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Metempsychosis
Metempsychosis (from the Greek meta "beyond" and empsychosis "incarnation") is the doctrine according to which the soul, after the death of the body, passes into another body (human, animal or vegetable). It is practically synonymous with "transmigration of souls" and has traditions in Greek antiquity (Pythagoras, Orphism, Platonism) and in Indian philosophies.
Traditions
In ancient Greece, metempsychosis is central to Orphism and Pythagoreanism: the soul is imprisoned in the body and seeks to free itself through successive lives. In India it is part of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism as "samsara". Pythagoras, according to tradition, remembered his previous lives. The doctrine is rejected by the religions of the Book (Judaism, Christianity, mainstream Islam).
Difference with reincarnation
The terms are often used as synonyms. Technically "metempsychosis" implies that the soul may also pass into animal or vegetable bodies; "reincarnation" is more associated with transmigration only into other human bodies. In Indian traditions, passage into animal bodies is indeed envisaged.
FAQ
Is it proven?
No. It remains a philosophical-religious framework, accepted by some traditions and rejected by others.
Did Pythagoras believe in it?
According to ancient tradition, yes. He claimed to remember several past lives, including that of a Trojan soldier.
What changes compared to karma?
Karma is the causal law (action-consequence); metempsychosis is the mechanism (the soul s passage from one body to another). They are linked but distinct concepts.