[maxsobq]

I'm not taking some abstraction and groundlessly giving it solidity.

of course you are

'birth' (jati) in the Dependent Origination is something mental yet you are regarding the Pali word 'jati' as exclusively physical

we already had a thread about 'Reborn As a Worm' where Ajahn Chah explained a spiritual meaning of 'birth' and 'death'

None of these terms in English is an abstractions. They all have commonly accepted meanings.

1. a revival or renaissance the rebirth of learning
2. a second or new birth; reincarnation
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged ©

a: a new or second birth : metempsychosis
b: spiritual regeneration

Why not use "in subsequent mental formations" occurring this this current life, or words to that effect;

i already posted the quote about two levels of truth

to interpret in the manner you are doing is fine - but it does not mean it is true

Buddha said in MN 117 such teachings side with merit but not with liberation

why would the translator use words and phrases which point to one and only one unmistakable conclusion---in English at least.

i already said there are numerous Pali words

when the Buddha used the word 'birth', he did not always mean birth from a womb. i already quoted the Visuddhimagga

the Pali word may be 'born again', i.e., to take birth again. to become again. 'becoming' is something mental

I may not agree but I think the words are clean and so is their meaning.

of course the words are not clear in the meaning

for me, the Buddha spoke as he did according to truth. buddhas do not lie

for example, a person drinks alcohol, which causes various changes to their body & mind. the result is euphoria. after the end of that body, after the death of that alcohol fueled body, the person is born into a state of deprivation, that is, a hangover from the alcohol

my interpretation is as valid as yours

both interpretations, although different, do not change the principles taught

both intepretations represent the reality of karmic inheritance