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**Qnnoshxj** · 11-11-2011, 02:50 PM

If one has no confidence in the existence of past or future lives or in the truth of the effects of karma, then one will have no appreciation of Buddhism or any other religion. The practices of all religions are based on the intention to benefit oneself and others in a future existence.

This is just an opinion Kalu Rinpoche had, and is certainly not true about some teachers and students 25 years later, who are dedicated to the Buddha's teachings but prefer not to speculate about past and future lives. I also recall a teacher from the same lineage telling someone who found it difficult to believe in rebirth, that it wasn't neccessary to think about other lives because this life is the important one.

Contrary to some cultural superstitions in general about this matter, since I started reasoning for myself as well as talking offline to different teachers, it has become irrelevant to my personal practice to take a position on rebirth one way or another.

If its comforting and helpful, and useful as a morality teaching to others though, then that's fine for them of course.

Bundokji, I recommend that you read "Anatta and Rebirth" by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu:

http://das-buddhistische-haus.de/pag...nd_Rebirth.pdf

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11-11-2011, 02:50 PM	#20
Qnnoshxj Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 384 Senior Member	If one has no confidence in the existence of past or future lives or in the truth of the effects of karma, then one will have no appreciation of Buddhism or any other religion. The practices of all religions are based on the intention to benefit oneself and others in a future existence. This is just an opinion Kalu Rinpoche had, and is certainly not true about some teachers and students 25 years later, who are dedicated to the Buddha's teachings but prefer not to speculate about past and future lives. I also recall a teacher from the same lineage telling someone who found it difficult to believe in rebirth, that it wasn't neccessary to think about other lives because this life is the important one. Contrary to some cultural superstitions in general about this matter, since I started reasoning for myself as well as talking offline to different teachers, it has become irrelevant to my personal practice to take a position on rebirth one way or another. If its comforting and helpful, and useful as a morality teaching to others though, then that's fine for them of course. Bundokji, I recommend that you read "Anatta and Rebirth" by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu: http://das-buddhistische-haus.de/pag...nd_Rebirth.pdf .
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