How many times have we heard someone say something like this: "I couldn't be a millionaire this life, well... I'll work hard for it in my next life" or something along that line. I know I have... and I know it is even more common when it comes to spirituality.
With no disrespect, the Christians always say there is only this life, no believe in reincarnation. However, there are holy texts that talks about reincarnation in Christianity, but it has been deleted off the common bible that is circulated to the common people. The reason for doing so is to prevent people from seeking redemption later, but to seek redemption NOW as it's their only chance.
As for the Buddhist dilemma, do you think that since we are aware of the fact that reincarnation exists has made us less enthusiastic in walking towards Enlightenment in a much greater speed? After all, there is always 'Next Life' right? (although it's not confirmed to be born in the human realm again...)
Reincarnation exists, its a fact and not a variable. However, if ever the thought of reincarnation makes us slack in our spiritual practice, are there 'antidotes' for it? Are there ways we can use or practice to ensure we are 24/7 skewed towards diligent spiritual practice rather than the diversion of an untrained mind, viewing this as a so called 'loop hole' to get lazy?
Dear Q,
Nice topic, thanks for highlighting this! I agree with you that many people these days use what you say as an excuse not to practice. Infact, many people take things for granted and use a million and one excuses to justify for their actions so that they do not need to do what is needed, like in this case you've brought up - practise diligently. So we are always assuming that our life will extend to the next life, and assuming that we will once again gain the precious human rebirth, in our minds it is as if, the chances and the opportunities to practise or to do what they need to/want to do are endless. But it is just ourselves justifying for our laziness for if we can't do it now, what makes us think we can achieve it in our "next life"?. Not achieving the results that we desire is from a lack of drive, integrity, commitment, and so forth, therefore these habituations only get stronger, no? So then even in our next lives, we won't be able to achieve what we need/want to, it is just us deluding ourselves ever so often again.
So to your question, Q, "As for the Buddhist dilemma, do you think that since we are aware of the fact that reincarnation exists has made us less enthusiastic in walking towards Enlightenment in a much greater speed? After all, there is always 'Next Life' right? (although it's not confirmed to be born in the human realm again...)..
No, I dont think that it has made us less enthusiastic in walking towards Enlightenment, becuase as you have said earlier, with or without being a Buddhist, we already have thoughts like this ("I couldn't be a millionaire this life, well... I'll work hard for it in my next life") in our minds. Since we already have this thinking even before being a spiritual/Buddhist practitioner, we are bringing these thoughts into our practice. Therefore the object of discussion here is not about knowing whether reincarnation exists or not, it is about our attitude, our attitude of setting ourselves up to fail already.
For me the antidote is quite simple - learn up more Dharma, read up more, have a guru who can watch, guide and train you. Knowledge is key for you to push yourself to do more, practise more and rid your own delusions. Death meditation is great, but I reckon if you don't keep reading, having a guru to teach you, leearning up on the Dharma, we will also treat death meditation as an "end" so we can "better" ourselves in our next lives. Anyways that's what I think. What do you guys reckon?
