DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post

**Prarnenoexpog** · 06-22-2012, 10:47 AM

The Buddha taught about rebirth and references to it can be found in many suttas. I think that most Buddhists probably interpret it literally and some prefer to interpret it as being used primarily as a morality teaching.

As far as the word 'reincarnation' is concerned, that comes from Tibetan Buddhism and 'reincarnate' lamas. When a lama dies it is believed that his 'reincarnation' can be found and will continue in his place at a monastery or wherever after being re-taught the necessary teachings from as a small child onwards.

Personally I don't hold a position about rebirth one way or the other because its not relevant to my practice in the here and now.

I too agree with Aloka-D that the Buddha did teach about rebirth, and you can find it mentioned in the Pali suttas quite a bit. And yes, I think the majority of people who consider themselves "Buddhist" do interpret "rebirth" quite literally.

There is a fair bit of discussion these days on whether the belief in "rebirth" is even essential if one wishes to consider oneself a Buddhist.

Callum, I'm not sure if you've read some of the writings of Stephen Batchelor? He is one of the more visible proponents of the view that belief in rebirth is not central to being a Buddhist. I think he seems not to believe in rebirth, but tries ultimately to maintain a more agnostic stance towards it. You can read an interesting debate he had with Robert Thurman on rebirth/reincarnation at this link from Tricycle: http://www.tricycle.com/feature/reincarnation-debate

Personally, I choose to believe literally in 'rebirth', and I made this choice largely because of the paradiagm of "Pascal's Wager". In a nutshell, I believe in rebirth, but if in fact rebirth doesn't exist, then after I die I won't be around to regret my belief in its existence. However, if rebirth does exist, then I will be happy I believed in it and that I (hopefully) took steps in this life to prepare for a better next life.

06-22-2012, 10:47 AM	#11
Prarnenoexpog Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 355 Senior Member	The Buddha taught about rebirth and references to it can be found in many suttas. I think that most Buddhists probably interpret it literally and some prefer to interpret it as being used primarily as a morality teaching. As far as the word 'reincarnation' is concerned, that comes from Tibetan Buddhism and 'reincarnate' lamas. When a lama dies it is believed that his 'reincarnation' can be found and will continue in his place at a monastery or wherever after being re-taught the necessary teachings from as a small child onwards. Personally I don't hold a position about rebirth one way or the other because its not relevant to my practice in the here and now. I too agree with Aloka-D that the Buddha did teach about rebirth, and you can find it mentioned in the Pali suttas quite a bit. And yes, I think the majority of people who consider themselves "Buddhist" do interpret "rebirth" quite literally. There is a fair bit of discussion these days on whether the belief in "rebirth" is even essential if one wishes to consider oneself a Buddhist. Callum, I'm not sure if you've read some of the writings of Stephen Batchelor? He is one of the more visible proponents of the view that belief in rebirth is not central to being a Buddhist. I think he seems not to believe in rebirth, but tries ultimately to maintain a more agnostic stance towards it. You can read an interesting debate he had with Robert Thurman on rebirth/reincarnation at this link from Tricycle: http://www.tricycle.com/feature/reincarnation-debate Personally, I choose to believe literally in 'rebirth', and I made this choice largely because of the paradiagm of "Pascal's Wager". In a nutshell, I believe in rebirth, but if in fact rebirth doesn't exist, then after I die I won't be around to regret my belief in its existence. However, if rebirth does exist, then I will be happy I believed in it and that I (hopefully) took steps in this life to prepare for a better next life.
	Quote