All religions, even Buddhism, are mainly concerned (I think) with rebirth. If we are reborn, then there is something that we must do in this world to achieve Nirvana, Heaven, whatever you want to call it in whatever religion. I sense that there IS NO rebirth, so what is the point. I really like the teachings of the Buddhist religion, but I fail to understand the Buddhist position on rebirth. I find it hard to accept that we are reborn at all, that all there is is extinction (the goal of Buddhism in the first place - YAY! We're all going to Nirvana!). How can I understand the Budddhist concept of rebirth? I can not accept it blindly. The Buddha said that all of his teachings were like a jewel in the open hand for all to see and understand, not closed in a fist for us to take on faith. I would become a Buddhist tomorrow if this one mental concept were'nt in the way. I have read about the concept of rebirth as a flame passing to another flame, etc, Where now?
2007-04-11 09:41:53 · 9 answers · asked by Ajahn Sariputra 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Belief in "literal" reincarnation is actually not essential to Buddhism anymore...
There are newer philosophies that are in keeping with the older aspects of the belief system...
There are a great number of us that believe that your karmic energy is the life that is carried on from one lifetime to the next and you do not necessarily reappear as something specific...
Some people have even taken to believe that we are not really here at all... advanced sciences have shown us that there is no such thing as solid matter... just ions of electricity that float around closely together in groups...
So what is a body really?
One of the luxuries of being a Buddhist is that I am allowed to see these teachings as metaphors and interpret them for myself... some religions don't always allow for that.
When you say or do anything - that is a form of reincarnation... a certain amount of energy has been transformed... get it?
Einstein said that energy cannot be created or destroyed... then modern science says that all matter is actually just energy on its submolecular level...
So reincarnation (in those terms) makes alot more sense, right?
No religion should ever expect you to believe something blindly... even a Christian minister should help guide you to your own personal truth... (see vinslave's answer too)
I would never stay in a black and white world...
The problem with x2000's answer (for me) is that to focus on ridding one's self of suffering and attachments (which IS a fundamental belief of Buddhism) can be a dogma of it's own... and acceptance can only happen if things are studied and learned about... not simply thrown by the way side because they are difficult concepts.
2007-04-11 09:45:54 · answer #1 · answered by rabble rouser 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your best option is to visit a local Buddhist center. Most of the times Buddhism can be defined either as philosophical approach to living your life, or religion (if you include the mysticism part). It really doesn't have a set dogma to follow (like Christianity for instance)
2016-04-01 09:39:56 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, first of all, we are not "concerned with" rebirth... we're concerned with cultivating altruism and changing our views, etc. the path itself is empty of inherent existence as well as the result, so we don't focus on it.
The logic of rebirth lies in the concept of where mind goes after death. Logically, the cause for the present moment of mind is the moment of mind before. All things arise due to causes and conditions. You have to understand the concepts of "mind", "karma" and the basic concepts I discuss here before you can put "rebirth" into context more easily. If you care, I'd recommend reading books by authors who explain things in language that Westerners tend to understand better, like Venerable Thubten Chodron. Her website is Thubtenchodron.org... she has teachings on many things which you might find enlightening if you want.
Nirvana is not "extinction"... it is beyond concepts... but it's certainly wisdom and altruism evolved IMO. It's kinda like freedom from aversions, attachment and clinging to wrong views of what we THINK (incorrectly) brings us "happiness"... the ultimate altruism evolved.
You're not supposed to accept it blindly, and you don't have to become Buddhist. If your beliefs teach you altruism, wisdom and compassion, then that is what's best for you. We don't push. So I leave it up to you to come to your own conclusions based on your own research, or not.
Hope this helped just a tad.
_()_
2007-04-11 09:54:36 · answer #3 · answered by vinslave 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Rebirth is just part of Buddha vast array of teachings. The main concern for Buddhists is to develop a heart of Compassion free from negative emotions, delusions and attachments that harm ourselves and others.
On the aspect of rebirth, think of it as a flame passing on from one candle to another candle... is the flame the same flame? It is and it is not... rebirth in Buddhist view is not about the same being, with a permanent unchanging soul going from body to body... it is more like a running river.... same and yet everchanging... it is stable yet impermanent. THAT is what takes rebirth... our mind/soul is changing every second of every minute... even the process of rebirth is a whole stream of changes that is happening ilike a flowing river ever chaging, ever evolving, ever accumulating new experiences as it connects to the Ocean of Wisdom.
Add: Oops... didnt fully read the bottom part of your question, you have already seen the analogy of the flame :)
2007-04-11 17:15:16 · answer #4 · answered by Tiara 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask a Buddhist. The analogy is symbolic of spiritual awareness. Like a baby coming out of its mothers womb.
Nirvana would be similar to rebirth. The flame symbolizes
the soul. I'd be curious to hear what kind of answers you get.
Take care and God bless!
2007-04-11 09:47:23 · answer #5 · answered by Ahab 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Like all religions, throw out the dogma and what is written by some ancient man, and look more at the philosophy on how to live. Some Buddhists believe that there are n-levels to ascend before reaching Nirvana. Forget about all that, and look at how Buddhism says to live and the practices to follow to reach contentment, and rid yourself of suffering.
2007-04-11 09:51:16 · answer #6 · answered by x2000 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Even if your awesome senses don't detect reincarnation, you can still learn to live a happier, more tranquil life through the teachings of the Buddha. Buddha himself doubted any gods existed and tried to work out how a mere human could work on transcending this mortal plain on his own. Actually look up his teachings and tell me they aren't true.
2007-04-11 09:46:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
2007-04-11 15:16:23 · answer #8 · answered by shrill alarmist, I'm sure 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like the christian religion myself, We have a real God that is alive and talks back, watches our back, and promises eternal life.
2007-04-11 09:52:16 · answer #9 · answered by trekkie706 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