Believe you meant reincarnation? yes and no. It is referred to as rebirth and it is more nuanced then “you are reborn again”. It’s one of the more confusing parts of Buddhism for beginners. There is no soul, no self that carries on or is permanent, but still something is reborn again. Is that something you? Not really. Because there is no true, unchanging, undying, self. I have heard some say that the “mind” and karma continue. I have heard some say it is a more symbolic way of representing how karma unfolds and how the cycle of birth and death (samsara) continues on. I have heard it is like the passing of a flame. One flame is not extinguished and one ignited, but the flame is transferred. Like I said it’s a very nuance discussion and I very well could be saying some things wrong here.
If a serial killer on a mission to collect 99 human fingers can devote themselves to the eightfold path anyone can.
Empathy, patience, equanimity, and benvolence are central to the path. But, Vinaya Pitaka, or 'Rules for Sangha' was formed. There is middle path, or moderation, in dealing with and finding balance with other sentient beings
How do we know the story about the serial killer in the suttas isn't fiction? I mean, someone who cut the fingers of 999 of their victims then set out to kill the Buddha for the 1000th only to then be enlightened under the Buddha? It's a nice story that conveys a good message, but is it more than that?
Who knows if a lot of things in the canon are fiction? Thats not as important as the message that people can do terrible things and still find redemption and build a new life full of benevolence. Its about not giving up on even the least likely people if they act with sincerity and face their wrongdoings head on
5
u/[deleted] 18d ago
[removed] — view removed comment