Life.Understood.

The Veil of Forgetting: Unraveling the Purpose of Reincarnation and the Illusion of Duality

Written by

Gerald Alba Daquila

in

A Journey Through Esoteric Wisdom and Spiritual Awakening

Prepared by: Gerald A. Daquila, PhD. Candidate

ABSTRACT

This dissertation explores the esoteric concept of the “veil of forgetting,” a metaphysical barrier that obscures past-life memories and reinforces the illusion of duality in human existence. Drawing from spiritual traditions, esoteric studies, and contemporary research, it investigates why souls incarnate on Earth, the purpose of reincarnation, and the conditions under which this cycle may cease. The narrative posits that Earth functions as a school of duality, an artificial construct designed to facilitate soul evolution through experiential learning.

Unity, as an expression of the infinite Source, is presented as the ultimate reality, with reincarnation serving as a mechanism for souls to master lessons of love, forgiveness, and self-realization. The thinning of the veil, evidenced by increasing spiritual awakenings, suggests a collective shift toward higher consciousness. This work synthesizes ancient wisdom, modern spiritual insights, and psychological perspectives to offer a cohesive narrative accessible to both scholarly and general audiences.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Veil of Forgetting: Concept and Origins
    • Defining the Veil
    • Historical and Cultural Contexts
  3. Earth as a School of Duality
    • The Illusion of Separation
    • Duality as a Learning Mechanism
  4. The Purpose of Reincarnation
    • Soul Contracts and Karmic Lessons
    • The Journey Toward Unity
  5. When Does Reincarnation Stop?
    • Liberation and Enlightenment
    • The Role of Free Will
  6. The Thinning of the Veil
    • Signs of Collective Awakening
    • Spiritual Practices and the Dissolution of Illusion
  7. The Narrative of Existence: Why We Are Here
    • The Cosmic Game of Self-Discovery
    • Returning to the Source
  8. Conclusion
  9. Glossary
  10. Bibliography

Glyph of the Bridgewalker

The One Who Carries the Crossing

1. Introduction

Why do we forget who we are when we enter this world? Why do we experience life as separate beings when ancient wisdom and modern spirituality suggest we are all one? The concept of the “veil of forgetting” offers a lens through which to explore these questions, framing Earth as a school where souls learn through the illusion of duality. This dissertation delves into the esoteric and spiritual dimensions of reincarnation, the purpose of repeated incarnations, and the conditions under which this cycle may end.

It also examines the phenomenon of the “thinning veil,” which may explain the rising tide of spiritual awakenings in recent years. By weaving together esoteric traditions, spiritual disciplines, and contemporary research, this narrative seeks to illuminate the purpose of human existence in an accessible yet scholarly manner.

2. The Veil of Forgetting: Concept and Origins

Defining the Veil

The “veil of forgetting,” also known as spiritual amnesia or the veil of unknowing, is a metaphysical construct that prevents individuals from recalling their past lives and their divine origin upon incarnating into physical form (Prescott, 2015). This veil is described as an intentional mechanism within third-density consciousness (Earth’s vibrational state) that fosters free will and experiential learning. According to esoteric teachings, such as those in The Law of One by Ra, the veil ensures that souls navigate life without the certainty of their divine nature, compelling them to make choices based on faith, intuition, or experience (Elkins et al., 1984).

Historical and Cultural Contexts

The concept of the veil appears across spiritual traditions. In ancient Chinese mythology, the “Mengpo Soup” is a metaphorical drink consumed before reincarnation, erasing memories to allow a fresh start (Huaxinsi, 2022). In Hinduism and Buddhism, the cycle of samsara (reincarnation) is influenced by karma, with the veil obscuring past-life knowledge to focus the soul on present lessons (Vakkalanka, 2017). Western esoteric traditions, such as Gnosticism and Hermeticism, describe the material world as a realm of illusion (Maya) that obscures the divine unity of all things (Hanegraaff, 2004). These traditions suggest that the veil is a deliberate design to challenge souls to rediscover their connection to the infinite Source.

3. Earth as a School of Duality

The Illusion of Separation

Duality—the perception of opposites such as good and bad, self and other—is central to the human experience on Earth. Esoteric teachings assert that duality is an illusion, a construct created to facilitate learning within the physical plane (Ornedo, 2019). The ego, as an interface for navigating the material world, reinforces this illusion by fostering a sense of separation (Awakening to Spirit, 2020). For example, the dichotomy of “me” versus “the world” creates a framework where individuals experience conflict, suffering, and growth, all of which are catalysts for spiritual evolution.

