REINCARNATION GAME

By reciting one Hare Krishna mantra a child is chosen to lead the game. The children act out the soul’s transmigration through various animal species up to the human body. The leader announces the names of animals in the order of elevation from lower to higher species. After saying the name of the animal, the leader chants one Hare Krishna mantra, during which time the players act out the activity of that particular animal. Between each reincarnation the leader says, “Now leave your body!” all the children lie down on the ground, pretending to be dead. Here is a list of animals that can be acted out: worms, fish, birds, snakes, cats, pigs, dogs, goats, deer, bears, elephants, etc. the monkeys, lions, and cows should always be announced last, since they are the three bodies usually inhabited by the soul before it takes a human birth. Each leader can add any animal name he wants to the given list. When the leader finally says “Now take the human body!” the game can either finish there or continue with the various human forms: Rakshasas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, demigods, etc. when the leader finally says, “Now take a pure devotee body!” the children dance in ecstasy, and that’s the end of the game.