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Editorial Reviews
The publisher, The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, letters@harekrishna.com, December 31, 1998
The Science of Reincarnation
Based on Srila Prabhupada's teachings, "Coming Back" answers many common questions concerning the mystery and mechanism of reincarnation. To present a clear and complete explanation, the authors cite both modern data as well as timeless sources of knowledge about the afterlife, such as Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-Gita.
147 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1982
49 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Bhaktivedanta
813 books715 followersHis Divine Grace Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (अभय चरणारविन्द भक्तिवेदान्त स्वामी प्रभुपाद)was born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, India.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 12, 2025
Members of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness came into my History of India class on Friday and talked to us about Hinduism and passed out literature after their talk. The book I chose was about the science of reincarnation.
Not much science; a whole lot of reincarnation. Interesting read but not very convincing. Claimed Western philosophers believed in reincarnation but selectively used one quote that hinted at their beliefs. The only science was from a newspaper editorial a heart surgeon wrote questioning the human soul.
The most convincing argument was the notion that the cells in our body go through seven year cycles, so we are physically a different person now then we were 7 years ago, but our soul and mind is the same.
I do not think I’ll be converting to Hinduism anytime soon. As a lover of social studies, I think it was an important book to read since it was more in-depth than the slide show presentation of “Hindus believe in reincarnation.”
Not much science; a whole lot of reincarnation. Interesting read but not very convincing. Claimed Western philosophers believed in reincarnation but selectively used one quote that hinted at their beliefs. The only science was from a newspaper editorial a heart surgeon wrote questioning the human soul.
The most convincing argument was the notion that the cells in our body go through seven year cycles, so we are physically a different person now then we were 7 years ago, but our soul and mind is the same.
I do not think I’ll be converting to Hinduism anytime soon. As a lover of social studies, I think it was an important book to read since it was more in-depth than the slide show presentation of “Hindus believe in reincarnation.”
May 31, 2017
The book coming back not only speaks religiously but also scientifically. Swami Prabhupada as like any other spiritual book dont explain without questioning the status quo. If he makes some point, he justifies from his side and also from opponent's side . The book gives elaborate beliefs and system that was inherited by different countries across the globe and also expounds on great scientists who believed in the concept called "soul". I couldnt mark this only spiritual rather scientific , reasoning and rationalism in it. This was my first book of prabhupada and hope wud continue reading his other books like "Bhagavat gita as it is " and "perfect questions and perfect answers". Holy read!!!
October 5, 2022
I understand science to be the process of collecting information to form hypotheses and devising experiments to test and verify those hypotheses in the search for truth. I felt this book wasn't impartial investigating the arguments for and against the concept of reincarnation. Instead I felt it continually repeated some dogma that I found riddled with contradictions. Therefore I don't think the title of the book is very accurate. Ultimately I don't know if reincarnation exists or not or if it's possible to verify it in any way.
August 25, 2021
Such a great book
The name may be controversial
But you'll understand it when you proceed reading page by page
At last, it may force you to think about what our life actually means.
The name may be controversial
But you'll understand it when you proceed reading page by page
At last, it may force you to think about what our life actually means.
August 13, 2019
A Hari Krisha gave me this when I was waiting a train station. Decided to keep it and read it as it has trippy pictures inside. I was 16 or 17 and this book became my introduction to both reincarnation and Indian mysticism. It affected me deeply, weirded me out. I ultimately found the Harr Krishna take on karma to be incomplete as I later explored vedanta in detail. But this little book (and my wonderful aunt who got me into TM) launched a lifelong interest into all things metaphysical. 🙏🏻
October 25, 2025
Alright.
The "science" in this book is correct. The universe is cyclical. We exist in cycles. To deny this is to deny reality......However....
There is a massive jump between that, and the idea of everlasting, unbreakable souls and karmatic justice. You are trying to conflate two things that are wholly different, with no argumentative bridge between the two.
The book constantly quotes tiny lines from respected thinkers and professionals as if their subjective opinion has any bearing on science.