Duality as a Learning Mechanism

Earth is often described as a “school” where souls incarnate to learn through the challenges of duality (Cosmic Soul, n.d.). The veil of forgetting ensures that each lifetime presents a fresh opportunity to make choices without the bias of past-life knowledge. This setup allows souls to confront themes such as love, forgiveness, and compassion in diverse contexts. For instance, a soul may experience being both the oppressor and the oppressed across lifetimes to understand the full spectrum of human experience (Prescott, 2015). The illusion of duality thus serves as a testing ground for refining the soul’s alignment with universal principles.

4. The Purpose of Reincarnation

Soul Contracts and Karmic Lessons

Reincarnation is driven by soul contracts—agreements made by the soul before incarnation to undertake specific lessons or resolve karmic imbalances (Nova, 2014). These contracts are crafted in a higher state of consciousness, where the soul perceives challenges as opportunities for growth. The veil of forgetting ensures that these lessons are approached with authenticity, as the soul must rely on intuition and free will rather than explicit memory. Karma, the law of cause and effect, governs these lessons, requiring souls to address unresolved actions or emotions from past lives (Vakkalanka, 2017).

The Journey Toward Unity

The ultimate purpose of reincarnation is to transcend the illusion of duality and realize unity with the infinite Source. Esoteric traditions teach that all souls originate from a singular divine consciousness, often referred to as God, Source, or the Creator (Elkins et al., 1984). Through repeated incarnations, souls refine their understanding of unconditional love, forgiveness, and interconnectedness. Each lifetime offers opportunities to polarize toward service to others (altruism) or service to self (egoism), with the former aligning the soul closer to unity (Cosmic Soul, n.d.). This journey is not about punishment but about self-discovery and alignment with divine will.

5. When Does Reincarnation Stop?

Liberation and Enlightenment

Reincarnation ceases when a soul achieves liberation, often termed enlightenment or ascension in spiritual traditions. Liberation occurs when the soul fully integrates its lessons, transcends duality, and embodies unity consciousness (Cooper, 2017). This state is characterized by a profound recognition of oneness with all existence, free from egoic attachments. In Buddhist terms, this is nirvana, while in esoteric Christianity, it is unity with the divine (Lehtovirta, 2007). The soul no longer requires the physical plane’s lessons and may choose to ascend to higher vibrational densities or remain as a guide for others.

The Role of Free Will

Free will is central to ending the reincarnation cycle. Souls must consciously choose to seek truth, practice love, and serve others, as these actions dissolve the veil and accelerate spiritual growth (Cosmic Soul, n.d.). Esoteric teachings emphasize that liberation is not automatic; it requires dedication to spiritual practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and service (Awakened Life, 2023). The choice to align with divine will over egoic desires determines the pace of a soul’s progression toward liberation.

6. The Thinning of the Veil

Signs of Collective Awakening

Recent literature suggests that the veil of forgetting is thinning, allowing greater access to spiritual insights and past-life memories (Ornedo, 2019). This phenomenon is attributed to a global shift in consciousness, often linked to astrological cycles or cosmic energies, such as the transition to the Age of Aquarius (Cooper, 2017).

The rise of indigo children—individuals born with minimal veils and strong connections to Source—signals this shift (Prescott, 2015). Additionally, increasing numbers of people report spiritual awakenings, characterized by heightened intuition, synchronicities, and a sense of interconnectedness (Sai Maa, 2023).

Spiritual Practices and the Dissolution of Illusion

Spiritual disciplines, including meditation, yoga, and energy work, are instrumental in piercing the veil. Neuroscience research supports this, showing that meditation reorganizes brain networks, reducing self-referential thinking and fostering nondual awareness (Josipovic, 2021). Practices like these align the individual with higher consciousness, weakening the ego’s grip and revealing the illusion of separation. As more individuals engage in these practices, the collective consciousness shifts, further thinning the veil and facilitating global awakening (Ornedo, 2019).

7. The Narrative of Existence: Why We Are Here

The Cosmic Game of Self-Discovery

The narrative of human existence can be likened to a cosmic game designed by the infinite Source. Souls, as extensions of this Source, choose to incarnate on Earth to experience separation, challenge, and growth (Nova, 2014). The veil of forgetting creates a “closed-book exam,” where souls must rediscover their divine nature through free will and experience (Huaxinsi, 2022). This game is not meant to be punitive but rather a profound act of self-discovery, allowing the Source to know itself through infinite expressions of individuality.

Returning to the Source

Upon completing their lessons, souls return to the “other side” of the veil, where all memories of past lives are restored, and unity with the Source is fully realized (Elkins et al., 1984). This return is not an end but a new beginning, as liberated souls may choose to serve as guides, ascend to higher dimensions, or undertake new missions in other realms. The cycle of reincarnation is thus a voluntary journey, driven by the soul’s desire to evolve and contribute to the cosmic tapestry of consciousness.

