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a birth implies a beginning. which would require some form of matter or energy to BEGIN. but we know matter doesnt come from nowhere. there was only one true birth, and that was the birth of everything and nothing. your idea of rebirth is essentially the idea of change, which is everywhere and always.
Taken from AN, Chapter of the eights : Rebirth on account of giving:
... He now notices affluent nobles, affluent Brahmins, affluend householders, enjoying themselves provided with five cords on sensual pleasures ... He thinks "Oh with the breakup of the body, after death, may I be reborn among them" And he sets his mind on that thought, keep to it firmly and fosters it. This thought of his aims at what is low and if not developed to what is higher it will lead him to just such a rebirth. With the breakup of his body, after death, he will be reborn among affluent nobles, affluent Brahmins, affluend householders. This however I declare only for the virtuous ...
If this translation is not terribly faulty it seems to say that if someone maintains virtuous conduct (like giving) and develops the mind on a thought like being born among the wealthy after his death he will be getting just that. Doesn't it talk about a continuity after the physical body breaks. Although his aims are considered low as in it entertains an ego and a self concept which is becoming. Thus rebirth belief is probably not a healthy one but it certainly doesn't sound like a myth.
I guess there is nothing more to say. Unfortunately my friend who took the book which contains Brahmajala sutta has got amnesia so I might have to look for an online resource for this sutta
Anyway, I read through a couple of pages from your link, Mundus, and went to the 'Hard To Believe' page where I read my new, most favourite definition of religion/Buddhism; 'a system of survival'. That's exactly what Buddhism is to me. Best...definition....EVER.:D
the only things that bring across 'your' next existence is the karmic causes , just like one billiard ball hit the anther billiard ball, what transfer to the motion of the second ball is the energy force and nothing else.
So your consciousness do not transfer to the next existence , it is like what trigger your raise of thoughts when the earlier thought ceased , it just the cause of the waves that push the to the effect of raise of another wave
Comments
If this translation is not terribly faulty it seems to say that if someone maintains virtuous conduct (like giving) and develops the mind on a thought like being born among the wealthy after his death he will be getting just that. Doesn't it talk about a continuity after the physical body breaks. Although his aims are considered low as in it entertains an ego and a self concept which is becoming. Thus rebirth belief is probably not a healthy one but it certainly doesn't sound like a myth.
I guess there is nothing more to say.
Anyway, I read through a couple of pages from your link, Mundus, and went to the 'Hard To Believe' page where I read my new, most favourite definition of religion/Buddhism; 'a system of survival'. That's exactly what Buddhism is to me. Best...definition....EVER.:D
Just wanted to mention that...:)
So your consciousness do not transfer to the next existence , it is like what trigger your raise of thoughts when the earlier thought ceased , it just the cause of the waves that push the to the effect of raise of another wave