2007-12-02 17:04:55 · 11 answers · asked by realchurchhistorian 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is a difficult question to answer, mostly 'cause Buddhism -- as with other religious traditions -- isn't a unified tradition.
Some Buddhists believe in reincarnation (rebirth), others don't. Some who believe in reincarnation, seek to end the cycle of rebirth. Others don't.
Speaking generally (and therefore, misleadingly), Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhists believe in rebirth. In the Theravadan tradition, practitioners seek nirvana because this state ends the cycle of rebirth. Vajrayana Buddhists (Tibetan Buddhists) aspire to become bodhisattvas and accept rebirth as an opportunity to help others attain enlightenment.
Things are even more complex in the Mahayana tradition. Some practitioners in this tradition also aspire to become bodhisattvas so that they can be born over and over in service to others. Other practitioners don't believe in reincarnation and seek full enlightenment in this life.
This probably doesn't help you very much. But then your question really can't be answered.
2007-12-03 04:44:51 · answer #1 · answered by P'ang 7 · 2⤊ 5⤋
As a Non Buddhist I can imagine by now you are left with more questions than answers
Buddhists are notorious for Philosophizing and intellectualizing too much
Many times over complicating things and it can seem an awesome task to understand
Can I offer You an answer to your question in the belief as a Non Buddhist You may have happend on a term which said something like There will be no more death an no more birth and are wondering if this is true what comes next
Are these crazy Buddhists sitting on a hard floor all day for this !!
It is true there are many different Schools and at first glance some can seem as different as chalk and cheese
The goal of all Buddhist Schools eventually is Supreme Enlightenment
In basic terms when ALL Karma The Good and the opposite of that has been resolved
There is no more learning no more birth no more death
I also need to point out Buddhism teaches everything is impermanent therefore it isn't true to say we believe in reincarnation
We do believe in rebirth
Please may this help You
2007-12-03 21:22:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The goal of Buddhism is Nirvana
Supreme Enlightenment
Not being reborn as You state can be misleading
It is not nothing less
It Is to avoid being reborn back into the Six Realms of Samsara
Six Realms which are
God Realm
Demi God Realm
Human Realm
Animal Realm
Hungry Ghost Realm
Hell Realm
It's turned 6am and I'm bushed
May this help
and Good Night from me
edit
Yes I know but at 6am that was my best effort and besides It was a simple question from a Non Buddhist who I wouldn't expect to understand flowery speeches regarding a path that is not their own
2007-12-02 17:40:06 · answer #3 · answered by Human Being Human 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the person practicing and what their goal is. Some want to be happy in this life and be reborn in a higher realm in the next. The teachings for these beings are said to be small scope teachings and are shared in common with those who want to achieve nirvana. The teachings for these beings are said to be medium scope teachings and the two are shared in common with those who want to achieve complete enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, the great scope teachings. These three scopes are related to the capacity, motivation and inclination of the practitioner.
2007-12-03 11:38:52 · answer #4 · answered by shrill alarmist, I'm sure 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a simplified answer. But if you think that there really exists a person who stops to reborn, then you should understand the following explanations/clarifications.
The goal of Buddhism is to achieve Nibbana (Nirvana in Sanskrit).
Quote:"In the words of Sir Edwin Arnold:
"If any teach Nirvana is to cease
Say unto such they lie.
If any teach Nirvana is to love
Say unto such they err."
From a metaphysical standpoint Nibbana is deliverance from suffering. From a psychological standpoint Nibbana is the eradication of egoism. From an ethical standpoint Nibbana is the destruction of lust, hatred and ignorance.
Does the arahant (a person capable of entering Nibbana) exist or not after death?
The Buddha replies:
"The arahant who has been released from the five aggregates is deep, immeasurable like the mighty ocean. To say that he is reborn would not fit the case. To say that he is neither reborn nor not reborn would not fit the case."
One cannot say that an arahant is reborn as all passions that condition rebirth are eradicated; nor can one say that the arahant is annihilated for there is nothing to annihilate."
2007-12-03 00:05:13 · answer #5 · answered by Prajna 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Reborn? As in reincarnation? Because, depending on the theological views of the Buddhist in question, yes, their ultimate goal might be to achieve samsara, etc etc.
If you're suggesting that Buddhism's purpose is to prevent people from being 'born again,' GTFO.
2007-12-02 17:08:27 · answer #6 · answered by He Who Defied Fate [Atheati] 3 · 3⤊ 5⤋
No. Reincarnation is not a main part of Buddhism. You're thinking of Hinduism.
The goal is enlightenment.
2007-12-02 17:12:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
Nirvana," the extinquishing", is the ultimate goal with its stopping of the turning of the Wheel of Samara and reincarnation
2007-12-03 11:22:39 · answer #8 · answered by James O 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes: all of life is suffering; suffering is caused by desire ( if you never desired anything, you wouldn't ever suffer) and end to suffering can be achieved by enlightenment (the eightfold path)
2007-12-02 17:39:12 · answer #9 · answered by casnowbunny 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
As in, "Stop this crazy wheel, I want to get off."
2007-12-02 17:09:15 · answer #10 · answered by kriosalysia 5 · 2⤊ 5⤋