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**Blahhhshsh** · 11-13-2011, 10:09 PM

Yes Aloka. Seems that the believe in rebirth/reincarnation and Karma as its fuel is grounded in the need of "something" to endure: from the coarse self for reincarnation to a kind of "ether" for rebirth. It is the special charm New Age spirituality has. The promise of something that endures.

With respect, Kaarine, I would describe that as speculation. And generalization -- you are psychoanalyzing and making assumptions about the collective motives of countless Buddhists who you have never met!

I'd also question whether the point of rebirth is that "something endures". At least from my reading of the suttas, the point seems to be that nothing we are endures: whatever you have gained during this lifetime will slip from your hands, whatever you see as your identity is subject to change, any fortune you enjoy can turn to misfortune; even one's status as a human can change. In other words, it seems to me rebirth is to be understood within the context of impermanence, anatta and dukkha. It's not a promise of everlasting happiness or a soul that endures -- from the Buddhist perspective, rebirth is bad news...an aspect of samsara.

11-13-2011, 10:09 PM	#18
Blahhhshsh Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 440 Senior Member	Yes Aloka. Seems that the believe in rebirth/reincarnation and Karma as its fuel is grounded in the need of "something" to endure: from the coarse self for reincarnation to a kind of "ether" for rebirth. It is the special charm New Age spirituality has. The promise of something that endures. With respect, Kaarine, I would describe that as speculation. And generalization -- you are psychoanalyzing and making assumptions about the collective motives of countless Buddhists who you have never met! I'd also question whether the point of rebirth is that "something endures". At least from my reading of the suttas, the point seems to be that nothing we are endures: whatever you have gained during this lifetime will slip from your hands, whatever you see as your identity is subject to change, any fortune you enjoy can turn to misfortune; even one's status as a human can change. In other words, it seems to me rebirth is to be understood within the context of impermanence, anatta and dukkha. It's not a promise of everlasting happiness or a soul that endures -- from the Buddhist perspective, rebirth is bad news...an aspect of samsara.
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