Dr. Ian Stevenson (University of Virginia): Began systematic study, documenting over 2,500 cases ("Cases of Reincarnation Type"), focusing on verifiable details and birthmarks linked to fatal wounds.
Dr. Jim B. Tucker (University of Virginia): Continues Stevenson's work, investigating cases, focusing on American instances, and publishing books like Life Before Life.
Dr. Satwant Pasricha (India): Researched over 500 cases, verifying facts and correlating birthmarks with past traumas, also studying xenoglossy (speaking unlearned languages).
Common Findings in Case Studies
Age of Recall: Children typically start speaking of past lives between 2 and 7 years old.
Memory Details: Recalled memories often include the previous person's name, family, location, and mode of death, often violent (around 70% violent/unexpected).
Behavioral Traits: Children might exhibit phobias, strong preferences (foods, places), or unlearned skills linked to the past life.
Birthmarks/Defects: Around 30-35% of cases feature birthmarks or defects at locations corresponding to fatal wounds in the past life.
Intermission: Some recall the time between lives, often described as a short period with less defined experiences.
Scientific & Cultural Context
Cultural Prevalence: Belief is strong in cultures with reincarnation doctrines (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism) but also present in Western cultures.
Methodology: Cases are studied by verifying details with the deceased's family before contact, attempting to rule out normal memory/fantasy.
Skepticism & Explanations: Critics suggest parental influence, cryptomnesia (hidden memory), or cultural reinforcement, though researchers argue many cases defy simple explanation, notes this article.
https://noetic.org/blog/reincarnation/
