Question: “How can I convince myself to believe in reincarnation? I want to believe but I’ve never believed in anything spiritual so I don’t know how to start but I’ve been reading about Buddhism and it feels right for me but reincarnation is the only part I can’t wrap my head around.”
If you have to convince yourself to believe in something that should already tell you it’s not going to work out. We can’t convince ourselves that robbing a bank with a mask on means we won’t get caught, or that if no one sees us eating the tub of ice cream that it doesn’t count.
Buddhism feels right to a devout Jew or Christian or Muslim. Not because of it’s philosophy of karma, rebirth, or suffering, but because of its true essential teachings of compassion, love, loving-kindness, and generosity. Catholics make up a big chunk of the attendees that visit the temple I go to because they enjoy the peacefulness and love that Buddhism teaches. I always say that practicing Buddhism’s “rule” of compassion and generosity will make you a better Catholic.
Don’t believe in reincarnation. Don’t call yourself Buddhist. But then ask yourself, “Who was I before I was John Doe? Who/where will I be after I die?” The belief in rebirth is either fully accepted or it’s not, it can’t be somewhere in the middle. But then again ask yourself, “Why was I born in America (or wherever you’re from)? Why do I have the family/friends I have?” Have you ever met someone that you instantly liked and got along with? Or someone that you just didn’t like at all even though they did absolutely nothing for you not to like them? Maybe these were people you’ve liked/disliked in a past life. Maybe they were your siblings, parents, spouses, or best friends. Who knows.
I don’t encourage people to title themselves as Buddhists unless they’ve officially taken refuge by a monk at a temple. I don’t really tell people I’m Buddhist unless they asked if I am. Otherwise, I’m a being seeking freedom/spiritual person.
The only thing you can do is to meditate on some of the questions I asked above, continue reading, and contemplate on everything you’ve learned. In time it’ll be clearer for you to accept or deny completely.
Smile and be well!