Paramahansa Yogananda and past lives

[Jitendra Hydonus]

The fact that we may not remember our former lives does not mean that we did not exist before.  We do not remember the nine months of our embryonic existence in this life nor do we remember when we were six months old. It is all the less likely, therefore, that we would remember when we had lived in a different body with a different brain and nervous system and a different appearance.

It requires years of concentrated mental investigation to know-one’s former incarnations. You can know about reincarnation, not by reading books or hearing lectures, but through a scientific metaphysical research. Reincarnation is the only logical solution to the mystery of the purpose of our lives. We are immortal souls, destined to return one day to a home in God. If we die in the consciousness of mortal imperfection, we cannot immediately go back to God. We must eradicate are acquired egoistic imperfections by right living.  To reestablish our soul perfection may require many lives.

~ Paramahansa Yogananda SRF lesson 133