had fears related to his past lifetime as Sammy. When he was only 8 months of age, his mother realized that Sujith had a fearful response to just the word “lorry.” She exploited this fear by saying “lorry” if Sujith wouldn’t drink his milk. “Lorry” would intimidate him into submission. (34)

As mentioned, Sujith often wanted to be taken to Gorakana. If asked if he would go there by truck, he refused, When offered to be taken to Gorakana by car, he would accept. Wattarappola noted that Sujith was “mortally afraid of lorries.” (35)

Sujith was also afraid of policemen. His aunt noticed that if he saw policemen, he would go inside the house. He later would ask his aunt if the police had passed by, which would mean that he was safe. (36)

Past Life Behavior: Sujith has Sammy’s Tendency to be Violent

Sammy was perceived as fearless and Sujith demonstrated a total lack of inhibition. Both had a tendency towards being violent.

Ian Stevenson witnessed Sujith kick one of the neighbors with “great zeal and persistence,” and he also saw Sujith hit another individual, who was minding his own business, with a fist. Stevenson also saw Sujith spit on his grandmother.

Wattarappola said he had seen Sujith push his mother into a corner and then pummel her, saying this is how the police assault. Sujith’s aunt said that when scolded, Sujith would sometimes threaten to stab the offender with a knife.

Despite these aggressive traits, Sujith also demonstrated generosity, much like Sammy. (37)

Sujith has Sexual Feelings for Maggie, his Past Life Wife, then Wounds Her, Like Sammy

Another parallel occurred in relation to Maggie. In July 1973, when Sujith was almost 4 years old, he announced that he was going to go to Maggie’s house and not return. He said he would sleep at Maggie’s house, and the family got the impression that his intention was not just to sleep.

After Maggie met Sujith, she became fond of him and visited Sujith in Mount Lavinia quite often. After a period of time, she discontinued her visits, explaining that Sujith had become rude.

In contrast, when Kusuma Dabare was to be married, she invited Sujith and his family to her wedding. Recall that when Sammy got drunk, fought with Maggie and left their house, he would seek refuge at his parent’s home, where Kusume would cook hot meals for him. (38)

Xenoglossy: Expletives from a Past Lifetime

Sujith’s family was very proper. As such, they were very surprised to find that Sujith had an extensive vocabulary of obscene words. Sammy had a habit of swearing and shouting obscenities when drunk.

Ian Stevenson went so far as positing that this could be equated to xenoglossy, in which an individual knows a foreign language that was not learned in the contemporary lifetime. Stevenson reasoned that Sujith’s extensive vocabulary of expletives could not have been learned at home, given the respectable character of his mother and grandmother. Sujith’s father had left the family soon after Sujith was born, so there were no others who could have taught the toddler these expletives. (39)

Reincarnation & Similar Appearance Across Lifetimes

A similarity in physical appearance was noted between Sammy and Sujith. Even the way they walked, their gait, was the same. (40)

A Christian Relative believes Sujith is the Reincarnation of Sammy and Sujith gives Sammy’s Son Goosebumps

Though both Sammy’s and Sujith’s families were Buddhists, Sammy’s son in law, Sri Nimal Rodrigo, was Christian. He stated:

“I am a Roman Catholic and do not believe in rebirth, but from what I saw of Sujith and his recognitions I am convinced that he is Sammy reborn.” (41)

Another episode that demonstrates the power of Sujith’s recognitions involves Sunil Fernando, Sammy’s illegitimate son. Sunil came to meet Sujith at Mount Lavinia. Sunil was a complete stranger to Sujith’s family and he did not introduce himself to anyone. Sujith recognized him and said, “Come here, Sunil.”

Sunil said that Sujith’s recognition of him gave him “a terrible shock,” as well as gooseflesh. (42)

Sujith’s Later Development and Past Life Drinking Behavior

As Sujith surpassed 6 years of age, he no longer talked about his previous life as Sammy, he no longer used obscenities and he became less violent. Still, when he saw people drinking arrack, he would propose that he should have some himself. (43)

Understanding Past Lives & Principles of Reincarnation

Physical Resemblance from one lifetime to another: It was noted that there exists a similarity in physical appearance between Sammy and Sujith, as well as in their gaits.

Relationships Renewed through Reincarnation: Sammy was reborn as Sujith in Mount Lavinia, which is 5 miles or 7 kilometers from Gorankana, the town where Sammy had lived. After Sujith shared his past life memories, his family was able to find Sujith’s past life family and he was reunited with Sammy’s family, his past life wife and past life drinking companions.

Phobia from a Past Lifetime: Sujith had a severe phobia of trucks and even as an 8 month old infant demonstrated a marked fear of the word “lorry,” which is explained by the fact that Sammy was killed by a truck. Sujith also had an aversion to policemen due to his being incarcerated, as Sammy, multiple times.

Xenoglossy: Ian Stevenson felt that Sujith’s extensive vocabulary of expletives or cuss words qualified for xenoglossy, as there was not way that Sujith learned this language from the two very proper women who raised him.

Footnotes

1. Stevenson, Ian: Cases of the Reincarnation Type, Volume II, Sri Lanka, University Press of Virginia, Charlottesville, 1977, p. 242-243
2. Ibid., p. 248-249
3. Ibid., p. 245
4. Ibid., p. 243
5. Ibid., p. 243
6. Ibid., p. 244
7. Ibid., p. 244
8. Ibid., p. 244
9. Ibid., p. 244
10. Ibid., p. 279
11. Ibid., p. 252, 263
12. Ibid., p. 268
13. Ibid., p. 248, 267-269
14. Ibid., p. 248
15. Ibid., p. 248
16. Ibid., p. 251
17. Ibid., p. 267
18. Ibid., p. 271-272
19. Ibid., p. 267
20. Ibid., p. 271-272
21. Ibid., p. 250-251
22. Ibid., p. 269
23. Ibid., p. 252, 256
24. Ibid., p. 250-251
25. Ibid., p. 237
26. Ibid., p. 264
27. Ibid., p. 270-271
28. Ibid., p. 272
29. Ibid., p. 269
30. Ibid., p. 260
31. Ibid., p. 269
32. Ibid., p. 273
33. Ibid., p. 273
34. Ibid., p. 235
35. Ibid., p. 273
36. Ibid., p. 273
37. Ibid., p. 274
38. Ibid., p. 274, 278
39. Ibid., p. 235, 274
40. Ibid., p. 276
41. Ibid., p. 277
42. Ibid., p. 265
43. Ibid., p. 278