Lifecycles: Reincarnation and the Web of Life

by Christopher M. Bache

Lifecycles combines the best scientific testimonies about reincarnation with philosophically sound yet accessible arguments about its implications. Lifecycles is the first book to both describe the dynamics of rebirth and explore the ramifications of adopting a reincarnationist perspective. The book begins with a masterful synthesis of recent findings from consciousness research and near-death studies. It includes the work of such eminent therapists and scholars as Stanislav Grof and Dr. Ian Stevenson, and critically surveys the most compelling evidence for rebirth. Lifecycles emphasizes the lessons for self-awareness and spiritual growth inherent in a reincarnationist world view, showing us how we can reconnect with the order, intelligence, and beauty of the universe around us.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Psychology, Reference

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Christopher Bache is professor emeritus in the department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Youngstown State University, adjunct faculty at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Emeritus Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, and on the Advisory Council of Grof Legacy Training.

Reviews

[Jake Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. A little boring at times to me, but overall thought provoking to say the least

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This helped me rethink my soul's journey on earth and to be helpful to those I encounter.

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lifecycles is an excellent resource on the idea of reincarnation. Whether you are interested in yogic philosophy or are exploring evolutionary astrology like I am, this is an honest look at the possibilities that open up for us when we consider the reality of past lives, what that means for our identity, what we are here to learn, and why we are on this planet. Fantastic addition for anyone's esoteric studies. This is a slim volume but it is not a quick read - lots of food for thought for rereading!

[erjan avid reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to read but interesting

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interestingly this is the most coherent spiritual explanation of the existence of evil and goodness of God/Intelligent Design/Higher Being.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very glad I stayed with this book. I found it initially quite hard to read, but as book it kept on giving and giving. Now that I have finally completed it months after I started it, I feel changed. It takes a very broad look at reincarnation and takes the reader in a lot of directions.

It is great compliment to Bache’s other work on LSD: Diamonds from Heaven.

[Juan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The parts where he discusses evidence for reincarnation and mechanisms for how it works were too tough for me to suspend my disbelief. These parts almost made me stop reading and discredit everything from this author.

On the other hand his reflections on the implications of reincarnation were really interesting and made the book worthwhile.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and it opened my consciousness, changed what I thought was possible. Although I haven't re-read it in decades, it's a book I've kept because it had such an expansive impact on me.

[Mary Holt-Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

no cheese. very interesting and illuminating.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most accessible books on the topic. Highly recommend to anyone even slightly curious. Reincarnation is real, y'all.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lifecycles was a fun read. Christopher Bache first gives you a couple of compelling examples of people who (if the reporting is accurate) seem very likely to actually have had a former life. Next, he explains Karma in some detail and uses the concept to describe the interconnectedness of people within and across lives. Bache also provides a view as to how a belief in reincarnation could be mostly consistent with Christianity. The author's approach, while spiritual, feels grounded in common-sense; that is, it is not too ethereal. This book is definitely worth a read if you are interested in exploring the idea of reincarnation.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Christopher Bache really makes me think about my personal opinions on reincarnation and how I fit into the universe. He discusses not only reincarnation, but the Oversoul and how different religions view the theory of reincarnation.

If you are interested in the topic of reincarnation, this will be a great addition to your reading list.

[Tegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while taking Dr. Bache's class Transpersonal Studies. Reading and studying the book with him definitely gave more insight. Plus he added more of what he's learned over the years since publishing this to the class discussion. I'm looking forward to reading what he writes next.

[Kaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All religions converge at the center of the wheel. There are many paths to the center and all are relevant. Pick a spoke and follow it. Our higher self will help us discover our purpose in this incarnation-- if we ask it to!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on reincarnation. The author studies the subject deeply and thoroughly, and doesn't rely only on his own experiences. There's an excellent bibliography at the end of the book.