Abstract
The belief that the actions or experiences of one family member are transmitted intergenerationally predates written history and is multicultural. It has been handed down for many centuries among Japanese cultures (Motoyama, 1992) as well as specific Native American tribes (Nahwegahbow, 1995). It can be found in both Eastern and Western religious traditions. For example, the pre-Vedic verbal tradition in India describes the transmission of positive effects (Ledgerwood, 1979). The writings, dated 15th century b.c., sacred to both the Jewish and the Christian traditions (The Holy Bible, Exodus, 34:7, Numbers 14:18) as well as Talmudic writings in the Jewish tradition from the fourth to fifth century c.e. (a.d.) (Talmud, Sota 34a) depict the transmission of negative effects. This belief has found its way into “New Age” psychological and physical healing practices that are often based upon the ancient healing and spiritual traditions of several cultures (see Grisgam, 1988, opening quotation).
Our parental inheritance is much more than just the genes. Every cell in the body is impregnated with consciousness that is laden with the thought forms and imprints passed down from generation to generation.
Grlscam, 1988, p. 37
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Nader, K.O. (1998). Violence. In: Danieli, Y. (eds) International Handbook of Multigenerational Legacies of Trauma. The Plenum Series on Stress and Coping. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-5567-1_34
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