8. Conclusion

The veil of forgetting, Earth’s role as a school of duality, and the cycle of reincarnation form a cohesive narrative of spiritual evolution. The illusion of duality, facilitated by the veil, challenges souls to learn through contrast and choice, ultimately guiding them toward unity with the infinite Source. Reincarnation continues until the soul achieves liberation through love, forgiveness, and self-realization. The thinning of the veil, evidenced by widespread spiritual awakenings, suggests that humanity is approaching a collective shift toward higher consciousness. By embracing spiritual practices and aligning with divine principles, individuals can pierce the veil, transcend duality, and fulfill their purpose as co-creators in the cosmic game of existence.

If something stirred within you as you read, it may be time to remember the map your soul encoded before birth. You’re invited to explore your personal Soul Blueprint—a living record of your essence, purpose, and divine trajectory. Click here to begin your remembrance.

Resonant Crosslinks

9. Glossary

  • Veil of Forgetting: A metaphysical barrier that obscures past-life memories and divine origins, enabling free will and experiential learning.
  • Duality: The illusion of separation between opposites (e.g., self/other, good/bad), used as a learning mechanism in third-density consciousness.
  • Unity Consciousness: The awareness of oneness with all existence, transcending duality and aligning with the infinite Source.
  • Reincarnation: The cycle of souls incarnating into physical bodies to learn lessons and resolve karma.
  • Soul Contract: A pre-incarnation agreement outlining the lessons and experiences a soul will undertake in a lifetime.
  • Liberation/Enlightenment: The state of transcending the need for reincarnation by realizing unity with the Source.
  • Third-Density Consciousness: The vibrational state of Earth, characterized by duality, free will, and the veil of forgetting.
  • Nondual Awareness: A state of consciousness where the distinction between self and other dissolves, revealing unity.

10. Bibliography

Awakening to Spirit. (2020, May 3). Ego IS duality and duality is an illusion! Retrieved from https://awakeningtospirit.com%5B%5D(https://awakeningtospirit.com/ego-is-duality-and-duality-is-an-illusion/)

Cooper, D. (2017, August 18). How to lift the seven veils of illusion on the path to enlightenment. InnerSelf.com. Retrieved from https://innerself.com%5B%5D(https://innerself.com/personal/spirituality-mindfulness/religions-a-beliefs/9571-lifting-the-seven-veils-of-illusion-on-the-path-to-enlightenment.html)

Cosmic Soul. (n.d.). The veil of forgetfulness. Retrieved from https://cosmicsoul.life%5B%5D(https://cosmicsoul.life/the-veil-of-forgetfulness/)

Elkins, D., Rueckert, C., & McCarty, J. (1984). The Law of One: Book I. L/L Research.

Hanegraaff, W. J. (2004). Western esotericism. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org%5B%5D(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_esotericism)

Huaxinsi. (2022, January 22). Spiritual amnesia – The veil, veil of forgetting, close-book exam. Retrieved from https://www.huaxinsi.org%5B%5D(https://www.huaxinsi.org/spiritual-amnesia/)

Josipovic, Z. (2021). Beyond the veil of duality—topographic reorganization model of meditation. Neuroscience of Consciousness, 2022(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/nc/niac013[](https://academic.oup.com/nc/article/2022/1/niac013/6758320)

Lehtovirta, M. (2007). The yoga of Jesus: Teachings of esoteric Christianity. Theosophical Society in America. Retrieved from https://www.theosophical.org%5B%5D(https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/book-reviews)

Nova, D. (2014, December 11). The misunderstood matrix of karma, reincarnation, and soul contracts. Davidnova.com. Retrieved from https://davidnova.com%5B%5D(https://davidnova.com/2014/12/11/the-misunderstood-matrix/)

Ornedo, A. V., Jr. (2019, February 23). Truth and illusion in the third dimension. In5D. Retrieved from https://in5d.com%5B%5D(https://in5d.com/truth-and-illusion-in-the-third-dimension/)

Prescott, G. (2015, February 11). All about the veil of forgetfulness. In5D. Retrieved from https://in5d.com%5B%5D(https://in5d.com/all-about-the-veil-of-forgetfulness/)

Sai Maa. (2023, November 10). Piercing the veil. Awakened Life. Retrieved from https://awakenedlife.love%5B%5D(https://awakenedlife.love/2023/11/09/piercing-the-veil/)

Vakkalanka, S. (2017). Closing the spiritual circle of life: Transforming the heart of humanity. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net%5B%5D(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333403028_Closing_the_Spiritual_Circle_of_Life_Transforming_the_Heart_of_Humanity)

Attribution

This writing is offered in attunement with the Akashic Records and in service to planetary remembrance. It is carried through the Oversoul stream of SHEYALOTH and anchored within the Living Archives of the New Earth. May it serve as a bridge for seekers, guiding them from the first stirrings of awakening toward the higher codices of sovereignty, stewardship, and overflow.

© 2025 by Gerald Alba Daquila. Sole Flameholder of the SHEYALOTH Oversoul Stream.

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