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**Pippoles** · 08-16-2011, 06:47 PM

...when in fact there is much still going on and to work with.

I have no doubts there is still much to work with. But it seems that no progress is being made. Or that I am going in circles, if you know what I mean. Which was not the case earlier, and so I feel I could benefit from being around other like minded people and/or a teacher.

Originally Posted by himanshu However, there are others that I don't really understand yet - like what happens after death, and the doctrine about rebirth, and the importance of ending the cycle of birth and rebirth.

That's great! These are not the essence of the Buddha's teachings; these are superstitions that preceded him and are unnecessary and irrelevant to the teachings that you find so clear. From my current understanding, I tend to agree. I also realize that Tibetan Buddhism seems to be one of the sections that more strongly emphasizes rebirth etc. Now, while I don't really believe in it (at least, as of now), I am sure that many of its leaders/followers are people who have a deep understanding of the nature of Reality. Given that they continue toteach the concept, I am tempted to leave open the room for either of these possibilities:
1) Rebirth actually takes place. The mind is distinct from matter. (unlikely, but not impossible given how complex reality is and how little we (can!) understand of it)
2) Rebirth is a metaphorical way of talking about giving up the false sense of self. But even beyond that, it makes sense to talk about it literally because it helps those who can't comprehend the subtle nature of truth by giving them a framework and a motivating reason. That said, to varying extents in different cases, it might detract from the actual task of a spiritual seeker, but the larger question is if it is more useful than it is harmful. About that I don't really know.

Just thought I'd express my thoughts/questions since you raised the point.

08-16-2011, 06:47 PM	#6
Pippoles Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 448 Senior Member	...when in fact there is much still going on and to work with. I have no doubts there is still much to work with. But it seems that no progress is being made. Or that I am going in circles, if you know what I mean. Which was not the case earlier, and so I feel I could benefit from being around other like minded people and/or a teacher. Originally Posted by himanshu However, there are others that I don't really understand yet - like what happens after death, and the doctrine about rebirth, and the importance of ending the cycle of birth and rebirth. That's great! These are not the essence of the Buddha's teachings; these are superstitions that preceded him and are unnecessary and irrelevant to the teachings that you find so clear. From my current understanding, I tend to agree. I also realize that Tibetan Buddhism seems to be one of the sections that more strongly emphasizes rebirth etc. Now, while I don't really believe in it (at least, as of now), I am sure that many of its leaders/followers are people who have a deep understanding of the nature of Reality. Given that they continue toteach the concept, I am tempted to leave open the room for either of these possibilities: 1) Rebirth actually takes place. The mind is distinct from matter. (unlikely, but not impossible given how complex reality is and how little we (can!) understand of it) 2) Rebirth is a metaphorical way of talking about giving up the false sense of self. But even beyond that, it makes sense to talk about it literally because it helps those who can't comprehend the subtle nature of truth by giving them a framework and a motivating reason. That said, to varying extents in different cases, it might detract from the actual task of a spiritual seeker, but the larger question is if it is more useful than it is harmful. About that I don't really know. Just thought I'd express my thoughts/questions since you raised the point.
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