It reads as:
"SEE?! THIS GUY WHO IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED WISE, OFF HANDEDLY ONCE REMARKED THAT HE LIKELY BELIEVES DEATH ISN'T THE END!!! WHY ARE YOU STILL A DOUBTER?!"
I could find endless quotes about the sanctity, honour and prestige of war, it does not mean that war is sanctimonious. I can find quotes by endless religions, thinkers and "great men of history" to agree with almost any generic spiritual point i could ever make, it does not mean there is now a validation on the "vibe of evidence".
I can find endless texts of great thinkers believing in and arguing moderately for and against slavery. as if it is not a moral abomination way to treat our fellow man.
In morality you are ever presently in the ever present. You are in your era's socially accepted morality, and if a speaker, you are trying to appeal to the morality of that era, in your fellow mans eyes when making arguments and persuasions. Often this does not age well.
Abominations were once viewed as normal, abominations eventually became recognised, as abominations.
In science, a man's word is just a man's word without his actions or his showcase of proof.
The science described by this book is like believing a health supplement has cured your weight while barely eating.
Correlation (ie the universe being cyclical) does not mean correlation. (ie the soul is an indefinite, real cycling thing).
The "science" in this book is correct. The universe is cyclical. We exist in cycles. To deny this is to deny reality......However....
There is a massive jump between that, and the idea of everlasting, unbreakable souls and karmatic justice. You are trying to conflate two things that are wholly different, with no argumentative bridge between the two.
The book constantly quotes tiny lines from respected thinkers and professionals as if their subjective opinion has any bearing on science.
It reads as:
"SEE?! THIS GUY WHO IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED WISE, OFF HANDEDLY ONCE REMARKED THAT HE LIKELY BELIEVES DEATH ISN'T THE END!!! WHY ARE YOU STILL A DOUBTER?!"
I could find endless quotes about the sanctity, honour and prestige of war, it does not mean that war is sanctimonious. I can find quotes by endless religions, thinkers and "great men of history" to agree with almost any generic spiritual point i could ever make, it does not mean there is now a validation on the "vibe of evidence".
I can find endless texts of great thinkers believing in and arguing moderately for and against slavery. as if it is not a moral abomination way to treat our fellow man.
In morality you are ever presently in the ever present. You are in your era's socially accepted morality, and if a speaker, you are trying to appeal to the morality of that era, in your fellow mans eyes when making arguments and persuasions. Often this does not age well.
Abominations were once viewed as normal, abominations eventually became recognised, as abominations.
In science, a man's word is just a man's word without his actions or his showcase of proof.
The science described by this book is like believing a health supplement has cured your weight while barely eating.
Correlation (ie the universe being cyclical) does not mean correlation. (ie the soul is an indefinite, real cycling thing).
March 30, 2019
Puntuación final: 4.3/5 💫
A ver, es el primer libro que leo acerca de la reencarnación, a pesar de que este tema ha sido una de las cosas más fascinantes de las que he oído hablar.
Abarca tanto puntos religiosos (era de esperarse) como ejemplos cotidianos para ponernos en contexto, hasta que decide probar su lógica incluyendo algunos puntos científicos.
Y la verdad es que cuando un tema te interesa tanto, hasta el punto de absorberte, naturalmente te vas a interesar por cada palabra escrita aquí. No solo nos presentan creencias religiosas de la cultura Hindú, de hecho no comienza así para nada. Es por ello que al principio fue como si hubiera abierto una puerta llena de posibilidades.
Citas de personas ilustres para apoyar su punto de vista. Explicaciones con fundamento científico. Y la lógica de la reencarnación. Sí, eso influyó mucho.
Hasta un poco más de la mitad, todo bien (y con esto me refiero a interesante).
PERO. También te hablan acerca de la religión... bueno, su religión. Y no es que no lo viera venir, lo sé; sin embargo, al final esto solo terminó restándole credibilidad a los puntos fuertes y de lógica imparcial.
Es cómo: “Si no haces esto, estarás condenado a múltiples vidas cargadas de sufrimiento”. Y ok, ese es un tema aparte, y algo que nunca me gustó de ningún tipo de religión.
