My understanding is the Buddha rejected the notion of "self" only the existence as a whole. The concept of "I" was a major source of suffering in society. Can one actually interpret this as the disbelief of the eternal soul, Atman or whatever you want to call it...?
2007-08-21 07:58:12 · 9 answers · asked by sierra_06 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Eternal is a difficult concept in Buddhism. You do keep passing into cyclic existence if you continue to live your life in ways that are destructive to you and to others so in the sense of being a whole, we are all part of one consciousness so you and I are of the same soul, however, my energy passes into the beyond until I have rid myself of negativity and suffering. Go to buddha.net if you need better explaining.
2007-08-21 08:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by Yogini 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't believe buddha, himself believed in a "soul".
But that doesn't mean that some of his current followers Buddhists, do not believe in a soul.
"Anatta or soul-lessness
This Buddhist doctrine of rebirth should be distinguished from the theory of reincarnation which implies the transmigration of a soul and its invariable material rebirth. Buddhism denies the existence of an unchanging or eternal soul created by a God or emanating from a Divine Essence (Paramatma)."
2007-08-21 08:07:17 · answer #2 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not in the sense of an immortal "self" or eternal Atman, the individual's inner Brachman. There is "something" that is reincarnated and enters ultimately into Nirvana, the Ultimate Extinguishing,though.
2007-08-21 08:14:21 · answer #3 · answered by James O 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I meditate, I head straight for the place where all "souls" meet. There I can experience complete love for the universe, total infinite mind, the virtual wellspring of life, and then return with everything I need. Anyone can do this, so it's apparently a shared place. Wanting to deny it to others would only close the door for myself, and since there's more than I can carry out, I don't mind sharing it with others. They're good people or they won't be able to find it...
2007-08-21 08:13:15 · answer #4 · answered by Who Else? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, Buddhists dont believe in a soul.
What continues throughout each life, and between lives is a continuous stream of consciousness, but that stream of consciousness has no true, fixed identity like a soul would.
Its like a river with no boat.
2007-08-21 08:59:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think most religions believe in a soul. It all depends on one's interpretation of what a "soul" happens to be.
2007-08-21 08:05:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No...buddha taught anatta(the non soul theory)
to know more about this
read the article buddha and soul @
incrediblebuddha.com
2007-08-22 21:48:52 · answer #7 · answered by kiranraj.bangalore 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,and it migrates from one physical incarnation to the next. It is immmortal not in the sense of going on to a heaven - although nirvana awaits those who eventually the end-point of spiritual evolution - but rather is continually existent in the physical world via reincranation.
2007-08-21 08:06:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Without the "I" and the "self," there would be no room for belief in a "soul."
2007-08-21 08:04:26 · answer #9 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