Our Enduring Interest in Buddhism and Reincarnation
It is our hope that this documentary will eliminate some of the fear associated with death and answer more questions about these realms and allow people the freedom to make their own informed decision about life after death...>>>
A strong belief in reincarnation can be found in some form throughout history in nearly all cultures, religions and spiritual paths. While beliefs about reincarnation, or rebirth, differ even within a single religion, the interest in reincarnation and the desire to better understand this oft-misunderstood concept continue to permeate cultural, religious and spiritual groups across the board.
The Buddhist concept of reincarnation is of particular interest in modern cultures, not only among Buddhists, but also among individuals searching to understand what happens after our body dies and how actions in this life might influence our next life, or afterlife, depending on the individual’s belief system.
Because Buddhist belief holds that there is no enduring self, the Buddhist tenet of reincarnation does not include transmigration, the idea that someone is reborn in a new body, but rather rebirth, which is thought of as part of the continuous process of change that occurs before, during and after our time in the bodies we now inhabit.
Part of the reason there is such a strong interest in Buddhism and reincarnation is perhaps due to the comfort found in believing that each of us continues on in some form and that we have the opportunity to continually improve ourselves, increase our good karma and correct mistakes that we have made along our journey.
With the ultimate goal of achieving Nirvana – the cessation of worldly attachments and suffering – knowing that each of us has the ongoing opportunity to achieve enlightenment, right our wrongs and continue to learn and grow is a soothing and encouraging concept that undoubtedly stimulates our interest in Buddhism and reincarnation.
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Indian religions are known most to believe in reincarnation such as Hinduism. However, there are also other religions that believe in reincarnation to be true. Some of these other religions include New Age, Esoteric Christianity, and Kabbalah. |
There are researchers and scientists that believe reincarnation to be true and false. There are those who have done research and have contributed to literature by publishing what they found, like Professor Ian Stevenson, among others. |
Buddhism and Reincarnation
To a Buddhist, reincarnation is simply a road map to Nirvana. It is taken seriously to the point that the goal is to make this life count. Life is to be lived through, right thought, right word, right action, etc. Everything said and done is essential to the growth of the spirit, the soul, to prepare for that ‘heaven’ (nirvana).
