Abraham Lincoln believed in teachings of Yoga: Did the 16th US President had a Hindu past as well?

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of United States needs no introduction. He has and will always remain an enigma in the eyes of people and his contributions to change the scenario of America's history cannot be summed up in words. But, what is surprising that there is an uncanny connection between the president of America and Hinduism (that includes yoga as well) is reviewed by Richard Salva (yoga and meditation expert) in 'Soul Journey: From Lincoln to Lindbergh'.

According to Paramahansa Yogananda, Lincoln was a yogi in the Himalaya in his past life. He died with a wish to unite people and bring racial equality. He incarnated as Abraham Lincoln to fulfil the desire of fighting for humanity and again reincarnated as Aviator Charles Lindbergh. But, Salva is sceptical of the claim.

Never being a church follower Abraham Lincoln argued against church doctrines rather he believed in the deeper teachings of yoga which have the power to give a practical solution to present the problems. Lincoln practised amazing things like lifting boulders, heaving them as a young boy. According to yoga experts, these practices give energy to the body and help to achieve any great tasks.

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Ward Hill Lamon, bodyguard of Lincoln recollected about the prophetic dreams of the President. Dreaming about a funeral in the White House is one of the popular and discussed stories. A great yogi of ancient India taught that perfect self-study makes a person a perfect receiver of the message from Higher Sphere and that prophetic information comes during meditation or when one is in sleep.

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Being curious about Psychics and mediums, Abraham Lincoln started visiting fortune tellers in New Orleans just as the Hindu yogis used to visit the astrologers. After his death, his son Willie and his mother continued this practice.

In 1863, Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as an American Holiday. Richard pointed out an interesting similarity between the President and his Hindu link. He said, "The holiday of Thanksgiving has a Hindu origin. I noticed that President Lincoln repeatedly chose Thursdays – the holiest day in the week for Hindus – as national days of prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving." Among Hindus, Thursday has the reputation of 'guru day'.

More than one out of five Americans believe in incarnation. It is believed that The parallel of Lincoln and Lindbergh again making people believe in the law of Karma. Through The Great President, people are coming towards the yoga and trusting on how greatness is achieved through spiritual practices.

– by Priyanka Saha of NewsGram. Twitter: @priyanka140490

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