EN FIN. Fue un libro “adictivo” para mí (y ni siquiera es de ficción), así que, en teoría, me gustó muchísimo. Casi todo.
A ver, es el primer libro que leo acerca de la reencarnación, a pesar de que este tema ha sido una de las cosas más fascinantes de las que he oído hablar.
Abarca tanto puntos religiosos (era de esperarse) como ejemplos cotidianos para ponernos en contexto, hasta que decide probar su lógica incluyendo algunos puntos científicos.
Y la verdad es que cuando un tema te interesa tanto, hasta el punto de absorberte, naturalmente te vas a interesar por cada palabra escrita aquí. No solo nos presentan creencias religiosas de la cultura Hindú, de hecho no comienza así para nada. Es por ello que al principio fue como si hubiera abierto una puerta llena de posibilidades.
Citas de personas ilustres para apoyar su punto de vista. Explicaciones con fundamento científico. Y la lógica de la reencarnación. Sí, eso influyó mucho.
Hasta un poco más de la mitad, todo bien (y con esto me refiero a interesante).
PERO. También te hablan acerca de la religión... bueno, su religión. Y no es que no lo viera venir, lo sé; sin embargo, al final esto solo terminó restándole credibilidad a los puntos fuertes y de lógica imparcial.
Es cómo: “Si no haces esto, estarás condenado a múltiples vidas cargadas de sufrimiento”. Y ok, ese es un tema aparte, y algo que nunca me gustó de ningún tipo de religión.
EN FIN. Fue un libro “adictivo” para mí (y ni siquiera es de ficción), así que, en teoría, me gustó muchísimo. Casi todo.
October 17, 2024
In some parts of the book, especially the conversation with both professors, I felt he was being rude and ignorant to the human condition, as well as a little impatient and rushed.
"The Soul, the consciousness, is like water: water is pure but as soon as it fall from the sky and touches the ground, it becomes muddy. Similarly, we are spirit souls, we are pure but as soon as we leave the spiritual world and come in contact with these material bodies, our consciousness becomes covered. The consciousness remains pure, but is now covered by mud (the body)."
~ A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
"Genius is experience. Some seem to think that it is a gift or a talent, but it is the fruit of long experience in many lives."
~ Henry Ford
I died as a mineral and became a plant,
I died as a plant and rose to animal,
I died as animal and I was man.
Why should I fear? When was I less by dying?
~ Jalalu 'D-Din Rumi (Sufi Peot)
"There is no death. How can there be death if everything is part of the GodHead? The soul never dies and the body is never really alive."
~ Isaac Bashevis Singer
"The Soul, the consciousness, is like water: water is pure but as soon as it fall from the sky and touches the ground, it becomes muddy. Similarly, we are spirit souls, we are pure but as soon as we leave the spiritual world and come in contact with these material bodies, our consciousness becomes covered. The consciousness remains pure, but is now covered by mud (the body)."
~ A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
"Genius is experience. Some seem to think that it is a gift or a talent, but it is the fruit of long experience in many lives."
~ Henry Ford
I died as a mineral and became a plant,
I died as a plant and rose to animal,
I died as animal and I was man.
Why should I fear? When was I less by dying?
~ Jalalu 'D-Din Rumi (Sufi Peot)
"There is no death. How can there be death if everything is part of the GodHead? The soul never dies and the body is never really alive."
~ Isaac Bashevis Singer
February 18, 2022
A book from the Hare Krishna movement on their beliefs about Reincarnation and how to avoid the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Karma explained in a simple way. I had a better understanding of the concept of Karma and Reincarnation after reading the book.
The view that all gods are ultimately the one and same God shows a lack of understanding of the difference between the Hindu and Christian view of God. The two views are incompatible. The prophet Isaiah's polemic against idolatry in Isaiah 44 came to mind when I was reading the last chapter on devotion to Krishna.
A very interesting book. I learnt much about the teaching of the ISKCON movement. The idea of salvation being by the route of man's devotion to Krishna.
