Page "Metempsychosis" Paragraph 0

Metempsychosis ( Greek: μετεμψύχωσις ) is a philosophical term in the Greek language referring to transmigration of the soul, especially its reincarnation after death.

It is a doctrine popular among a number of Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Druzism wherein an individual incarnates from one body to another, either human, animal, or plant.

Generally the term is only used within the context of Greek Philosophy, but has also been used by modern philosophers such as Schopenhauer and Kurt Gödel ; otherwise, the term " transmigration " is more appropriate.

The word also plays a prominent role in James Joyce's Ulysses, and is associated also with Nietzsche.

Another term sometimes used synonymously is Palingenesia.