Buddhists believe that when you are reincarnated, your soul is reborn into a new body period however wouldn't they also believe you eventually, after you reach nirvana would your souls stop going into a new body?
2006-12-20 09:17:25 · 7 answers · asked by Ash smith 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, they do believe that once you finally live a good enough life, you cease to exist. So all that living was for nothing, just to stop being.
2006-12-20 09:18:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good, the folks here are nearly correct, if you'll allow a Buddhist to explain the concepts for you so there's no misunderstandings...well done to all so far, for trying to understand a difficult concept with limited knowledge and some sense of tolerance...Very good answers...
Firstly it's a common misconception with regard to Buddhist belief that we believe in reincarnation, this is miguided but is close. The fact is that we are reborn rather than are reincarnated as a response to normal Karmic cause and effect. If a soul is reborn, it has no resemblance to the previous Life, no character, personality or gender remain from before, the soul is the soul....not the person....However that said, a person who is reincarnated by choice such as the Dalai Lama does have these characteristics and in fact must pass a test of knowledge of the previous life, lasting several days, including personality and specific knowledge of details and objects from the previous Life...
There is a difference, I'll try to explain.
The normal human condition involves an endless cycle of rebirth until the soul has attained an enlightened state. When this is achieved it is possible to choose rebirth by your own volition.
This is called reincarnation.
2 Buddhists that I know who have reached this stage and choose to be reborn rather than continue outside in the next realm are the Dalai Lama who is the 14th incarnation of Avalokitesvara who was a Bodhisattva or Enlightenment Being who lived between 1391 - 1474 and the Panchen Lama, who is the 11th incarnation of the Amitabha Buddha...a name which means Great Scholar whose name was Khedrup Je and lived from 1385 - 1438.There are others but I don't remember them at present
The Dalai Lama is the highest Lama position followed by the Panchen Lama.
Once a soul has reached enlightenment it is able to travel to several differing realms where it resides as a supernatural being or can choose to return to this realm and become a teacher for other beings.
This explains in basic terms but I think you can understand the concepts involved....
I've only recently become aware that the Actor Steven Segal is a recognised reincarnation of a 17th century Lama from eastern Tibet....
Peace to all......
2006-12-20 19:01:18 · answer #2 · answered by Gaz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is rooted in Hinduism, which regards the physical world as a type of illusion that ultimate existence (God, if you will) erects to learn more about itself. Incarnation is a necessary participation in this experience. Through progressive enlightenment across many lives, one individual eventually achieves release from the cycle of reincarnation and re-unites with (actually, realizes) true reality. The individual drops the veil of separateness and reassumes its identity as the only being that truly exists. A "body" is part of the illusion. No illusion, no body.
2006-12-20 17:29:22 · answer #3 · answered by skepsis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
reincarnation is always an interesting topic. and i have absolutely no idea where i stand on it.
however there is a cool story about a young girl who suffered from some kind of "after-effect" of her previous life, where she was burned to death. she would randomly break out in burns without touching anything hot. i think she died at a relatively young age. u can look her up, the movie is called Audrey Rose (not to be confused with the exorcism of emily rose, and this story based on a true story as well, but her name wasnt emily rose. story based on a girl from germany, parents and priest got sentanced to some odd amount of time in jail for neglegance. very interesting too)
2006-12-20 17:21:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your question is stated in a very simplistic manner. Buddhist teachings differ from beliefs of other faiths on the subject and they are not to be confused. For a thorough understanding of Buddhist teachings you must ask a qualified teacher.
2006-12-20 17:36:49 · answer #5 · answered by Freddy F 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can't see anything new except the old emperor in new clothes! It's like the new policy on Iraq in the making in the White House!
2006-12-20 17:19:16 · answer #6 · answered by Sami V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One would stop reincarnating after enlightenment and stopping samsara. Nivana comes and goes.
2006-12-20 17:31:48 · answer #7 · answered by changRdie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