I put the book down thankful that salvation comes not by any work of mine by the grace of God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The view that all gods are ultimately the one and same God shows a lack of understanding of the difference between the Hindu and Christian view of God. The two views are incompatible. The prophet Isaiah's polemic against idolatry in Isaiah 44 came to mind when I was reading the last chapter on devotion to Krishna.
A very interesting book. I learnt much about the teaching of the ISKCON movement. The idea of salvation being by the route of man's devotion to Krishna.
I put the book down thankful that salvation comes not by any work of mine by the grace of God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
July 21, 2025
Cartea ,,Revenirea. Știința reîncarnării" oferă o perspectivă interesantă asupra conceptului de reîncarnare din tradiția bhakti, bazată pe învățăturile lui A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. Este un text accesibil, cu un mesaj clar spiritual, dedicat celor interesați de filosofia vedică și de ideea vieții după moarte.
Deși cartea are meritul de a aduce în atenție o viziune tradițională bine conturată, abordarea este uneori prea dogmatică, fără a lăsa loc pentru alte perspective sau întrebări critice. De asemenea, pentru cititorii care nu sunt familiarizați cu limbajul specific mișcării Hare Krishna, anumite concepte pot părea repetitive sau greu de urmărit.
În ansamblu, o lectură utilă pentru cei interesați de spiritualitate orientală, dar care poate părea limitată sau unilaterală pentru un public mai larg.
Deși cartea are meritul de a aduce în atenție o viziune tradițională bine conturată, abordarea este uneori prea dogmatică, fără a lăsa loc pentru alte perspective sau întrebări critice. De asemenea, pentru cititorii care nu sunt familiarizați cu limbajul specific mișcării Hare Krishna, anumite concepte pot părea repetitive sau greu de urmărit.
În ansamblu, o lectură utilă pentru cei interesați de spiritualitate orientală, dar care poate părea limitată sau unilaterală pentru un public mai larg.
August 16, 2025
I bought this book from a new-agey hippy stall at a music festival, figuring it would provide me with some interesting 'metaphysical' type material. I don't personally believe in most spirituality and occultism, but I find it fascinating all the same. And, well... yup, I got exactly what I was looking for. Weird bunkum just like all spiritual and religious gobbledy-gook, boiling down to the simple con of "Hey, you! You're miserable, right? That's because you're BAD. ...But WE'VE got the answers!" In this case, it's hilarious nonsense, like the idea that once can be a 'good' deer. How laughable to imagine that if one reincarnates as an animal that you can apply human morals and values to the experience, eschewing worldly things like the company of your fellow species, and resisting eating the best grass.
March 19, 2022
I was given this by a Hare Krisna years ago and finally got round to reading it. I found it largely very interesting to see into another viewpoint and learnt more about the cultural and religious background of the movement itself. I am a spiritual agnostic so like keeping an open mind. The part I had trouble with is the views on abortion - I believe in women's rights over their own bodies and disagree with all religious views to the contrary. I can understand where the author is coming from - as to believe in reincarnation of the soul, killing another living thing is cutting short that soul's journey BUT I disagree abortion is wrong. Surely forcing a woman to bring a unwanted child into the world is the real unnecessary evil. The soul of the unborn would surely be better starting life again as a baby in a much better circumstance then suffer being born to only die from e.g starvation or be brought up in a orphanage because the mother died from a dangerous pregnancy they couldn't end or couldn't look after them.
January 10, 2021
While I may not share all the beliefs explained in this book, I did enjoy learning more about them. Adopting some of the rules explained in this book can go a long way in improving one's ethical code. Whether you are a Krishna follower or not, it is essential to learn the different ideologies that exist around the world because you can be certain that you will learn something that you did not anticipate.
My Star Rating System
○ Language. (1)
○ Structure. (1)
○ Enjoyable. (1)
○ Educational. (1)
○ Exceptional. (1)
My Star Rating System
○ Language. (1)
○ Structure. (1)
○ Enjoyable. (1)
○ Educational. (1)
○ Exceptional. (1)
August 30, 2024
Don't get confused with the word "science" here even if there is a stage where the author blame Western scientists for not looking more closely into reincarnation. It seems as if Prabhupada leaves the word "theology" for Christians, but much of what he say is theology or philosophy I would think. Anyway, I enjoyed the three little stories explaining reincarnation, but could see many contradictions between some of the stories and the conclusions drawn from it. Still, of all the recent ISKCON books I've read this one was enjoyable and I've learned some
February 2, 2021
It was a refreshingly clear departure from the other installments by this author and betrays some quite obvious influence from Western acolytes (responsible for clarifying his ideas).
