Does Thanksgiving have Hindu Roots?

"The holiday of Thanksgiving has a Hindu origin,"connections between Lincoln, Lindbergh, and the
claims Richard Salva, author of a controversial andancient spiritual science of yoga. The connections
critically acclaimed book on the reincarnation ofspan every aspect of the human condition--from the
Abraham Lincoln.physical to the mental, emotional, spiritual and
Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh is based on ainterpersonal--and provide convincing evidence that
statement by the great master of yoga, ParamhansaLincoln had had a Hindu past life, and that he
Yogananda, who declared that Abraham Lincoln hadreincarnated as Lindbergh.
been a Himalayan yogi in a past life, and that he wasBy drawing parallels to the life and words of Lincoln,
reborn as the famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh.the author explains how past-life experiences
Abraham Lincoln delivered a proclamation establishinginfluenced Lindbergh--thus presenting answers to
Thanksgiving as an American holiday in 1863.questions about the aviator that have puzzled
"During my search for signs of a past-life yogahistorians for decades: such as why Lindbergh fought
practice," Salva said, "I noticed that President Lincolnso hard to prevent America from entering WW II.
repeatedly chose Thursdays as national days ofMore than one out of every five Americans today
prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving. This was interesting,believes in reincarnation--yet few are aware of how
because Thursday is considered a holy day--a day forpast-life patterns affect them. Soul Journey fills this
prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection--among Hindus,gap, by offering a vicarious experience of
who call it 'guru day.'reincarnation. Through clear and persuasive parallels
"Lincoln also set aside time on Thursdays to grievebetween the lives of Lincoln and Lindbergh, the
for his son, Willie, who died in Washington. Clearly,reader discovers how the hidden laws of karma and
Thursdays had a spiritual significance in Lincoln's mind."reincarnation impact the events of his or her daily life.
In his book, Richard Salva presents more than 500