When and where did the concept of reincarnation originate?

Impossible to answer, really. Prehistoric man didn't leave testaments or holy books, but did show some signs of believing in reincarnation or of an afterlife in the way burials were carried out. In terms of positive evidence, the Indian subcontinent is a prime candidate for WHERE, the WHEN being several thousand years ago, when Hinduism and its 'heretical' offshoots Jainism and Buddhism originated. In China, too, the idea of reincarnation was present - with a rather bureaucratic organisation to it. The origins of these beliefs go back into the mists of time and have intermingled and become confused.

I'm not sure if i'm misinterpreting your post baloo, but Buddhism does not believe in reincarnation, instead they believe in rebirth as the Buddha taught that people do not have a soul to be reincarnated although as far as i can remember Jainism does believe in reincarnation.

Err, if they don't believe in reincarnation, what about the 13 Dalai Lamas who are reincarnations of the first one? They go searching for certain signs to indicate which poor little beggar is the next one after a suitable time has elapsed after the death of the previous body. Same thing with the (technically superior) Panchen Lama, and various lower grade ones. Most Buddhists do accept reincarnation as a belief, (what's the difference between reincarnation and rebirth anyway?), and the object of the exercise is to get off the wheel by achieving the necessary grades (so to speak!). A Buddha (any Buddha - there are quite a few) has achieved the grades, but elected to return to help others do likewise. What Gautama/Siddhartha actually taught and what people in fact believe are quite different. Same with Jesus, of course, and most religious founders. When the church or whatever gets organised, doctrines alter somewhat.

p.s.--There is quite a big difference between reincarnation and rebirth with regards to Buddhism. Buddhists not only differentiate between "that which is actually being reborn" but, also place limits on the transmigration of the soul. Good topics of study would include reincarnation, transmigration of the soul and of course, re-birth.

I invented the concept. I was a priest in Ancient Egypt some 5,800 years ago, and even then I noticed I had some inclination towards drawing on walls. (Hey, I couldn't resist the joking response, please don't hate me.)

Arpeggionist--You know...I thought I knew you from somewhere!!!