Here he addresses many questions concerning the psychological dynamics associated with past-life memories. Why do some people have memories more readily than others? How do adult memories differ from the memories of children? What are the benefits and drawback of having such memories? How do these memories influence behavior when they are not quite conscious?

Here he points out that one could conceivably consider cases of the reincarnation type to be similar in many respects to cases of possession. In particular, there are instances in the reincarnation case database of previous individuals whose death occurs after the birth of a child who remembers an identifiable past life. Typically, those cases [...]

Here he presents some of his own original research examining published reincarnation cases in which children were able to remember identifiable past lives — and also recall the intermission period between lives. He notes that, on occasion, these memories contained veridical elements. He also found that there were distinct differences among eastern and western cultures. [...]

Here he discusses the role of birthmarks, birth defects, facial resemblance, and the propensity for particular illnesses as they appear in cases suggestive of reincarnation. Most of this analysis is of a post-hoc nature. However, of particular interest, are cases in which a prediction is made concerning factors to look for in identifying a reincarnated [...]

Here he provides many examples of behavioral patterns that accompany past-life memories. These patterns bear some resemblance to those that are occasionally reported among heart transplant patients. They include unexpected talents, as well as various phobias, affections, and attractions. Matlock argues that such “behavioral memories” are not readily explained by the living agent psi hypothesis.

Here he notes that alternative explanations for the reincarnation evidence based on the memories reported by young children have come from both within and without the parapsychological community. Explanations that involve some form of psi include “archetypal synchronistic resonance” and “living agent psi”. Explanations offered by outsiders primarily focus on error and fraud. Matlock urges [...]

Here he describes the major findings gleaned from the database initiated by Ian Stevenson at the University of Virginia. This data focuses on young children who report spontaneous memories of having a previous life. Some 2,500 cases of this type are now in a computer database. Approximately 1,700 of these cases have been “solved” – [...]

Here he describes the research approach initiated by Ian Stevenson at the University of Virginia. This method focuses on young children who report spontaneous memories of having a previous life. Some 2,500 cases of this type are now in a computer database. Approximately 1,700 of these cases have been “solved” – meaning that the identity [...]