However, the author's hubris in claiming that 1) all of Vedic teaching consists of "laws" and 2) that you must follow the priesthood (among other examples) serve to vindicate the slow, creeping disappointment with ISKCON I've felt as I read more and more of the organization's materials...
However, the author's hubris in claiming that 1) all of Vedic teaching consists of "laws" and 2) that you must follow the priesthood (among other examples) serve to vindicate the slow, creeping disappointment with ISKCON I've felt as I read more and more of the organization's materials...
December 23, 2018
An interesting read about the cycle of life and death - ‘Samsara’.
This book talks about how life is a cosmic game where the soul is eternal and either moves up or down spiritual planes in each life based on the previous and the particular karma associated with that life.
I resonate with many of these ideas and enjoyed parts of this book as it put my thoughts into words.
This book talks about how life is a cosmic game where the soul is eternal and either moves up or down spiritual planes in each life based on the previous and the particular karma associated with that life.
I resonate with many of these ideas and enjoyed parts of this book as it put my thoughts into words.
February 11, 2020
It is brief, succinct and to the point: understand you are soul and that material nature is a matrix of repeated birth and death.
One of the lectures is from science of self realization, but everything else is fresh content to me.
This is for somebody who has never experienced reincarnation before. It's not more advanced but to the point.
One of the lectures is from science of self realization, but everything else is fresh content to me.
This is for somebody who has never experienced reincarnation before. It's not more advanced but to the point.
July 1, 2023
Nicely written with lot of simple examples. Growing up in India we already have a good idea about reincarnation. Most people believe in it.
This books strengthens that belief and offers a roadmap to a possible escape from the cycle of rebirth.
A beautiful read with the potential to nudge one on to the journey to spiritual awareness.
This books strengthens that belief and offers a roadmap to a possible escape from the cycle of rebirth.
A beautiful read with the potential to nudge one on to the journey to spiritual awareness.
December 10, 2021
While this book does explain the details of karma based reincarnation as explained in religious texts, it doesn't really explain the science behind it. The title is quite misleading.
Feels like the author wrote this book while looking down his nose on rest of the world.
Feels like the author wrote this book while looking down his nose on rest of the world.
March 28, 2023
Induced a little bit of an existential crisis but all for good reason.
Understanding that the purpose of life is self-realisation, connected with the laws of karma and the spiritual realm where god resides. A brilliant book to change how you perceive this material world.
Understanding that the purpose of life is self-realisation, connected with the laws of karma and the spiritual realm where god resides. A brilliant book to change how you perceive this material world.
February 15, 2025
Being a collection of stand-alone teachings, some chapters are quite repetitive - especially towards the end. However, the book offers a compelling overview of karma and reincarnation in a way that combines Western and Eastern views into one.
August 7, 2025
The book would be great for someone who has 0 knowledge of rebirths and reincarnation. However only the last few pages provided a solution for the issue that exists "how to be free from suffering". The rest of the part is just explaining how and in what form you will be reincarnated.
January 27, 2018
giving proofs from vedas and also providing logical arguements from bhagvat Gita
February 19, 2018
Excelente. La ciencia suprema de la reencarnacion
April 22, 2018
Pretty good. Great info on reincarnation. Goes in depth but also skims the surface.
January 8, 2020
Wrócę po wiele odniesień historycznych i do utworów innych autorów. Przydatna.
January 22, 2020
Interesting propaganda piece for the Hari Krisna's
April 9, 2020
Great book
September 29, 2020
O livro contém os princípios da reencarnação de acordo com a literatura Védica. É um livro de leitura simples e fácil entendimento, mesmo contendo termos em sânscrito.
September 30, 2021
One of the most detailed book on reincarnation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews